Pictures of my X5 on race track at Laguna Seca
 

Here are my pics from Laguna Seca today. I got to take my driving skills to a higher level and feel like I've learned a wealth on my baby's performance and limits.

First, the X5 hauls! In straight aways, I had no problem keeping up with most cars in my "novice" category.

DSC and xdrive is a godsend. I felt it kicking in all throughout the day. While the other 2WD drivers were worried about understeer and oversteer, I could just concentrate on having fun!

Finally these brakes are sooo powerful and reliable. My rims are all black now.

BTW, I was getting 9mpg :) . I had to buy $4.50 gallon gas (91) at the track. They also had ~120 grade gas.

Thanks to all the X5World members who helped answer my pre-track questions.

Also note that these pictures were taken by Gotbluemilk. If you're in CA and need auto pictures, do give them a buzz.

http://63.247.86.202/%7Ehosty/dr2/x5/sideM.jpg
http://63.247.86.202/%7Ehosty/dr2/x5/leadM.jpg
http://63.247.86.202/%7Ehosty/dr2/x5/frontM.jpg
http://63.247.86.202/%7Ehosty/dr2/x5/corkScrewM.jpg
http://63.247.86.202/%7Ehosty/dr2/x5/bedhindM.jpg
http://63.247.86.202/%7Ehosty/dr2/x5/bedhind2M.jpg

awesome pics!

Makes me want to take mine to the track!

that is just sick! Awesome pictures and looked like tons of fun!

:iagree:

good job man!

Makes me want to take my X5 to the track or auto-x.

cool!!! you're winning!!!

Great pix. Thanks for sharing! Did you do drive in auto or manual mode?

Dope Pics!! :thumbup:

Fantastic pictures! Lucky number 13 too, eh? :D

Nice pics not to mention mega brake dust....lol

:kewlpics:

Yeah Did you drive in "S" mode or Manual?

Nice pics... ?top speed?

I started off with Manual in the morning. 3rd gear is the sweet spot.

In my 3rd session I got an instructor and he advised I stay in auto mode (Sports) so I could concentrate on driving the "line" . The automatic ended up working quite well.

Nice Pics!!!

Wow! Looks like a ton of fun. I love Laguna especially when the MotoGP guys are racing.

Look at the stress on the tires going through the caroussel:wow:

runningaround: My X5 has a poster of your X5 hanging in the garage. Much props.......

Great shots! I remember playing Leguna Seca on PS2 (Gran Turismo 3) and it was my favorite track. Hopefully I'll be able to drive on it one day.

Did you try DSC off? Sure it's less "safe", but once you know the limits of adhesion, it could be more fun with it off.

that's a good idea. then in everyday driving, you would already know your X's limits...and feel less unnerving.

Why oh why does everybody feel the need to hide their license plate.

Killer pics though.

you don't want strangers to know...:nanana:

All these responses..great!

Did I mention I got motion sick on the track...the smell of rubber and exhaust didn't help.

Very very cool!! Thanks for the pics. Head back with some 20s next time ;).

Ah yes, there's that big downhill sweeper on the "back" side of the track. Totally caught me off guard the first time I played it on GT3. I was like "Yessss finally got up to some speed!" And before you know it, the track dropped off to the left and I found myself in a wall.:rolleyes: Same thing happened at the very last turn (more like a U-turn) before the finish/start line. I just totally overshot the corner. Good thing is a game right?

Hmm, if you're going to oversteer (I'm assuming thats what you mean), you're getting on the loud pedal too early! That V8 has huge torque and Leguna Seca has its fair share of tight corners, so spinnin out is feasible. Maybe next time you'll shut it off......there are also a handful of wide corners that really encourage same tail-out antics.:thumbup:

Rotors
 

Did your rotors get warped from the heavy braking? Warranty should cover it anyway.

one of the great things of owning a BMW

We were told NOT to use the parking brake after the sessions because they would fuse to the wheels because of the heat!!