135i Race Car Project Thread

I can't believe I missed this thread - I have to get out of the E30 forum more often.

135 is such a perfect package!!!!! i know it's little but it's so perfect

Took my 128 to the track last week.
What a dog. I know it can run faster.
It seems like the computer / accelaration system is holding it back when I floor it
Are there some systems I need to override to allow the car to run free ?
Don't want to make any physical changes.
Is there a launch program ?
Maybe disable some of the computer logic like the DTC.
Anybody have some suggestions.
Thanks

Originally Posted by BMWElliott

Took my 128 to the track last week.
What a dog. I know it can run faster.
It seems like the computer / accelaration system is holding it back when I floor it
Are there some systems I need to override to allow the car to run free ?
Don't want to make any physical changes.
Is there a launch program ?
Maybe disable some of the computer logic like the DTC.
Anybody have some suggestions.
Thanks

Press and hold the DTC button for 5 seconds to disable. You should see a circle with a lightening bolt in it on the dash to indicate that the system is off.

Originally Posted by BMWElliott

Took my 128 to the track last week.
What a dog. I know it can run faster.
It seems like the computer / accelaration system is holding it back when I floor it
Are there some systems I need to override to allow the car to run free ?
Don't want to make any physical changes.
Is there a launch program ?
Maybe disable some of the computer logic like the DTC.
Anybody have some suggestions.
Thanks

I totally agree with you, I have a 2011 128i and it does feels like it has a lot of power but as if it's being stop by some kind programing, mine is auto and in the first two gears Ive notice it takes a whie to get power as if it didnt had any torque but from third on nothing could stop it!!!! I live in Miami and i raced the other day a friend of mine that has a civic si with injen intake, headers, and greddy exhaust and in the first two shift he was taking me, but then after that i was getting him but we had to stop because it was in the street!!! I don't unterstand how can a civic Si which has 197 HP and 139 lbs of torqueand let's say with those three parts it would be the most at about 215 HP and 155 lbs of torque, could take a BMW 128 without a problem!!! If this was an si then a gti would kill it!! Any advice, or any info would be appreciated!!!

Originally Posted by scottn2retro

Hi All -

I'm very excited to finally announce something we've had in the works now for months:

Total Lubricants USA and Nitto Tires are teaming up to have us race the 135i in BMW Club Racing. The car will begin it's racing career in the H-Stock class with our veteran driver Ralph Warren pursuing class track records in the new car.

This will be our 3rd year working with Nitto Tires and our first venture with Total Lubricants. The car will be racing on the Nitto NT01 DOT-R competition tire and using Total race fluids.

We've been racing in BMW Club Racing since the 2004 season, winning numerous regional and national championships and setting over a dozen class track records. We currently campaign the Crevier BMW/Nitto Tire e46 M3, but are looking forward to taking on the challenge of being the pioneers for racing the BMW 135i.



Bimmerfest.com wil be among the other sponsors displayed on the car. Other sponsors will be named later as agreements are reached.

www.total-us.com

www.nittotire.com

www.bimmerfest.com

www.hpautowerks.com/

www.borla.com/

www.impact-engineering.com/

www.sparcousa.com

www.crevierbmw.com

www.1addicts.com

The car we'll start with is a 135i with nothing put Sport Package. We picked up the car from Crevier on Friday, April 25th. Judy Ray, who is also runs Driving Concepts driving and race schools, is an outstanding Client Advisor and long time BMW enthusiast. A great BMW family member to get a car from.

Hi Res versions in my photo gallery:









Driver Ralph Warren and I picking up the keys from Judy Ray

Great car guys! I will look into the club events to see how I can be a part of it. I am a soldier coming home from war and Germany and it is time to get in the game with my 135i :-)

Nice thread!

THanks -

a LOT more current info on this thread:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211253

My question has to do with what insight you might be able to give those of us with 135s who are contemplating the performance chip upgrade (adding 20 HP or so ) and want to improve handling.

I road race a 1963 MGB, and thus am aware of how complicated suspension upgrades can be and least in wheel to wheel road course competition. I want to introduce my youngest son to SCCA Solo Ii, and will use the BMW for that. I love the car for road use but understand that when driven at track speeds it leaves something to be desired ( I have never tracked the car). I do not want to lower the car, or stiffen the springs, or go to adjustable shocks, or even buy a Solo II tire set. I want to keep it simple and fully roadable.

In another thread someone mentioned adding an M3 front sway bar. Is this a logical next step? Or would it unbalance the car without corresponding changes in the rear? Any insights would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by dcharnet

In another thread someone mentioned adding an M3 front sway bar. Is this a logical next step? Or would it unbalance the car without corresponding changes in the rear? Any insights would be appreciated.

an e90 M3 Convertible front sway bar is a pretty easy upgrade (I believe you may have to do the bushings and bushing brackets that hold it to the frame as well) and can help. The car has designed in understeer, so going to wider front tires can help. Track/street brake pads can help, but may dust like crazy. The car already has plenty of power, but a limited slip rear diff. make a lot of difference. Setting the car to the maximum front camber helps (it's not a lot, but there are slots up there).

Sunroof delete helped a lot. I believe I may actually still have the hard top head liner I never used if someone out there wants to convert to a hard top.

Wow that's an amazing info dude.

Originally Posted by scottn2retro

One thing we've tried this year is our attempt at rear sway bar improvement

What's your experience with the rear sway?