M2 Comp vs m340d on track

[Fishr]

Hello one and all, looking to get some thoughts on this

Thinking(not decided yet) of changing my M2 Comp(late 2019) for an m340d(2021/22) - need more practicality/comfort, I've got no time to track as often as I used to and also wouldn't mind the £ savings
I've had the M2C from new and I've really fallen in love with it - it's an amazing car, but I think as a daily the m340d is definitely the winner here

Where I'm a bit nervous is track days - I'd still like to attend occassionaly and I'm really curious what sacrifice will this be on track?
There's no doubt this is where the biggest sacrifice would be, but I'd like to get a rough idea as to how big that sacrifice is/ is it worth making/etc

Does anyone have any experience tracking an m340d?

Would really appreciate any insights on this

Cheers!

Edited by Fishr on Wednesday 26th June 16:02

Edited by Fishr on Wednesday 26th June 16:04

[Redline88]

I’d say that the handling of the 340d won’t be in the same league as the M2C. It’ll also likely go through its consumables a bit quicker

[brillomaster]

handling for sure, but the main thing id think you were giving up is the power delivery and noise of a petrol vs a diesel. don't see many diesels on trackdays...

was the M2 Comp manual or auto? presume the m340d is an auto, so that could be another big loss if the M2 comp is a manual...

for me, most important things for a track car are noise, revs, manual gearbox, handling... all things potentially lacking from a m340d...

[WombleCate]

Do you have any garage space?

Wanting a car to do two jobs throws up compromises. For the same money as a 340dM could you get a 320D and a Caterham 270 or 310?

If you don't have storage space and want to avoid insurance and tax, you could get a tow bar on the 320D (£300) a BJ Minno Trailer (£1,700) and a lockup for £100 pcm. Tow bars are so useful and Minnos have rock solid residuals.

[Tommie38]

Are you doing major miles? If not I’d start with a petrol 3 series.

[matt5964]

If you’re only going to do a few TDs , have you thought of an arrive and drive hire? Could try different cars and hassle free.
Might even find that the cost is not so different when you take total cost of ownership into count

[Networkgeek]

Not quite the 340d, I used to track my 330d tourer and it was surprisingly good. I now drive an M2, having tracked this I can see the limitations of the 330d a lot more.

I would say the brakes will overheat a lot faster than the M2C, but in terms of power and chassis control the 330d was superb. My favourite memory is sailing past a turbo'd MX5 on a straight at Bedford where both the driver and passenger did a double take

Edit - This will be a controversial thing to say, the 340d will hands down sound a damn lot nicer than the M2C. It's impossible to make the S55 sound nice, whereas a grunty diesel 6 cylinder always sound great.

Edited by Networkgeek on Tuesday 9th July 14:23

[toon10]

As a daily, a 3 series will be better, but I'd be looking at the M340i instead. You'll get some of the performance but with a bit of engine noise and a better rev range and although it won't be as good on track as your M2 comp, it will do a better job than the 340d. I have the older 340i shadow edition model and although it's not as nice as my old 540i, it's a pretty good jack of all trades type of car that won't let you down at the traffic light grand prix.

[Ian-27xza]

If you've had the M2C from new and it's a special car for you, why not keep it and buy another (cheaper) daily.

I'm pretty sure for between £5-10k you can get a very respectable family duty wagon and keep the M2 for track days and high days.

Appreciate that a 2 car garage might not be practicable.

[FezSSTT]

Ian-27xza said:

If you've had the M2C from new and it's a special car for you, why not keep it and buy another (cheaper) daily.

I'm pretty sure for between £5-10k you can get a very respectable family duty wagon and keep the M2 for track days and high days.

Appreciate that a 2 car garage might not be practicable.

Hi Ian, sorry to go off topic, just wanted to let you know i Have CBD471X these days, hit me up if you want some history. cheers

[cashmax]

I have a 340d that I use to tow my race car to the track. (it's also my daily) I have had reason to use it on track a couple of times and whilst it can hustle round quite quickly, it's very, very compromised on track, boring, feels heavy and sounds st. Simply put, they are not in the same league as a petrol M car on a circuit.