Page 4 - BMW CCA Mountain State Chapter June 2015 Newsletter

Preparing your car is another task that must be completed before a HPDE. Brakes are most important
item on the checklist, a full fluid flush with a higher fluid boiling point is very important, at least half to
three quarters brake pads and rotors that are in good condition. Tires should be around half tread life with
no signs of aging or cracking same as accessory belts. Battery must be secured; floor mats or any other
items not bolted down should be removed from the car. There is usually a check list that you will have to
sign of items that should be performed by yourself or a qualified technician.

HPDE is a wonderful hobby, challenging, and somewhat addicting. My first track day was at Summit Point
in 2008 and seven years later I’ve logged over 80 days on track, over 14000 miles in various cars,
competed in time trials with NARRA for two years, and completed National Porsche Clubs Instructor
training. I still enjoy going with friends and meeting various new people. HPDE is a great way to
experience your BMW’s potential legally. Hope to see you on track soon!

Who needs a 20 year old BMW – By: Tony Erwin

That’s what I told myself several years ago when I was an E60 M5 owner. It was a local car sitting in a
driveway with a simple black and orange “For Sale” sign in the window. As a BMW rookie I had no idea
what I had got myself into for $750. After a few weeks as the proud third owner of a 1991 318is I soon

realized it was too nice and too rare to execute my plan, full track car conversion. I did some simple

maintenance and ended up daily driving the car for several years before I sold it during the height of the

E30 market for nearly seven times the price I paid.

With more money in the “race car” budget I set out in search of the perfect car for my build. As Craigslist
would have it I found such a car. I wanted something that was basically a ground up (re)build. Across the
river in Ohio sat the 1995 E36 M3 of my dreams. It was a shell of its former Ultimate Driving Machine self
but exactly what I was looking for. With little to no salvageable interior, minor body damage, and a fully
working drivetrain I set out create what I hope to be a capable track car.

6 months into my reincarnation project and I’m happy to report that I am nearly ready for road testing.
Working from front to rear I have replaced nearly every piece of rubber on the car, removed any excess
weight including the entire interior, window regulators, a/c, sunroof, and the windows themselves. Only
the front windshield and rear glass will remain, the rest will be replaced with light weight lexan. Two
Sparco Evo seats, rollbar, Sparco 5 point harnesses, carbon fiber sunroof delete panel, and a quick
release steering wheel take over interior duties. The suspension has been completely replaced with a
coilover setup as well as a full Powerflex bushing treatment. The engine has been refreshed and will still

June 2015 Volume 37, Issue 2