Hi all, Booked my first track day for a good few years and have chosen Bedford as I have read it's a pretty safe place to learn a new car and has decent run-offs etc (not that I have any intention of testing them!). I used to do a lot of track days back in my E36 days and have driven Brands, Rockingham, Silverstone, Hethel and Donnington on numerous occasions. My E46 has an Evolve CSL Airbox and Tegiwa backbox with standard headers/cats/centre section. Since booking a friend has mentioned that he thinks I may have issues with the drive-by - what do you guys think? Looking on YouTube there's a few clips of CSLs driving there and some tuned E46s, including one which I think belonged to @SamR so I am hoping it'll be OK? Cheers
Beford's a joke re noise, went there a good few years back, got black flagged in the afternoon after running all morning. How daft is that and no 2nd chances...off home job done. . I was getting bored by then anyway, corners are all similar flat and featureless, have never been back. I Did Donington eve a few days ago and was a little worried as have just had the oem exhaust replaced, its also de-catted and has an Eventuri intake, but was all good on the noise. Its 98 db drive by and are strict on that but do give you a chance to quieten the car.
Hi , I’m go Hi, Will be there as well , I normally have additional silencers that just pop into the back of my m3 e92 exhaust as otherwise it will fail at Bedford. I would suggest trying to get your car noise tested beforehand to see where you are , last thing you want is to go home early or not be let on track .
I couldn’t get it tested at an MSV but did with another proper dB meter and it is 106dB ish at 1m so no chance of passing. I’ve managed to get hold of an oem backbox that I’ll stick on for now and work out what (if anything) to fit instead. Roll on the 14th!
I've been a few times i have carbon airbox and decat and no issues on drive by they do not do a static test since covid 19 see you there if your going
just to et you know there are 4 microphones on the track 2 x have cameras and 2 x don't. the 1st camera one is as you leave the pits and sharp left corner its on your left.The second mic WITHOUT A CAMERA is 1/2 way down the striaght on the left third icon mic iNO CAMERA is just after the big tanker corner on the right 4th is CAMERA mic as you come to the hairpin before the back straight hope this helps
I got flagged for noise in my stock csl, my bro also got flagged in stock Cayman, I would recommend going in a toyota prius to Bedford
It’s not that bad , my boxster S was ok , so was my Lotus 211 with a non standard de catted exhaust . Yes my M3 fails but just have to fit extra decibel reducers on and it’s fine. Go prepared and you will pass the test.
I can't understand folks contemplating going to a circuit that has such stiff rules when it comes to noise levels, and having to take measures of quieting there exhaust systems which then possibly effects performance. Its not as if the place is that exiting to drive, there are much more interesting circuits in the region.
OEM backbox fitted on Friday and no issues with noise today. Great to be back on track after so long. The car performed brilliantly although I am now looking at KW V3s..... Nice to meet anyone on here I chatted to. Looking forward to the next one!
Great day today , perfect weather and a very interesting mix of cars including a rare BAC Mono ! Beautiful looking car in the flesh , looks really well put together with lots of lovely carbon fibre goodness. Shame only one person can get to enjoy it at a time ! If it was my money would probably just buy a formula ford eco boost and make it road legal. Car felt great today , must say I am very impressed with how long these tyres have lasted and still no drop off in performance despite multiple Trackdays and hot conditions. Still have lots of tread left , even the wife is impressed ! Aha. Picked up a stone chip in the first session on the windscreen , which then decided to expand ! Damn and not covered by my insurance. ! Sod’s law. Lots of dead flies to clean off and a fuel filler door which will not stay shut ....
My windscreen is covered in wildlife too. I had one massive bug explosion at about 100mph that smeared a good foot in length. Glad you had no noise issues @hughjay Big fan of your car. Sorry if I've planted V3 seeds.
Thanks for the kind words and no worries re the V3s... I think you only confirmed what I already wanted to hear! Seemed to be going well! Did you have bungs in your tailpipes?
I think it’s a combination of having a well setup car , decent suspension and brakes plus seat time . Done Bedford a Few times now and yesterday everything seemed to come together , should have timed it it felt quick! Still more to come , the bungs were from Merlin Motorsport as my exhaust is over 106 decibel without . Think they robbed me of about 100 HP !
I didn’t see any static testing yesterday at all, and there were a few fruity sounding cars. I think it might have been worth chancing it without the bungs as if you triggered the drive by you get one chance to reduce the noise apparently. What suspension are you running? I’ve spent the day browsing the KW and Ohlins websites...
They don’t do Static testing at the moment due to Kung Flu 19 . I have already been black flagged for noise before when two of my additional silencers fell out while on track , only managed one lap and noticed them sitting on the tarmac along the back straight ! I now have additional securing wire attached too jubilee clips to hold them in. Suspension wise I am running Nitron R3 , fitted and setup by Spires which has made a massive difference. To be honest don’t think you can go wrong with any of the big brands , KW , Ohlins all have a great reputation. Just get someone to set them up and corner weight the car and you will sorted.
Glad you got through noise ok, the place can be unpredictable sometimes how the wind is blowing. So the KW's ....you are going with Variant 3, do you know what spring rates they come with or are there options? Ive been looking at Kw but am not sure what to get, confused what is the best for a good road/Track set up, there are so many options i'm lost. Also what makes it more difficult is am fairly new to Bmw track cars as alway had jap cars before. Any pointers would be appreciated thanks Alan.
