Carrera BMW M3 DTM Coupe - Home Racing World & The Slot Car Garage

09/24/2013

1/32nd Scale Carrera BMW M3 DTM Coupe - Schnitzer Motorsports

It was very easy to choose this new model from Carrera. Aside from it being an all new car, it has appeal in other areas that simply make it a model I had to have. Since I am not the only one who has been waiting for these to arrive, let us get right to fun shall we?

And fun is exactly what I expect this car will deliver.

*NOTE* This is a digital car that was converted to analog. Conversion to analog is EASY by just pulling the trigger on your track 3 times.

Here is a quick video on converting digital to analog with the chipset still installed.

DIGITAL to ANALOG CONVERSION VIDEO

The chip has been removed for our review to show you how easy it can be done. Just disconnect the plugs, remove the chip and plug it back in. Now you can offer this chip to those who race digital or keep it for the future. If you want lights, then just keep it installed.

DATA AT A GLANCE

Length- 150 mm (bumper to bumper 156 with wing)
Width - 62 mm (At widest section of rear fenders)
Height - 38 mm
Wheelbase - 85.70 mm
Total Weight - 100 grams

* Spare mirrors are located in the back of the case *

The DTM Series might be new to you. If so check out the website and learn more about it. Inside you can find photos of this model and you can judge how well Carrera has captured it in our scale.

Overall I am very pleased. The fit and finish is as good as it gets in our hobby with very clear markings.

Looks menacing doesn't it? The matte finish really adds to the look of the car and is prototypical.

What really catches the eye is the interior. The visible roll bar and driver really draw you in. Carrera keeps on proving that a half tray type interior works fine in our hobby when you take the time to add small detail touches.

Wheels and tires are also nicely done. Markings are nice and so is the visible brake rotor detail.

They also seem very round and true with a medium tire compound.

4 screws mount the body to the chassis. After removal we see the inner workings and it is what I expected. Standard E200 motor in the inline configuration with a 9 tooth pinion that mates with the 27 tooth crown gear.

The dual magnets are here with shims for you to adjust to your liking.

Track Test
MIDMO International Speedway
4x16 - 3 Lane MDF - Satin/Flat Latex Surface
SCC Braid/Flush Mount - Pyramid PS26KX Aftermarket Power @12 Volts
2 Types Of Control For Testing - Professor Motor 2110 Controllers/Parma 25 OHM

The first few laps were positive. Although the front guide is a little high inside the chassis that allows the front tires to support the car a bit too much for my liking, all in all it ran just fine. It seemed to slide out a little easier than I expected, but once the tires were sanded and clean this decreased.

Decent braking and acceleration as most Carrera models have today using this motor. The wheel hop it had out of the box was reduced by tire sanding and I am sure once the front end has the same work, things will smoothen out.

Aftermarket tires? Well, this is an all new wheel but if you are familiar with Paul Gage tires you will be just fine. The wheel is the same size as the Porsche GT3 RSR except that the inner rib is slightly larger in diameter. I sanded the inner rib on the wheels down on our Tire Razor to make sure they were true and then slipped on PGT 21125's. They still had a slight crown to them but they worked. PG Tires will be announcing what exact tire they advise soon.

Lap times were an average of 4.1 seconds. This is not blistering fast, but it isn't too bad either.

Remember that this car is running on a surface it was never designed for. Plus there is still plenty of tuning options that we have not completed yet. The advanced racer will make this model run the way they want it to easily enough. The newcomer will simply enjoy it as the dual magnet system keeps it planted very well.

The bottom line is that I am very happy with the model. I do not expect all slot cars to run the same, in fact I am glad they don't. I want models that have character all to themselves and this one has that. And our plan is to grab the two other USA releases and run them together like they should be. This will make a great "IROC" type series for our track and look forward in adding them soon.

I like a good value in our hobby and Carrera continues to offer us that with good quality slot cars at the best price in our hobby. I am glad we still have a source for affordable models that allow those with tighter budgets to join in the fun. I think you should think about picking one of these up soon and seeing for yourself what they have to offer.

-Harry

Contact ME here about this review or the hobby in general.

Thanks Go To CincySlot.Com For Sponsoring This Review

Check out the two other cars coming soon!