Tracked My BS - Impressions
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10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Tracked My BS - Impressions
I spent last Thursday and Friday at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) tracking my BS on their 3.25 mile road course. This is my first tracking experience so I was grouped with other novices and beginners and paired with an experienced VIR instructor. First and foremost, the BS is an awesome performer that far exceeded even my wildest expectations! Although it was 110 degress on the track with at least 70% humidity the car (IMO) hardly noticed it (although I suffered GREATLY). I was concerend about my brake fluid boiling so I checked in advance with Merc and Renntech who said my newly changed OEM DOT 4 fluid should be fine. However, I'm still going to change to Motul 660 high performance brake fluid in the future. Boiling and brake fade turned out to be a non-issue and, I didn't use any oil (Motul). I lowered my Nitrogen tire pressure after my first round from 48/42psi to 38psi all around due to the heat and from that point on my OEM Corsa's stuck like glue (I'm really impressed with Corsa's!). BTW, my tire pressure was 55/48psi after the first round. The BS suspension, handling and LSD also contributed immensely to my driving experience and I'm sure my overall safety. I drove in automatic sport mode which worked supremely well and very efficiently. I was with a group of M3 owners and BMW driving instructors who were also tracking their cars (97, 09, 11) so I let the instructors track my BS with me in it. They told me the BS in auto sport is the best all-around car they've ever driven on a track, anywhere. They couldn't get over how the car handled and the automatic always seemed to be in the right gear. That impressed me! Coming out of a 150 degree sweeping turn (Oak Tree) I was able to reach speeds between 130-150mph on the straight that followed, and was actually flagged for "drag racing"! I wasn't going to let anyone pass me, not even the modified 800hp twin turbo Audi R8 (awesome car!)! Needless to say my exhaust sound at high speed was also incredible! In fact, I had several drivers come up to me during the day to comment on how great it sounded on and off the track.
In summary, the BS (IMO) is the greatest most adaptable (street, track and strip) car Merc has ever manufactured. It does so many things extremely well that it's almost impossible to list them all here. At one time I was thinking of moving on to a Porsche 997TT but not any more. For those of you who have a BS and have never tracked, try it and you'll understand what I mean. If there is one thing I learned, its not raw horsepower that wins the race, its handling and driver skill which I hope to aquire more of over time. Needless to say I'm going to track my BS again!
I've also attached pictures of my BS and its recently acquired stablemate, a 2007 CLK63 AMG Cabriolet, also a GREAT car but not a BS! And the guy in the helmet taken at VIR is yours truly.
In summary, the BS (IMO) is the greatest most adaptable (street, track and strip) car Merc has ever manufactured. It does so many things extremely well that it's almost impossible to list them all here. At one time I was thinking of moving on to a Porsche 997TT but not any more. For those of you who have a BS and have never tracked, try it and you'll understand what I mean. If there is one thing I learned, its not raw horsepower that wins the race, its handling and driver skill which I hope to aquire more of over time. Needless to say I'm going to track my BS again!
I've also attached pictures of my BS and its recently acquired stablemate, a 2007 CLK63 AMG Cabriolet, also a GREAT car but not a BS! And the guy in the helmet taken at VIR is yours truly.
Last edited by LOVEMYBS; 06-15-2011 at 08:16 AM.
#2
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Great write up and a true testament to what the CLK BS is really capable of. Any videos of the run as well? Also you're running on stock suspension setup correct?
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You may want to try a cold starting pressure of 42 F and 37R on the Corsas. They are very temperature dependent especially as you get faster. I noticed a great deal of understeer when I began with 38F my first time with the car on track. This was markedly better with the higher psi. And warm them up well the first lap before you start to really 'lean' on them.
Also, if you were running with ESP on, try it off the next time. The BS is incredibly easy to 'catch' when the rear comes around, and you'll save your rear brakes by running with it off.
Glad you had fun btw. Beware of the addiction!! lol
Bish
Also, if you were running with ESP on, try it off the next time. The BS is incredibly easy to 'catch' when the rear comes around, and you'll save your rear brakes by running with it off.
Glad you had fun btw. Beware of the addiction!! lol
Bish
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The CLK63 Blacks they had at the AMG Academy were also running high to mid 40's in the front, low 40s in the back. They also ran stock factory suspension setting except for ride height.
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10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Yes, I like the W209's, like a comfortable driving glove they just seem to fit me well! I've driven and owned a lot of AMG's and always seem to come back to the CLK.
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10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
I started with Nitrogen filled tires at 48/42psi with the assumption that they wouldn't expand a lot. I was wrong. After my first 25-minute session I re-checked my pressures with a calibrated tire gauge and found they had increased to 55/48psi. I then re-set them all-around to 38psi. So much for the "Nitrogen myth!"
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Thanks for posting. Nice to hear comments like those of your racing instructor. Looks like you had a great time. The CLK BS is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced....better looking and more unique than a 997 Porsche for sure IMO.
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I want to resurrect this thread to ask about how u find track days? The closest track to me is Homestead Speedway and ive seen some Corvette forum write ups. Homestead Speedway has a section for track days.....too bad most are motorcycle. Any other info is appreciated.
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I want to resurrect this thread to ask about how u find track days? The closest track to me is Homestead Speedway and ive seen some Corvette forum write ups. Homestead Speedway has a section for track days.....too bad most are motorcycle. Any other info is appreciated.
NASA holds events in FL. Their events are well structred, always 2-3 groups so beginers are not out with experts as well as lots of "supervisors" and "instructors" who are always willing to hel out. I have attended a few of there events at Road America and The Autobahn. You will need a Snell 2005 helmet and they allow passangers as well at most non-competition events.
looks like they have a Sebring event coming up in early Oct. According to their site they do run at Sebring, Homestead and Palm Beach Raceway
Also check out other forums such as 6speedonline that cater to many different makes and models of sports cars for events. Porsche Club and BMW Owners Group always have track events and they will usually make an exception for an AMG, I have attended a Porsche Club event without any trouble.
Last edited by jrcart; 09-13-2011 at 03:50 PM.
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I want to resurrect this thread to ask about how u find track days? The closest track to me is Homestead Speedway and ive seen some Corvette forum write ups. Homestead Speedway has a section for track days.....too bad most are motorcycle. Any other info is appreciated.
Bish
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I want to resurrect this thread to ask about how u find track days? The closest track to me is Homestead Speedway and ive seen some Corvette forum write ups. Homestead Speedway has a section for track days.....too bad most are motorcycle. Any other info is appreciated.
Primarily PCA events but other makes are welcome. Cost is usually better than Chin, NASA or Seat Time and they are well managed. Homestead, Sebring, Roebling Road and Road Atlanta are always represented and the Georgia tracks aren't that bad of a drive with a trailer.
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2009 CL65, 2011 G55, '97 LandCruiser 80 (E Europe)
Interesting review, especially the tip about keeping the automatic in full automatic mode. I wish I'd had this before I'd spent a couple of hours with one. Thank you for writing this up.
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clk 500 (wifey's); 350Z roadster (daily driver); 350Z coupe (track car)
I want to resurrect this thread to ask about how u find track days? The closest track to me is Homestead Speedway and ive seen some Corvette forum write ups. Homestead Speedway has a section for track days.....too bad most are motorcycle. Any other info is appreciated.
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/calendar
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CLK63 Black, E350 Wagon, Supercharged Denali, Lotus Elise, Tesla Model 3 Dual-Motor.
Please do let us know the supercharged results.
I'm thinking it might be real easy to be going too fast approacing a few corners...
Jim
I'm thinking it might be real easy to be going too fast approacing a few corners...
Jim