Questions about taking M4 Convertible (F83) to the track

rezilient · 05-18-2021, 05:45 PM

Hi folks. I have a track day coming up and its my first time taking the F83 and convertible in general (always have had coupes).

Is there any advantage or drawback to tracking with the roof open versus closed?

I like the idea of less weight up top and more weight over the rear wheels. I imagine the car would be more balanced. So I was thinking to track it with the roof down. I suppose it’s more dangerous if I roll the car but I know it has the rollover prevention system so I am willing to trust that.

Any other considerations I should keep in mind? I’m not new to the track but this will be my first time in the M4. Thanks.

rezilient · 05-18-2021, 05:47 PM

Also if tracking with the roof down is there any need to have that wind deflector thing or should I leave it off?

kumkeet · 05-18-2021, 07:47 PM

I have tracked with a convertible but not the M4. To me, roof closed is more aerodynamic, has less distractions, less debris and dust, can clock slightly faster times. But roof off tracking, priceless experience. Do it for fun, not for timing.

rezilient · 05-19-2021, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kumkeet

I have tracked with a convertible but not the M4. To me, roof closed is more aerodynamic, has less distractions, less debris and dust, can clock slightly faster times. But roof off tracking, priceless experience. Do it for fun, not for timing.

Ok thanks for the advice. I will try a lap or two with the roof down for the experience but otherwise will keep it on.

zamboni · 05-19-2021, 01:11 AM

Depending on the track regulation some tracks will let you have the roof and some don't I would have the roof up for safety reason.

rezilient · 05-19-2021, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamboni

Depending on the track regulation some tracks will let you have the roof and some don't I would have the roof up for safety reason.

Our track allows convertibles as long as it has the anti rollover system

Pauldunlop13 · 05-19-2021, 04:22 PM

Unfortunately both my local tracks won't allow for a hard top convertible to participate - unless I installed a Roll Cage

Dang3r · 05-20-2021, 03:56 AM

For fast laps I would recommend you roof closed, would definitely improve the overall stability.
Just for enjoying the day leave the roof open, was priceless to circle around Nordschleife at the cool down lap.

rezilient · 05-23-2021, 05:11 PM

Here are a couple of laps during a session with the roof open. I was able to get 1-2 secs faster with the roof closed but my GoPro crapped out.

My driving isn't great but hopefully you guys enjoy the video nonetheless. Thanks all.

05-18-2021, 05:45 PM	#1
rezilient Second Lieutenant 83 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Cabriolet Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Questions about taking M4 Convertible (F83) to the track Hi folks. I have a track day coming up and its my first time taking the F83 and convertible in general (always have had coupes). Is there any advantage or drawback to tracking with the roof open versus closed? I like the idea of less weight up top and more weight over the rear wheels. I imagine the car would be more balanced. So I was thinking to track it with the roof down. I suppose it’s more dangerous if I roll the car but I know it has the rollover prevention system so I am willing to trust that. Any other considerations I should keep in mind? I’m not new to the track but this will be my first time in the M4. Thanks. __________________ 2015 M4 Cabriolet DCT 2011 135i Coupe (sold) 2014 M235i (sold) 2002 M5 (sold)
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05-18-2021, 05:47 PM	#2
rezilient Second Lieutenant 83 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Cabriolet Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Also if tracking with the roof down is there any need to have that wind deflector thing or should I leave it off?
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05-18-2021, 07:47 PM	#3
kumkeet Private 45 Rep 85 Posts Drives: M3 F80 Dakar Yellow II Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0)	I have tracked with a convertible but not the M4. To me, roof closed is more aerodynamic, has less distractions, less debris and dust, can clock slightly faster times. But roof off tracking, priceless experience. Do it for fun, not for timing.
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05-19-2021, 01:11 AM	#5
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1132 Rep 5,558 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	Depending on the track regulation some tracks will let you have the roof and some don't I would have the roof up for safety reason. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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05-19-2021, 04:22 PM	#7
Pauldunlop13 Second Lieutenant 425 Rep 290 Posts Drives: M4 Convertible Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1)	Unfortunately both my local tracks won't allow for a hard top convertible to participate - unless I installed a Roll Cage __________________ 2019 YMB ZCP convertible with Dinan Exhaust 2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Edition 2015 BSM M4 Convertible - 2018-2019 2016 228Xi - 2017-2018 2003 Acura RSX Type S 2003-2017
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05-20-2021, 03:56 AM	#8
Dang3r Schmollbraten 12512 Rep 1,985 Posts Drives: M4CPC // HP4 Comp. Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Liandri Central Core iTrader: (0)	For fast laps I would recommend you roof closed, would definitely improve the overall stability. Just for enjoying the day leave the roof open, was priceless to circle around Nordschleife at the cool down lap. __________________ Citizen of ///M - Town, where too much is just right Some say, that my scrotum has its own small gravity field and when Im slowing down that brake lights come on at my buttox
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05-23-2021, 05:11 PM	#9
rezilient Second Lieutenant 83 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Cabriolet Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Here are a couple of laps during a session with the roof open. I was able to get 1-2 secs faster with the roof closed but my GoPro crapped out. My driving isn't great but hopefully you guys enjoy the video nonetheless. Thanks all. __________________ 2015 M4 Cabriolet DCT 2011 135i Coupe (sold) 2014 M235i (sold) 2002 M5 (sold)
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