Is it a good track car?? I perfer manual but how does the SMG hold up. Thanks in advance.

 

Had one just 11 months back ... As a beginner, its great for what it is ... essentially a performance coupe. But if you intend to do serious track work, lightening the car is almost a must and I'd change the suspension. It was too soft for my liking in the end. A M3 CSL is the right variant of the M3 for track work if you want to swing that way. Haven't heard of any SMGs blowing up where I'm from but I'd always pick manual for the additional level of involvement. You might be slower, but you'll feel right in the thick of it.

 

Let me rephrase the question. Is it a good platform to modify as a drivers skill level increases. From chunky road car to gutted dedicated track car. Intend to gut it, tie it down, cage it, as involvment increases. It seems like a good car for the 22-28k range depending on miles. Tracked a fox body mustang for years and you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

 

It can be a fairly decent track car. There's starting to be a few more out there as the prices continue to come down. Again, the weight isn't starting in your favor.

And if you haven't purchased yet, I'd steer you towards the e36 which has become the standard bmw track'er.

 

i pass porsches with mine all day

 

tricked out e36 is better and cheaper for a track only car