They seriously argued that brakes often go bad after just six months of driving?
Rocker arms were replaced a few months ago, so I’m leaning toward scumbucketry gouging attempt 
Nope, it was calipers . . . this is the point my brain went WTF?
The Beast had a mechanical issue halfway through today, so I sat out the last two runs. The engine limped out when I hit the throttle out of a curve to 90mph on a straightaway. Fortunately, I was surrounded by a hundred hardcore BMW guys. They pulled the codes, wrapped some electrical tape around a cracked plug, and changed out cylinder three. I probably could have done more runs, but there were a few codes that concerned me and I wanted to make sure I could do the 70 miles home today.
I had a GREAT time! My body has been flooded with so much adrenaline these last two days that I’m just now starting to come down 
I learned a lot and plan to do more HPDEs when I get the car checked out (a priority after mechanics will be front track seats; the cable/motor is screwed on the Bimmer seats and they are really jacked, especially after my large instructor spent a few hours in passenger side).
So, my big ol’ heavy 530 will never be the fastest car on the track, but she did admirably. Many folks came to look at the car and thought she was beautiful; some younger guys had never seen an '02 530i in the wild.
. . .looks like I have a new, expensive hobby. 
Forgot to add: I was worried that everyone else would have gorgeous race-ready cars; I was relieved when I saw some of the junk people were driving.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I am unbelievably jealous. Did you (have to ask) get any pics?
You have been lucky my friend! I can tell a caliper is worn when my pad and rotor life reduce by about 75%. Also had a caliper seize, partly due to just plain old age.
You would have a belly-laugh if you saw my shit! Of course, you wouldn’t. None of them would pass the inspection, I bet.
One of my e10’s has rusted solid calipers. A project for the next owner, to be sure. 
I ordered some prints from the photo guy who was doing the event.
Check out HPDE events in your part of the world! You don’t need a hyped-up track car, just a decent driver (remind me: Are you a Bimmer person?)
Yes, Bimmer. Right now I have the M3 version of the X3. I was going to ask you if anyone had X3s there. I would not ordinarily be gung-ho to drive my SUV on the track, but since it’s what I have at the moment…
I’ve done a track day where one of the drivers was behind the wheel of a Honda Element. Gotta drive what you got.
That said, you also have to be prepared to wad up what you got. I can’t think of a track day I either participated in or observed that didn’t have at least one accident resulting in big damage. And most insurers will no longer cover even instructional events at a motorsports facility. The last track day I did, I was behind an S4 when it split an oil hose and doused the racing line. Had I been just a little closer, it would have not been the pucker moment that it was, but a major off-track excursion that probably would have totalled my Elise.
I just now realized, or maybe I forgot, that you have a BMW. *One of Us! One of Us! *
I’ve got an M badge on one of my e30’s. Found it in a junkyard. Makes it go faster! 
Hi Sunny: I also have an X3 (love it!) but, at least in the Northeast BMWCCA events, you’r not allowed to track the X SAV series nor a Mini Cooper convertible (I own both these cars in addition to the 530). Hardtop Minis are allowed. I was disappointed I couldn’t use my X, but the gnarly cornering and throttle made it instantly obvious that a low center of gravity was a must.
Peruse the BMW CCA site for event and requirement info. The track I did had M-series coupes for daily rental; if you’re interested in HP driving, think about renting a track car to get a feel for it. If you like intense adrenaline experiences, this kind of driving will blow you away Keep me updated!
Would you believe they sell a M of the x3, which is ridiculous in my not so humble opinion. Don’t ask me why I have it. Just. No.
Wow, that seems kinda . . . unecessary:eek: mine has more power than I’d ever consider topping out in an SUV.
Now I want to park it next to a “not M” and crawl around on them and compare the differences. 
That would be the point where I would be sharing the quote and the subsequent inspection with my state’s Attorney General’s Office.
Because that is FRAUD.
It’s a thing. Here’s one article. I can find others if you want.
My main objection to my having one is the money I spent on it, not the fun I have driving it.
How new is that? They don’t list the model on the BMW website yet even.
Good point. I’m trying to dig around.
I believe that the M I have is actually a “lighter” version of the one I linked to. It’s older (not a 2017). BMW definitely made it though.
I find it on the website if I go to X3, models, and then Build Your Own. One of the options from there is “M Sport”.