Why is my 'race car' slow as hell?

[Bimr2nr]

Ok, i did a lot of test runs with my 325is inline 6 cylinder and its fast when it shifts into 4th or above but, my main problem is acceleration. I floor it and it doesn't "burn rubber" or peel out like a sports car is suppose to. My moms 4 cylinder ford escort peels out and it's embarrassing...

Keeping in mind that the ASC (stability control thingy) button is off, what could be my problem?

I took it to a mechanic and he test drove it and said the engine looked good, i was surprised and i know it can be fixed. Anybody knows what things i should check out?

[PJBIMMER]

try some bleach and water, you'll spin them and make a big white smoke screen lol

[Bimr2nr]

and also remove the back layer of my paint job... no thanks, i've tried soap and water tho when i was washing it, still nothing. I need to know whats making the acceleration lack performance.

[PJBIMMER]

I have wide tires on my car, and I can't spin them either

[Bimr2nr]

im talking about a ****ing race car though, mine are only 7.5 wide.

[CJH]

You bought the wrong car if you're interested in doing burnouts & drag racing Mustangs. BMWs are built for balanced performance, handling, acceleration at speed, braking, driver feel. Europeans don't share our infatuation with straight line performance, and with very expensive fuel, they seek efficiency.

To restore design performance, check compression, valve train tolerances, fuel distibution. If you want to do burnouts, sell the BMW.

[Pirate_copy]

+1. Perfectly put CJH

The straight 6 engine has it's power above 3k revs mate. Even my tuned 328i is not lightning fast off the line....but makes up of it PLENTY when above the 3k mark :)

[Bimr2nr]

thts where ur wrong... my friend has a bmw i forget what type but its a 98 e36 and it can burnout...

you may be right, but i highly doubt a coupe isn't meant to be raced?

[mflint1513]

you can burn 'em in your car. I've seen it done but don't recommend it. It's too much hassle. If you're really wanting more power, just rebuild the motor, add a turbo/supercharger, and all that other gee-wiz stuff.

[Pirate_copy]

there could be MANY reason why he can burnout, but in general the inline 6 engines in a bimmer work better when they have a bit of momentum

BTW, i have raced more cars than i care to remember (on a track, street racing is for corpses) and although my 328i is AWESOME and extremely fast, off the line i have driven 2.0's that are better!!

[mflint1513]

Looks like we both are posting at the same time...I'm just curious...why are you so interested in having your car do burnouts? I'm thining that perhaps you have too much money and like to purchase tires?

Just because a car can do burnouts doesn't mean it can race. Hell, just because a car is fast on a quarter or eigth mile track doesn't mean it can race. Put it on a real track (not some hill-billy NASCAR track), one where you can turn right and left, and then see if it can "race". I think you'll find that your car will likely outperform your moms Ford Focus or festiva or whatever it was.

[Pirate_copy]

ANY car with a very short ratio gearbox can burnout....but will top out A LOT quicker than a a car that cant

Burnouts are for ricers in car parks.....bimmers are for people who appreciate the best cars in the world! Why would you want a racecar to burnout anyway? if you are sat at the line smoking your tyres, then you are not moving forward and winning the race :dunno:

[Sirhcrod]

I think the OP just wants to show off and have the BMW name to add that extra kicker.

Burning out really is just stupid. In racing purposes, you're main goal off the line is NOT to burn out. If you're just wanting to burnout at a red light to scare the old woman driving her buick next to you, you really went out and bought the wrong car. You shouldn't be abusing your bimmer that way anyhow.

One more thing, burnouts aren't impressive, they just show you know how to pop a clutch, or how to waste gas by flooring your pedal.

But at any rate, to get your car to a burnout, post it on ebay, sell it, and use the money to buy a civic.

[Pirate_copy]

:rofl: :rofl:

ANYBODY can do a burnout. you only need to rev the engine and dump the clutch. Driving fast....now that is a talent that VERY few master!

You want to race it, save the money you spend replacing your tyres after a burnout and invest it in racing lessons!!!!

[Bimr2nr]

it's just an obsession i've had with this bmw...

i guess ur right, when i hit 4th gear it feels like i have turbo, it just pulls away like no other.

The car i have WAS meant to race, u guys obviously think all bmw's are the same, and ur wrong no matter how much u want it to be, this isn't JUST a luxury car.

the 325is i have was used as a race car before i bought it, i know because it has racing stickers and racing tires, i think it doesn't burnout because the tires have a strong grip though. i haven't raced anything yet, maybe i should, im sure i can beat any stock mustang before 03' hands down.

[Bimr2nr]

i'm not a "wanna be rich guy" i'm just a racer, and nothing else. My car is not comfortable to sit in, it's incredibly small inside and i lowered the suspension so it's very hard and every little bump can be felt, yes it's made to race no a track or a nice street drag race. I haven't raced yet b/c i'm not done fixing it.

[zarbat007]

the reason your car seems slow in 1-2 gears is because its very heavy. However, mime seem to pull after 2nds gears.. and like others said, there is no point in burnout although i have seen a lot of videos of E36s in youtube that some people have done it on their cars.

[jmott]

If you are a racer why are you so clueless?

Have you considered that maybe you are completely ignorant? If you weren't you would know that a 325, @ 3300lbs and 200ish horsepower is not going to overpower the tires unless they are really crappy tires.

Why don't you attend some local autocrosses and see how well you fare. Don't be discouraged when your times are awful to start with. With some practice, and learning how to properly set up a car you can get better.

The 325i is a fine performance car, it is RWD, the weigh isn't too out of control and it can be reduced a lot, and power can be raised a bit. To say it is a race car is semantic bull**** though. Any car is a race car if you race it, which you don't. Stickers and overly low springs do not make a car a race car.



i'm not a "wanna be rich guy" i'm just a racer, and nothing else. My car is not comfortable to sit in, it's incredibly small inside and i lowered the suspension so it's very hard and every little bump can be felt, yes it's made to race no a track or a nice street drag race. I haven't raced yet b/c i'm not done fixing it.

[Bobson]

I drive a Sunfire and I have raced more BMW's than I can count and beat all of them. There is nothing funnier than when some guy in a BMW pulls up at the light next to me, and tries to go ahead of me when the light turns green, and I floor it and he can't.

When I floor it, my tires spin for a full 2 seconds and I'm literally pressed back against the seat like in a rocket. And this is in a 4 cylinder AUTOMATIC car! It goes 0-100km in 7.5 seconds and gets 38 mpg. The problem is it has relatively little passing power at highway speeds and on highways I have been beaten by ordinary sedans (accords, altimas, grand prix's, etc). But off the line I am unbeatable by 99% of cars.

I know everyone always says that straight line performance isn't that important and BMW's are all-around performers which is what counts, but I disagree. You need to realize that 99% of us do not go to the track so we could care less about taking turns or braking, we just need good acceleration. The problem is finding a car that is quick both off the line and has good passing power at highway speeds. The only cars like that seem to be V8's like Corvettes and LS1's but their high fuel consumption prevents me from considering them.

I was entertaining the idea of getting a new (to me) car and 2000-ish 3 series was one of the cars I was looking at but now I'm not too sure as I need something that can peel out. The main problem with the 3 series as far as I see is its weight.

[Pirate_copy]

Lol

[Sirhcrod]

Flooring it at a red light to get ahead of someone is just being a moron. When I'm at a light and I feel the person next to me is going to go slower than I'd like to, I try to get ahead. Why is it that everyone has to prove how much bigger their balls are when it comes to racing against a BMW? Take your car to a track and I promise you that you will change your mind about all around performance. If all you do is 'drag' at red lights, then you're not a racer, you're just an idiot.

[Pirate_copy]

If all you do is 'drag' at red lights, then you're not a racer, you're just an idiot.

:rofl: Dude, you are my kinda guy!!

Bimr2nr, if you want help on driving like a moron, i am sorry to say you are on the wrong forum. If you want help on SENSIBLE bimmer problems then we will welcome you with open arms

Bobson, i have spent the last few minutes trying to think of a fitting response to your 'post'. As it is Sunday and i am not at my best, i will just have to settle with this....:bs:

oh, and is this what you mean by a Sunfire? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Sunfire

[B/\/\W]

A 325 isn't a race car! :thumbdwn:

You should be getting cackloads of acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear at high RPM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for the idea of racing, people pull alongside me with the intention of racing me away from red lights, but they are ignorant if they think I will try to beat them with only 115 HP!

Instead, I prefer to pull away from them around around the corners because they drive pathetic cars that are fast in a straight line but have no road holding ability due to poor centre of gravity and narrow tyres. Brand new Conti PremiumContact 2 on all four wheels has made a huge difference for me!

[rumratt]

http://www.ubrfvideo.com/goldranger/funny/gay_thread.gif

[mflint1513]

Well said, Sirhcrod...in my opinion anyway! My last two cents on this...

My buddy has a Trans Am that he uses as a daily driver as well as a 1/4 mile race car. The only thing he changes on race day are the tires. He has a wonderful philosphy about building his toys. Make them capable for their desired purpose but also street legal and road-worthy. EX: His TA can probably beat anyone here off the line, on and off the track (it's kinda cool when his front end lifts up 4 feet off the ground!). However, he has something called common sense and only uses that power when he's on a track. I caution people to use this same level of common sense when they drive on the road. Save squeelin tires and takin' turns at 100mph for the track! Your insurance company will also thank you!

[ffej]

I'll sum up this thread for those of you coming in late and not bothering to read the whole thing.


OP wants to know why he can't do burnouts in his 'race car'
Lots of people call him names
Lots of people brag about being able to beat others in their 'lesser' cars.

Basically, it's a bunch of people waving their e-pen1...

An answer for Bimr2nr...
You're the reason your car is slow. Really. If you want real answers, tell us what kind of tires you have on the car, what kind of suspension is in it. How much weight reduction has been done to your 'race car' and if there have been any other engine modifications done to it.

And to B/\/\W...
If a 325 isn't a race car, then what the hell is this?
http://www.justracing.com/galleries/albums/userpics/10004/IMG_9143.jpg

[B/\/\W]

And to B/\/\W...
If a 325 isn't a race car

A 325 by DEFINITION is not a race car, I would have thought that was obvious............................... . . ......

Find something else to nit pick about

[Bimmer_Angel]

IThe problem is it has relatively little passing power at highway speeds and on highways I have been beaten by ordinary sedans (accords, altimas, grand prix's, etc). But off the line I am unbeatable by 99% of cars.



I suppose it is a good thing that you can 'burn' Bimmers off the lights [supposedly] this should make up for the fact that your car is obviously CR4P on the freeway - that sucks!!

So, these Bimmers you allegedly beat off the lights - what Bimmers are they because I can tell you something Dude, if you were at a set of lights alongside Pirate you would not stand a cat in hells chance of beating him believe me!

So therefore, the moral of this story is 'do not tar everyone [or everything] with the same brush'!:mad:

We welcome everyone to this Fest whether they are Bimmer owners, Wannabe Bimmer Owners or whether they are just passionate about cars - what category do you come into?

[ffej]

A 325 by DEFINITION is not a race car, I would have thought that was obvious............................... . . ......

Find something else to nit pick about

Obviously, it wasn't obvious.


Why don't you lighten up a bit. Would it have helped if peppered my post with smileys or something?

And, by definition, ANY car that races can be considered a race car. Even my bone stock 1990 Suzuki Swift.

[KrisL]

I
If a 325 isn't a race car, then what the hell is this?

Dadgar's old slow POS.

[Bimmer_Angel]

mflint1513 - My sentiments exactly.

And you Bimr2nr if you feel that you are that good a driver then surely you should use this talent where it would be appreciated. I hear NASCAR drivers are paid very well. Who knows you could become 'Famous' NOT 'Infamous'! :)

[Plaz]

I drive a Sunfire and I have raced more BMW's than I can count and beat all of them. There is nothing funnier than when some guy in a BMW pulls up at the light next to me, and tries to go ahead of me when the light turns green, and I floor it and he can't.

When I floor it, my tires spin for a full 2 seconds and I'm literally pressed back against the seat like in a rocket. And this is in a 4 cylinder AUTOMATIC car!

Any front wheel drive car with more power than a sewing machine should be able to spin its tires off the line, because the weight shifts back and the front of the car lifts when starting from a stop.

[Bimmer_Angel]

:bow:

[cwsqbm]

the 325is i have was used as a race car before i bought it, i know because it has racing stickers and racing tires, ...

Ah, well, those stickers should be worth at least 100hp, so I don't have an answer for why it won't burnout. :D

Even IF you car is a former racer like the one ffej posted, it doesn't mean its going to be a tire smoker. That car is step for a road course, and first gear acceleration is meaningless on a road course. Also, your original post said its fast when it shifts into 4th or above. Are we to assume that its an automatic? And if I manual, its still doesn't mean anything. In my 330Ci, I have to drop the clutch pretty hard to spin one tire - a race car would have an LSD that would make it even harder.

If you want burnouts, sell the BMW and get a old Mustang. Otherwise, learn to drive the car how it was mean to be driven. One weekend at a road course will have you laughing at anyone that things drag racing is the bomb. Read the pyramid of speed. (http://www.devtools.org/rus/mtimages/pyramid_of_speed/Pyramid_of_speed.htm)

[Sirhcrod]

I think we may as well just kind of end this thread... If you want a drag car, the E36 really isn't going to be your BEST choice, it's not a bad one by any means, but you could find better. If you want a good all around performing car, adequate for street use, or track use, the E36 will suit you well and there are several easy ways to boost your power. Really if you're looking for a car that burns through tires and causes smoke, then don't drive your BMW anymore.

[Bimmer_Angel]

Amen to that!

[Pirate_copy]

Got my vote Sirhcrod, this thread seems to be going nowhere now.

[ianiac]

Back when I got my car I used to wanna be an idiot and burn rubber. I thought it was pretty easy. Having a 328 with the extra torque might make a difference. But, I've gotten my car to do a 180 before (first and only time I ever tried). I think you just lack experience as a driver if you can't get it to burn out. And if thats all you plan to do with your car, I really don't care to see another e36 on the part out section of this forum. So please do everyone a favor and sell it or grow up.

[Pirate_copy]

:thumbup:

Bimmers are just not very good at burnouts, full stop! But then they are not made for this purpose. Just like a yugo is not good at going fast....that is not what they were designed to do (not sure what the yugo was designed to do mind you :D)

[ianiac]

Haha.. How ya double the price of a Yugo?: Fill up the gas tank.

How ya get a Yugo to go 50mph?: Drive it off a cliff.

[Pirate_copy]

What you call a convertible yugo? A skip
What do you call a yugo at the top of a hill? A miracle
What do you call the shock absorbers on a yugo? passengers
Why don't Yugo's sustain much damage in a front-end collision? The tow truck takes the impact.

:rofl:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugo

[rumratt]

A friend went to a dealer the other day and said, "I'd like a gas cap for my Yugo." The dealer replied, "Okay. Sounds like a fair trade."

[ianiac]

Hahaha.. You can go on forever making fun of those cars. Once a Yugo crashed into my dad's Volvo. The Yugo was totaled and my dad's Volvo only got a small dent on the fender.

[Pirate_copy]

:rofl:

The yugo must have been going downhill with a tailwind to cause a dent on a Volvo. Those things are built like brick sheds!!!

[Bimmer_Angel]

I wonder if Yugo owners have a Fest and if so what sort of questions do you think they post.

Suggestions? :)

[ianiac]

Haha.. It was a tiny ding, we never even got it fixed.. I think that Volvo got in about 3 accidents in the time we had it. The person who caused its car always got all messed up.. The Volvo always just got a tiny little ding. However my back isn't as strong as the car. Ever since that last crash 8 years ago where a corolla going 40 hit us at a stop I've had back issues.

[Pirate_copy]

I wonder if Yugo owners have a Fest and if so what sort of questions do you think they post.

Suggestions? :)

"Hi guys, new member

I just got my first yugo, i am a bit of a speed freak and want my car to handle amazingly and go VERY fast. Any ideas?"

"Welcome

May i point you here - www.bimmerfest.com"

:D:D:D:D:D:D

[bblazen]

http://www.ubrfvideo.com/goldranger/funny/gay_thread.gif

:rofl:

[Mike_Check]

Well said, Sirhcrod...in my opinion anyway! My last two cents on this...

My buddy has a Trans Am that he uses as a daily driver as well as a 1/4 mile race car. The only thing he changes on race day are the tires. He has a wonderful philosphy about building his toys. Make them capable for their desired purpose but also street legal and road-worthy. EX: His TA can probably beat anyone here off the line, on and off the track (it's kinda cool when his front end lifts up 4 feet off the ground!). However, he has something called common sense and only uses that power when he's on a track. I caution people to use this same level of common sense when they drive on the road. Save squeelin tires and takin' turns at 100mph for the track! Your insurance company will also thank you!
Burnouts are fun. But there is a time and a place for them. Donuts are fun, again there is a time and a place. If you are trying to ruin tires, then so be it. It is your car...but I had a 88 325is that would peel rubber in first gear at a roll. No clutching...so I dont know why you are so disappointed :dunno: Keep in mind, your car is not a high horsepower car. Less than 200 I think (I am not familiar with E36's), but my E30 was only 170 hp. These are not straight line cars! Dont drive with expectations of such.

[Sirhcrod]

Touching sig, Dorker!

[Bobson]

Don't make fun of Yugos, they were no slower or less reliable than the average subcompact car of the 80's, and considering that the Yugo only costed $3990 new it was a good car. I'd like to see BMW build a new car for that price that is half as good.

[Pirate_copy]

"sigh"

You get the feeling that someone is missing the point???

[BLT]

Don't make fun of Yugos, they were no slower or less reliable than the average subcompact car of the 80's, and considering that the Yugo only costed $3990 new it was a good car. I'd like to see BMW build a new car for that price that is half as good.

What a load. I had a 84 Honda CRX Si that had over 200K miles on it. The only things I replaced were the tranny, radiator, fuel pump and muffler. Yugos were no where near that relaible.

Back to the original subject I think the OP is a troll, the "racers" I know talk about their cars in a manner that conveys information... for example "I rev up the engine to 4k and dump the clutch and there is no wheel spin even though I have an open diff". Vs my car don't do burnouts. my 2 cents.

[Pirate_copy]

Guess it depends how you view a 'car'

I see it as passion and an object that should be loved and should be everything it can be. BMW's are designed made with passion. Yugos are made by people who ONLY wanted to make a mode of transport and made it on a budget and to a price.

Personally i dont see that as a good thing at all

[Bobson]

The only reason Yugo's have a reputation as being unreliable is because they were so cheap that people thought of them as disposable cars so didn't bother maintaining them. A Honda CRX was fairly expensive for its class, so the people who bought them maintained them a lot better.

[PJBIMMER]

The End!!!

[DominguesE30]

Domi's highly praised and cherished advice:
GET JAP CRAP!

[Pirate_copy]

DOM....please....dude

LET THIS THREAD DIE!

[DominguesE30]

Burn In Hell Thread Burn!!

[DominguesE30]

sorry pete, this will be the last post.
My condolences

[77vetteguy]

:thumbdwn:

[Lanc3r]

This thread is good for a couple of laughs. :rofl:

[ProRail]

Obviously, it wasn't obvious.


Why don't you lighten up a bit. Would it have helped if peppered my post with smileys or something?

And, by definition, ANY car that races can be considered a race car. Even my bone stock 1990 Suzuki Swift.

So if I race somebody in my 528 I can call it a race car? Cool. ....or do I have to put stickers on it for it to be a race car? I'm not clear on that.

[Pirate_copy]

Come on guys, lets just let this die!!

[KrisL]

I'll help it die.
Troller thread closed.