[leburpor]

So I was driving someone's BMW 550i today at the Mallala race track, and you know what? It is a fantastic car for it's class 

The owner was generous enough to let me go for about 55 laps around the track and its performance did not falter. It's a shame that in the excitement of driving on the track, i forgot about the stop watch and didn't time myself 

Anyway, overall I was impressed with the car. Bear in mind that it is a medium size family sedan and I could not keep up with the Super Porsche's that were out there today. However, I thought I did well against the M3, Skylines, VW RS2, AM DB9 

Top speed was 195kmh according to my HUD, down the back section. I reckon I could have gotten it higher if I was not concerned with the ability of the brakes to stop the car fast enough.

I was also concerned about brake fade, but the standard brakes of the BMW did really really well. However, the pads are chewed up. I started the day with the compe telling me I had 22,000km to go before needed new front brakes. When I was done, I had 4,000km left 

I really felt the size of the car at the tight turns. There was much screeching but the car held her line. Towards the later part of the day, I turned the traction control off but left the stability control on and that made a huge difference. The car performed awesomely, for a med sized sedan. Under steering was an issue, but by just entering the turns slower I easily removed much of that and with the low end torque this car had, it wasn't a problem.

I was really happy to have experienced what the 550i can do on a track. However, after today I realize I belong in a sportier 2 door car....and an M3 ain't gonna cut it....

What a day....I love the 550i...but somewhere out there, there's a 2 door hot vixen with my name on it...

[Ferrari Fissatore]

yeah... get the M3CSL from Scott... 360C...

[AshSimmonds]

yeah... get the M3CSL from Scott... 360C...

+1

I don't understand why you persist with these taxis.

Take a proper sportscar for an actual drive - the BMW is great in every way, but pales in comparison on a fun level, and let's face it, that's what we're here for.

[leburpor]

+1

I don't understand why you persist with these taxis.

Take a proper sportscar for an actual drive - the BMW is great in every way, but pales in comparison on a fun level, and let's face it, that's what we're here for.

I'm confused, you state the BMW pales in comparison on a fun level, yet you support PP's suggestion for 360C's BMW M3 CSL?? 

Anyhow, I persist with these taxis as I need a family car. With a limited budget, I need to find the best balance between sports car and family car...

[mhh]

I was really happy to have experienced what the 550i can do on a track. However, after today I realize I belong in a sportier 2 door car....and an M3 ain't gonna cut it....

What a day....I love the 550i...but somewhere out there, there's a 2 door hot vixen with my name on it...

Don't be too hard on the 550i - plenty of cars that feel quite sporty on the road don't cut it at the track.

Sounds like you drove the wheels of it today, which is good.  That's a lot of laps - I'm not surprised the brakes are feeling it.

[leburpor]

Sounds like you drove the wheels of it today, which is good.  That's a lot of laps - I'm not surprised the brakes are feeling it.

Heheh...that I did..I'm still reminiscing about it now...it was a blast of a day. Well organized, good company and good pace. We were there from 7.30am till 4pm 

Had a ride in the DB9. What a gorgeous car! And the sound was sweet! Handling was not as impressive as I had thought it would be.

Also had a ride in the VW R32. After showing the owner the lines that I use he drove it with more confidence and the car handled the track really well.

The widow maker 996 GT2 was a sight to watch. So much power and no traction control... beautiful sound.

The day finished with two brothers hammering it out...997 GT3 vs 997 TT...the sounds and scenes were quite memorable. The 997 TT at high speed really sounds like a jet fighter as it zooms past...GT3 won the day

Waiting for some vids and pics of me car at turn 1 and 2...

[AshSimmonds]

I'm confused, you state the BMW pales in comparison on a fun level, yet you support PP's suggestion for 360C's BMW M3 CSL?? 

Anyhow, I persist with these taxis as I need a family car. With a limited budget, I need to find the best balance between sports car and family car...

I've been in a whole bunch of "M" cars, here's the thing, they go really really quick - but they're nowhere near what you'd call fun.

[Ferrari Fissatore]

, yet you support PP's suggestion for 360C's BMW M3 CSL?? 

ouch, cuts like a knife or what....

PP.... PFFFT!

[SiFi]

I've been in a whole bunch of "M" cars, here's the thing, they go really really quick - but they're nowhere near what you'd call fun.

Is that likely because the "normal" M cars have to be engineered to handle a wider range of driver inputs, as they are sort of an entry level supercar (for want of a better term!) from those who can afford to buy them but can't drive, to those who can push the envelope and exploit the full potential of the car.

[Aircon]

ouch, cuts like a knife or what....

PP.... PFFFT!

i was quite offended too!