Track tips
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
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'14 ML BT
Track tips
I recently had the opportunity (I paid for it) to hammer a CLS63, an S65, an E63 and an SLK 55 over a short road course - with an instructor.
The take away tip (that I paid for) happened while driving the CLS:
Lap 1 - decent lap, good learning process, improving through each turn
Lap 2 - smoother and faster than lap 1, learning continues, nuff said
Lap 3 - harsh, banging from side to side, edge of the seat, grip of death on the wheel, loss of focus - no doubt that I lost "it"
After lap 3, Piers (my instructor) suggested holding the wheel with my fingertips. It would eliminate the "death grip" and make me relax at the entry point. His logic was that the entry point determines the outcome (exit) of the turn.
Guess what ... he was right.
Lap 4 - BIG improvement, smoother faster and much more focused.
Any similar experiences/tips?
You CLS guys already know this but, the CLS63 is really impressive on the track. That balanced weight business really gets it done!
How is it that BMW gets all the good handling ink?
Full disclosure:
I drive a CL55 with 450 rwhp and 530 rwtq - so your butt is still mine in the quarter!
OTOH, you can always call "twisties" - and win.
The take away tip (that I paid for) happened while driving the CLS:
Lap 1 - decent lap, good learning process, improving through each turn
Lap 2 - smoother and faster than lap 1, learning continues, nuff said
Lap 3 - harsh, banging from side to side, edge of the seat, grip of death on the wheel, loss of focus - no doubt that I lost "it"
After lap 3, Piers (my instructor) suggested holding the wheel with my fingertips. It would eliminate the "death grip" and make me relax at the entry point. His logic was that the entry point determines the outcome (exit) of the turn.
Guess what ... he was right.
Lap 4 - BIG improvement, smoother faster and much more focused.
Any similar experiences/tips?
You CLS guys already know this but, the CLS63 is really impressive on the track. That balanced weight business really gets it done!
How is it that BMW gets all the good handling ink?
Full disclosure:
I drive a CL55 with 450 rwhp and 530 rwtq - so your butt is still mine in the quarter!
OTOH, you can always call "twisties" - and win.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: North County San Diego
02 CLK 55 AMG , Wifes 91 CE
I have not had private lessons, only from the AMG Challenge. What I found helpfull was sitting in the passengers seat. This made me realise HOW MUCH ABUSE the car can take and how far you can PUSH the EDGE!!! both my wife and I now want a CLS. It is amazing!!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
06' BMW M3
I recently had the opportunity (I paid for it) to hammer a CLS63, an S65, an E63 and an SLK 55 over a short road course - with an instructor.
The take away tip (that I paid for) happened while driving the CLS:
Lap 1 - decent lap, good learning process, improving through each turn
Lap 2 - smoother and faster than lap 1, learning continues, nuff said
Lap 3 - harsh, banging from side to side, edge of the seat, grip of death on the wheel, loss of focus - no doubt that I lost "it"
After lap 3, Piers (my instructor) suggested holding the wheel with my fingertips. It would eliminate the "death grip" and make me relax at the entry point. His logic was that the entry point determines the outcome (exit) of the turn.
Guess what ... he was right.
Lap 4 - BIG improvement, smoother faster and much more focused.
Any similar experiences/tips?
You CLS guys already know this but, the CLS63 is really impressive on the track. That balanced weight business really gets it done!
How is it that BMW gets all the good handling ink?
Full disclosure:
I drive a CL55 with 450 rwhp and 530 rwtq - so your butt is still mine in the quarter!
OTOH, you can always call "twisties" - and win.
The take away tip (that I paid for) happened while driving the CLS:
Lap 1 - decent lap, good learning process, improving through each turn
Lap 2 - smoother and faster than lap 1, learning continues, nuff said
Lap 3 - harsh, banging from side to side, edge of the seat, grip of death on the wheel, loss of focus - no doubt that I lost "it"
After lap 3, Piers (my instructor) suggested holding the wheel with my fingertips. It would eliminate the "death grip" and make me relax at the entry point. His logic was that the entry point determines the outcome (exit) of the turn.
Guess what ... he was right.
Lap 4 - BIG improvement, smoother faster and much more focused.
Any similar experiences/tips?
You CLS guys already know this but, the CLS63 is really impressive on the track. That balanced weight business really gets it done!
How is it that BMW gets all the good handling ink?
Full disclosure:
I drive a CL55 with 450 rwhp and 530 rwtq - so your butt is still mine in the quarter!
OTOH, you can always call "twisties" - and win.
)but I took my little sedan to Willow Springs (near Lancaster,Ca.)Raceway back in Feburary.They have a mile long road course called The Horse Thief Mile,my car was hanging with cars that had a helluva a lot more HP.It was a blast,I'm looking forward to going back(car's lowered now).I learned a lot about the dos and don'ts of driving, our Instructor(Terry) holds the course record in his Z06 Vet.I was going to go back last weekend but I just back from vacation and it was a Holiday weekend not worth the hassle on the 405fwy.
Btw I did get to see a M3 go sliding off the course though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,952
Likes: 4
From: Hollywood CA
2011 twin turboed prius
I recently had the opportunity (I paid for it) to hammer a CLS63, an S65, an E63 and an SLK 55 over a short road course - with an instructor.
The take away tip (that I paid for) happened while driving the CLS:
Lap 1 - decent lap, good learning process, improving through each turn
Lap 2 - smoother and faster than lap 1, learning continues, nuff said
Lap 3 - harsh, banging from side to side, edge of the seat, grip of death on the wheel, loss of focus - no doubt that I lost "it"
After lap 3, Piers (my instructor) suggested holding the wheel with my fingertips. It would eliminate the "death grip" and make me relax at the entry point. His logic was that the entry point determines the outcome (exit) of the turn.
Guess what ... he was right.
Lap 4 - BIG improvement, smoother faster and much more focused.
Any similar experiences/tips?
You CLS guys already know this but, the CLS63 is really impressive on the track. That balanced weight business really gets it done!
How is it that BMW gets all the good handling ink?
Full disclosure:
I drive a CL55 with 450 rwhp and 530 rwtq - so your butt is still mine in the quarter!
OTOH, you can always call "twisties" - and win.
The take away tip (that I paid for) happened while driving the CLS:
Lap 1 - decent lap, good learning process, improving through each turn
Lap 2 - smoother and faster than lap 1, learning continues, nuff said
Lap 3 - harsh, banging from side to side, edge of the seat, grip of death on the wheel, loss of focus - no doubt that I lost "it"
After lap 3, Piers (my instructor) suggested holding the wheel with my fingertips. It would eliminate the "death grip" and make me relax at the entry point. His logic was that the entry point determines the outcome (exit) of the turn.
Guess what ... he was right.
Lap 4 - BIG improvement, smoother faster and much more focused.
Any similar experiences/tips?
You CLS guys already know this but, the CLS63 is really impressive on the track. That balanced weight business really gets it done!
How is it that BMW gets all the good handling ink?
Full disclosure:
I drive a CL55 with 450 rwhp and 530 rwtq - so your butt is still mine in the quarter!
OTOH, you can always call "twisties" - and win.
I also had the death grip!! I wiggle my fingers and breathe. After that its all tires..I will race you on the drag strip and the twisties LOL.. Thanks for sharing, you will I am certain be headed back for some sophmore action. My car has the 030 and the brakes are INCREDIBLE . I also feel the LSD really helps on the technical tracks. Man driving the cars hard is so addictive and expensive. I am now on my 3rd set of rear tires, car has 6200 miles. I do think the CLS would give the M5, E55, and similar sedans a great challenge on a technical track. Maybe the weight does help? My E55 felt less stable more oversteer, but I hear the 05-06 have better handling.
Great post
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
'14 ML BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 5
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
Drove all AMGs and the CLS is the best--but I'm predigest.
