Hey guys. I'm planning my 5 day adventure up to NorCal and I was working on a list of crap to bring with me. This made me start thinking about what sorts of spare parts that I should think about bringing.

What sorts of things do you guys bring with you? My hoses are all pretty new (3 months), belts are a year or so, waterpump and thermostat are about 2 years now. :az I dunno. I don't wanna have something break and be screwed, but then again, I can only fit so much stuff in my roll bar car with 4 wheels, toolbox, jack, jack stands, helmet, other equipment and my clothes. :help

a spares box is always a good idea. A medium sized plastic tub should hold as much as you'd want to possibly fix on the road. Most of it will be cooling system related for the E36. One way to handle it is to bring the takeoffs from the front of the motor.
if you question the water pump, tensioner, belt, or hoses, throw new ones on and take the ones you took off with you as spares. A new thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator cap, and tstat housing gasket is also a good idea.

A spare radiator is nice, but less easily lugged around.

Staying on top of the big things like the radiator, heater hoses, coolant expansion tank, and alternator will minimize the chance of something going not well at the track. Alternator is the annoying one for me. I'll probably start swapping alternators on new-to-me cars as a matter of course. If its about a decade old on your car, throw another one at it for grinz.

+1 ^ and brake pads

Oil (I usually carry at least 2 full quarts)
Water to Drink
Brake pads (just in case or at least the old one with some life to get me home)
fix a flat (it's stupid with extra tires but it's just in case)
Windex or the like
Paper Towels
Work type gloves
Rainx for the windsheild
Sunscreen

there's always more I am finding

Pick up an extra belt to bring with you. Anything you can think of thats an easy fix, but could suck to find in the middle of no where.

Know anyone with an extra E36 rad laying around? If you're going for a few days and haven't replaced your OEM plastic rad, I used to bring an old spare just so I could get home should the neck break.

If you haven't already read it, go here and look at the First Track Day thread.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476935

Lots of useful info in there.

Additionally, there's a Wal Mart right at the exit (603) you'll get off at for TH. It's on the west side of I-5. If you need a cheap cooler and ice for cold water, it's an easy trip to/from the track. Something you wouldn't have to transport on your trip. You'll want to have plenty of cold water to keep you hydrated.

Both NCRC and TrackMasters provide drinks but sometimes the're not close to where you're pitted.

Jay

I just take basic replacement parts to track or some old parts that I replaced before as backup.

-Brakepads
-Brake discs
-Brake fluid
-engine oil
-pair of front control arms (had them around anyway so why not bring them)
-spare fuses

Some miscelaneous stuff:
-Tools to actually fix your stuff with :mrgreen: Like ratchet set
-jack
-jackstands
-aircompressor
-Ducttape, always handy
-tie wraps, always handy

Probably forgot more than half of the things :) Never use it too much though except the jack to change wheels.

If you are doing one day events of say 200 USD entry fee it really doesn't make sense to stock up on expensive parts. You might lose the day if you have a mechanical failure but if your expensive part never fails you might be stocking up parts of a few hundred bucks and never use them. If they do fail though luck.

Another thing is don't bring parts that take a day to install because that's useless as well. You're better off loading your car back on the trailer then and call it a day. That is, if you're not driving the car home. Otherwise you're screwed.

And it depends if you have a place to stash your stuff, like a pitbox, or if you just park along the track etc etc.

If you are surrounded by mechanics and have a race weekend consisting of multiple days it makes more sense to bring spares.

If you have a spare part, bring it. Murphy's law states that any spare part or special tool left home will be the one that is needed at the track... Mostly small stuff. No need for a spare diff or other large parts on an HPDE weekend, race weekend, bring it all.

Hoses
Belts
Water Pump
Brake pads, rotors, fluid
Couple Qts of oil
I've not had issues with breaking motor mounts on the E36, but I had spares for the E30
Other stuff that's been mentioned already

a spares box is always a good idea. A medium sized plastic tub should hold as much as you'd want to possibly fix on the road. Most of it will be cooling system related for the E36. One way to handle it is to bring the takeoffs from the front of the motor.
if you question the water pump, tensioner, belt, or hoses, throw new ones on and take the ones you took off with you as spares. A new thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator cap, and tstat housing gasket is also a good idea.

A spare radiator is nice, but less easily lugged around.

Staying on top of the big things like the radiator, heater hoses, coolant expansion tank, and alternator will minimize the chance of something going not well at the track. Alternator is the annoying one for me. I'll probably start swapping alternators on new-to-me cars as a matter of course. If its about a decade old on your car, throw another one at it for grinz.
I have an aluminum radiator and a brand new expansion tank. My pads, rotors, lines, radiator cap, control arms, and treehouse bushings are all brand new.

+1 ^ and brake pads
I didn't keep my old pads, since they were dead. :az

If you haven't already read it, go here and look at the First Track Day thread.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476935

Lots of useful info in there.

Additionally, there's a Wal Mart right at the exit (603) you'll get off at for TH. It's on the west side of I-5. If you need a cheap cooler and ice for cold water, it's an easy trip to/from the track. Something you wouldn't have to transport on your trip. You'll want to have plenty of cold water to keep you hydrated.

Both NCRC and TrackMasters provide drinks but sometimes the're not close to where you're pitted.

Jay
Thanks for the tips on drinks.

The reason I posted this thread was because I'm more concerned about availability of parts since I'm going to be 600 miles from my familiar grounds. I'm well versed in what tools and other equipment to bring to an event, but I don't usually bring any spares. :az I have an extra thermostat in my garage my other than that, I don't have any maintenance items. I guess I should definitely get a belt.

Now the part that is making me wonder is my waterpump and thermostat. I know I replaced them 3.5 years ago, but I can't remember if I have done them since then, probably not. The waterpump and thermostat housing are both the good kind. Do you think I should replace them after 3.5 years? :dunno

If you are surrounded by mechanics and have a race weekend consisting of multiple days it makes more sense to bring spares.
I'll be gone for 5 days, but I don't really need a mechanic for 99% of the stuff that I could break at a track. I've replaced all of it myself tons of times on the e36 as well as other people's cars. :embarrasm

Btw, here is the list I compiled last night:
o Helmet
o Gloves
o Shoes
o Socks
o Event Paperwork
o License
o Bentley Manual
o CD’s
o Cash
o Checkbook
o CC’s
o Reservation Paperwork
o Pillow
o U-Haul Packing Blanket(s)
o Digital Camera
o Card Reader
o Camcorder
o Firewire Cable
o Laptop
o Laptop Charger
o Camera Mount
o Cell Phone
o Car Charger and Wall Charger
o Sunscreen
o Sunglasses
o Hat
o Chair
o Towel
o Clothes
o Toiletries
o Tool Box
o Floor Jack
o Jack Stands
o Rubber Gloves
o Zip Ties
o Tire Pressure Gauge
o Air Compressor
o Glass Cleaner
o Paper Towels
o Oil (2 quarts)
o Super Blue (1 can)
o Pentosin
o Brake Cleaner
o ATF (power steering fluid)
o Anti-Seize
o Gasket-Maker

Truck and trailer... :D

Truck and trailer... :D

+1
:cool

Kim, when are you going to be up there? You're going to Sears on July 21st right? If so, I'm going to be up there(Laguna) for MotoGP that weekend. I might be up there for ~5 days too.

Don't forget a funnel and gas cans unless you just buy gas at the track. Also I usually bring some extra batteries for the digital camera and ziplock bags for random dirty stuff i may need to bring home. Have fun

I wish I had a truck and trailer. That will definitely have to wait until I'm done with school and making money.

Elmer, I will be leaving for Davis on the 18th and will be at Thunderhill on the 20th and Infineon (hopefully) on the 21st.

As far as gas goes, it would probably be easier for me to fill up in town and buy gas from the track if I run low. I *so far* haven't been able to drain a tank in one day. :az

Nice thing about an E36 is that someone might have the part you don't. Second, there are resources around in Nor Cal and I am sure us locals could help you out. I have my belts, hoses, and water pump replaced every 60k so I now have a box of used stuff I just throw in the car for every event. Doesn't mean I could actually install them myself but I am sure I could usually find some help. I do need to order an assortment of potential gaskets.

I wish I had a truck and trailer. That will definitely have to wait until I'm done with school and making money.
You know all it takes to do out of town track events in your daily driver is good prep, luck, and balls. :D

Hey, I've been there with ya - I did lots of out of town autocrossing, drag racing, and track events in my college days in a combo daily driver/race car. I couldn't even afford a tire trailer until late in my college days, so the second set of wheels/tires (usually some cheap or free scrubs/take-offs) went in the back seat. Break downs only left me stranded once in the "many" years I was at Texas A&M - blown intake coolant seal at Texas World Speedway, but a local friend gave me a tow back to town. Still, I drove the car home broken or on corded tires more than once...

Glad I'm past those school/racing daze, though. :) I don't even like driving across town to a race without the truck and trailer now! Changing tires in the Texas heat? Pshaw, not anymore! Spoiled... but us old farts need these breaks. We tire easily.

Just take plenty of duct tape and zip ties - You'll be fine. :D

You know all it takes to do out of town track events in your daily driver is good prep, luck, and balls. :D


I think she's outta luck if all 3 are needed :rolleyes

Well luckily for me, the e36 isn't my daily. I know that I'll be very careful and I believe my e36 is extremely well maintained.

I guess the only question is if I wanna drop even more money that I don't have on hoses, belts, waterpump (might as well get the Stewart one) and another aluminum t-stat housing. :az

heh, to me pads, rotors, oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc... are "consumables" instaed of "spares". :stickoutt

Well luckily for me, the e36 isn't my daily. I know that I'll be very careful and I believe my e36 is extremely well maintained.

I guess the only question is if I wanna drop even more money that I don't have on hoses, belts, waterpump (might as well get the Stewart one) and another aluminum t-stat housing. :az

Theres no reason to carry a spare housing, just the o-rings for it and maybe a thermostat. But even that might be a little overboard.

There will be several other E36s at these events. There are auto parts stores in Willows. Not sure what's close to Sears Point but there are fab shops on site. If you need a part from a dealer, the closest to Willows is probably Sac about 1.5hrs away. I'm sure there are BMW dealers not too far from Sonoma. They're probably on every corner in Marin county :rolleyes

And, I have a pretty well equipped trailer.

You should be fine. Relax and enjoy.

Jay

You know all it takes to do out of town track events in your daily driver is good prep, luck, and balls. :D

I think she's outta luck if all 3 are needed :rolleyesYeah, but judging from the way Kim drives, I'd say she has a serious set of ovaries. :thumbup:


Just take plenty of duct tape and zip ties - You'll be fine. :DNo lie, I had to change rotors at my last DE because the pad deposits/warping were driving me nuts. I had forgotten to bring my brake bleeder box, the one with the heavy wire to hold the caliper and keep it from dangling by the hose, so I had to use a bunch of zip ties linked together instead.

zip ties FTW!

The E36 PS hose/cooler line assembly is notorious for failing at the swedged on section between the cooler section and the hose to the rack.

This is one where its really nice for your fellow E36 drivers to KEEP your old grungy one that your replace with a shiney one BEFORE failure. This way the guy that has one go bad and buy yours off you at emergent trackside prices (heh) and still have fun that weekend.

Didn't read the list that carefully, but a big bottle of (generic) Aleve is my favorite thing at the track.... takes care of the frequent aches and pains, headaches, sore muscles etc...


Alex.

My powesteering lines are actually pretty new. I hooked up an automatic transmission cooler to help cool my ps fluid. It worked like a dream. No more whining and noise. :D

Extra front wheel bearing. You can replace it in 20-25 minutes at the track if you're in a rush. ask me how i know.

I wish I had a truck and trailer. That will definitely have to wait until I'm done with school and making money.

Elmer, I will be leaving for Davis on the 18th and will be at Thunderhill on the 20th and Infineon (hopefully) on the 21st.

As far as gas goes, it would probably be easier for me to fill up in town and buy gas from the track if I run low. I *so far* haven't been able to drain a tank in one day. :az
Cool. Maybe I can come out and watch/help you out at Thunderhill. I don't think I'll be doing anything that day. Still haven't been there but will be doing a trackday in October over there.

Cool. Maybe I can come out and watch/help you out at Thunderhill. I don't think I'll be doing anything that day. Still haven't been there but will be doing a trackday in October over there.

That's an awful long haul to just go and watch/hang out.... unless you're ridepooling up. A buddy that you can talk to in the car makes long hauls like that much easier.

misc metric nuts/bolts/washers
muffler hangers

ps good thread

There will be several other E36s at these events. There are auto parts stores in Willows. Not sure what's close to Sears Point but there are fab shops on site. If you need a part from a dealer, the closest to Willows is probably Sac about 1.5hrs away. I'm sure there are BMW dealers not too far from Sonoma. They're probably on every corner in Marin county :rolleyes

And, I have a pretty well equipped trailer.

You should be fine. Relax and enjoy.

Jay

Bingo. It's good to have some spare parts, but it's BAD when you're worried about bringing spare parts rather than being excited about the track event. I always just bring enough tools to fix what I can, know that I can buy spare parts if I don't have it with me, and have AAA Premium to tow me back for worst case scenario.

Just make sure you got your radiator cap on tight. :D

That's an awful long haul to just go and watch/hang out.... unless you're ridepooling up. A buddy that you can talk to in the car makes long hauls like that much easier.

Just make sure they don't eat bean burritos from roach-coach before the trip!

That's an awful long haul to just go and watch/hang out.... unless you're ridepooling up. A buddy that you can talk to in the car makes long hauls like that much easier.
A little over 2 hours? My brother is about that far away and that's where I'll be staying at.

A little over 2 hours? My brother is about that far away and that's where I'll be staying at.

Ah ok... I was guessing based on your location info that said San Diego. :) THAT would be quite the long haul!

Kim,

Prestige BMW is in Santa Rosa, about 30 minutes from Infineon. The parts guys there are awesome and very knowledgeable. If you need any other help whilst you are up in the NorCal area, feel free to ask.

I have a spare 235/40/17 RA-1 scrub sitting in my garage (in the bay area) if you have a blowout or something and need one really bad. Thats assuming you use these tires I guess.

Okay, I found something else I need to replace before I head out. My throttle cable. :shifty

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/8555/throttlecablefa8.jpg

Luckily, I've done 2-3 of these before, so I know the tricks to making it not such a pita job.

I ended up finding hydrocarbons in my coolant last Monday. I pulled the head on Tuesday, and had it back together and running Saturday night. I had to replace the exhaust valves and valve guides, along with two broken keepers :help I put a VAC metal headgasket in there along with some arp head studs. So I'm bringing along a spare belt and spare hoses. I think the car is pretty darn happy tho. :)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4431/metalheadgasketqi1.jpg

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5641/arpstudsvd2.jpg

Damn, you been busy girl!