One of the first duties the M Coupe and I performed was attending an evo Active day at Bedford Autodrome. There was a fine selection of machinery present in the baking sunshine, including the usual gaggle of Caterhams, a couple of Strathcarrons, a spectacularly sideways 911 GT3 and an Impreza 22B on slicks. To my surprise there was also another M Coupe which, judging by the brake dust on its wheels, had clearly done a few laps before I arrived. According to its owner the stoppers are no match for hard circuit work.

Sure enough, three laps of the 3.6-mile GT circuit later, Y952 NBL's middle pedal goes alarmingly squishy. Disappointing for a car with such obvious sporting pretensions. Taking it easy for the rest of the afternoon, I rely on the slow-in-loads-of-smoke-and-opposite-lock-out technique. All great fun until a muted pop from the rear and a slight vibration force us to head to the paddock. Foolishly I had neglected to increase the tyre pressures to cope with such a hot day, and the right-hand rear tread pays the price. Stupid, stupid, stupid. The M Coupe now wears two spanking new rear Michelin Pilot Sports (at a fearsome ΂£189 a piece), which I fully intend to pump-up and deflate religiously before and after each track day.

Although it's a long way from needing a service, I visited my local BMW dealer to replace the puncture repair mousse, which we used to rescue the 205 GTI in last month's cover story. Helpful, friendly and efficient, Sycamore's of Peterborough ordered the parts (΂£43.55) and delivered them within a week. When the M Coupe's service lights starts to blink I know where I'll be happy to take it.