I have driven the car just about 150 mi. during the last 5 days, and we are getting acquainted.
There are two track events left this season that I am registered, one with the local (Washington DC region) PCA and the other BMW CCA. To get ready, I planned few changes: Tires, brake pads, brake cooling, brake fluid and alignment.
First off was the tires. Ordered Contin ECF in stock sizes. They arrived in two days from trackdaytires.com. They really have superb service, including consultation over the phone.
Starting to Understand "Add lightness and Simplify"
Car on the lift for the first time and wheels off, I marvelled on the work of art that is the suspension on the Emira. It looks so simple, yet so effective. It appears there are only just enough parts that are needed, no crowding, no wires, just few key connectors with the control arms. Compared to my previous M3, which had MacPherson strut up front and multi-link in the rear with all sorts of electrical wires criss-crossing, the Emira's wheel wells were so clean and simple. I am getting my first glimpse of the "simplify."
I know many of you already seen similar pictures, but I'll still add few of my own, in comparison to a typical MacPherson/Multi-link car (M3).
Emria Front Suspension:
M3 Front Suspension (the orange ducts were added later for brake cooling):
The Emira Rear Suspension:
The M3 Rear Suspension:
Also, the wheel locking bolt is nothing new to many of you, but it was the first time I came across such simple and effective solution against theft. The locking bolt has a spinning outer sleeve, so it cannot be tapped-broken HAHA! I am sure theeves have other ways, but it is just another simple approach to making it harder on them. Why other manufacturers do not do it?!?
