M3 convertibles on the track

[endeavour_uk]

I have an e36 M3 trackday car which is great fun but is now too focused for road use. However, I am not able to do as many trackdays as I would like and the car is rapidly turning into a trailer ornament.

My thoughts have been turning to getting something more dual purpose and I fancy some open top motoring. I have looked at Elises and others of that ilk but I would miss that straight six wail. Is an e36 or e46 M3 convertible viable on the track for 3 or 4 visits a year? Any unfortunate habits like the roll over bar popping up, eating brakes or tyres etc? I would like to avoid the temptation to modify it too much although I have a lot of e36 stuff that I could transfer.

[Zod]

There's a bm3w member and occasional PH poster known as JumJum or Stu55 who used to track an M3 cab quite frequently.

[RobbieM-Evo]

I think if you had the hard top on and a front strut it will be fine.

I did read a story of a guy fcuking around in his cab (E36 M3) and the hoops came up through the rear plastic screen - whoops!

[endeavour_uk]

I saw it happen on a Merc to VBH on Fifth Gear at an Anglesey shootout. Scared a blooper moment out of her. Probably a scarey enough event to put you into the tyre wall!

[pentoman]

Am I right in thinking there's a way one some of those cabs to pop the safety bar up manually?

Might be worth doing for safety/whatever anyway.. and to prevent it popping up on its own!

[andy g bmth]

Having owned both a M3 evo convertible (currently a 5 series as well)& an Elise, - if you enjoy track days get the elise as there is no comparison, you wont miss the engine and you can carry so much more speed through the corners with the lotus.

Take both for a test drive and make a decision based on that but dont dismiss one without driving it.

good luck

Andy