135i Track Records - Road Courses

[fboutlaw]

Username of car owner: fboutlaw
Driver Name: Brian
Track: Laguna Seca
Configuration: Full
Lap Time: 1:48.8 (traqmate datalogger)
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup

[Ryan239]

Username of car owner: Ryan239
Car: 2011 135i DCT
Driver Name: Ryan
Track: Watkins Glen
Configuration: Long Course
Lap Time: 2:19.58 (G2X GPS data logger)
Tires: Stock runflats
Track Conditions: Dry, 63f, overcast
Mods: None

[Groundpilot]

Originally Posted by Ryan239

Username of car owner: Ryan239
Car: 2011 135i DCT
Driver Name: Ryan
Track: Watkins Glen
Configuration: Long Course
Lap Time: 2:19.58 (G2X GPS data logger)
Tires: Stock runflats
Track Conditions: Dry, 63f, overcast
Mods: None

2:19 at WGI with a stock 135i on run flats is very impressive
I have the same car, 2011 DCT, but modded. My best personal lap time at WGI was 2:12.7 on Hoosiers 245/275

[Ginger_Extract]

Username of car owner: Ginger_Extract
Car: 2010 135i 6MT
Driver Name: Jake
Track: Buttonwillow
Configuration: 13CW
Lap Time: 2:07.2
Tires: 255 RS3
Track Conditions: Dry, 70*F
Mods: JB4 Map 1, TCK Singles/Vorshlag, 255 RS3, etc.

First time running more than stock boost at the track. As is, the car should run a 2:05 under my power, as I had trouble with traffic. Rear tires are hosed, so couldn't really used 2nd gear without doing spinning the tires. Fresh rubber and some bravery, and I may well see my 2:03 target for 2015.

[michaelace]

Just for perspective;

Laguna Seca, 1997

Fast lap 1:25.756
VW 1800cc Rabbit, homebuilt (2 valve, non crossflow, single cam.)
Goodyear bias ply
Anson Super Vee, sorta homebuilt

Mike McHugh
128i DD and autocross

[E82MSport]

Username of car owner: E82MSport
Driver Name: Tyler
Track: Grattan Raceway
Configuration: CW
Lap Time: 1:36.88
Tires: MPSS 245F 255R

[02rsxpilot]

Originally Posted by wjk_glynn

I know we're only supposed to mention our own members' laptimes... but for reference (professional driver) Randy Pobst ran a 1:46 at Laguna Seca in a N54 135i (w/stock RFTs).

Karl.

Like folks probably already know, it is worth mentioning that press cars are often not identical to what we buy off the lot. I spoke with someone on very good authority yesterday at Laguna that the 135i in that video was most likely running more power than stock. I could go into it in more detail but the more I run at LS in my 135i, and then watch that video, the more I also begin to believe this most likely the case. 1:46 is seriously quick.

[wjk_glynn]

Originally Posted by michaelace

Just for perspective;

Laguna Seca, 1997

Fast lap 1:25.756
VW 1800cc Rabbit, homebuilt (2 valve, non crossflow, single cam.)
Goodyear bias ply
Anson Super Vee, sorta homebuilt

Mike McHugh
128i DD and autocross

Here are the recent IMSA Tudor United SportsCar Championship qualifying results from Laguna Seca: http://www.imsa.com/sites/default/fi...Qualifying.pdf

A time of 1:25 puts that Super Vee between the GTD and PC/GTLM classes.

Karl.

[wjk_glynn]

Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot

...1:46 is seriously quick.

I think the words 'mind boggling' came to mind when I first saw that, especially when I compare it to my times.

But on the other hand, Randy is a professional race car driver and is wheeled out by Motor Trend to put down fast consistent laps. He literally does this for a living.

So I'd be very interested to hear more about your source, who's saying that 135i was a ringer. It's not unknown with Ferrari being the most suspect. But I didn't think the German companies of BMW, Porsche and MB were inclined to do that.

Karl.

PS: Here's Motor Trend's Laguna Seca times for the past recent years (and where I got the 135i time). Many of those times were put down by Randy.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/laguna_lap/

[02rsxpilot]

Originally Posted by wjk_glynn

I think the words 'mind boggling' came to mind when I first saw that, especially when I compare it to my times.

But on the other hand, Randy is a professional race car driver and is wheeled out by Motor Trend to put down fast consistent laps. He literally does this for a living.

So I'd be very interested to hear more about your source, who's saying that 135i was a ringer. It's not unknown with Ferrari being the most suspect. But I didn't think the German companies of BMW, Porsche and MB were inclined to do that.

Karl.

PS: Here's Motor Trend's Laguna Seca times for the past recent years (and where I got the 135i time). Many of those times were put down by Randy.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/laguna_lap/

I don't want to go into too much detail just because this is all anecdotal but suffice it to say we're talking about someone with 25+ years of racing experience, and a lot of experience with BMW.

However, maybe we don't have to rely on anecdotes and conjecture. If the press car was running more power, we can tell by comparing to a stock car (mine). The best section to test this on is the apex of T11 to start/finish. T11 is the slowest corner, offering the least differential in minimum speed relative to driving skill. Comparing the MT video to my best time (bone stock motor, but ZII tires), both cars took almost exactly 10 seconds to cover this distance. If the press car had more power, it would have done it quicker.

[02rsxpilot]

So for a full breakdown for anyone interested in how you pull off a 1:46 in a stock 135i at LS, here's what I see:

If we compare the fastest section where driver talent (cornering speed) will make the most difference, that is the apex of T4 to the braking zone for T5 (the pedestrian bridge makes a good reference point). I pulled this off in just about 9 seconds. Randy did it in 8. Considering I had stickier tires, this is substantial.

T5-T6 bridge, based on the beginning of the blue/white curb (because MT video doesn't give a good shot of the apex), both times were about 5 seconds. That's good because I always feel slow through T5 but maybe I'm not so bad.

T6-T8 (3rd brake marker, or basically the top of the hill) both cars cover the distance in about 11 seconds. Another "phew" moment for me because T6 is a tough corner to get right consistently.

T8 (top of corkscrew)-T11 (3rd brake marker) Randy does it in 21 seconds, my video shows 22. Of note here, Randy uses all of the track and then some exiting T10, right out to the very edge of the curb.

Lastly then we circle back to start/finish to the apex in T3 (due to camera angles), Randy takes 23 seconds, I take 25. It was close at points prior to that.

Thus, I guess I conclude the 1:46 is legit and not the benefit of a more powerful press version of the car. You pull a time like that off by squeezing every little bit out of every corner. Major epiphany, I know.

[ilikebmxbikes]

Driver: Matt Powers
Car: v8 1m clone
Track: willow springs
Time: 1:31
Tires: Toyo r888 265/35/18 and 275/35/18

[tuj]

Username of car owner: tuj
Car: 2013 135i 6-speed
Track: Ponce International Speedway
Configuration: Normal
Lap Time: 1:43.27 (Harry's lap timer)
Tires: Dunlop RFT stock
Mods: BMS intake, BMW PE

[YarkoDrives]

about 2 years ago.

Username of car owner: YarkoDrives
Track: Pikes Peak Intl Raceway
Configuration: 3/4 Oval to infield, counter-clockwise
Lap Time: 1:13
Tires: off the lot oem Pilot Sport Runflats
Car: 135is

video is warmup lap, 1:15, 1:13, lap to paddock.

First time taking the new car out

[cmark8]

Originally Posted by YarkoDrives

about 2 years ago.

Username of car owner: YarkoDrives
Track: Pikes Peak Intl Raceway
Configuration: 3/4 Oval to infield, counter-clockwise
Lap Time: 1:13
Tires: off the lot oem Pilot Sport Runflats
Car: 135is

video is warmup lap, 1:15, 1:13, lap to paddock.

First time taking the new car out

Did you blue tape the whole car? That's a whole lot of work!

[Mernardi]

Username of car owner: Mernardi
Driver Name: Keith
Track: Autobahn Country Club (ABCC)
Configuration: Full
Lap Time: 3:01.33 (Harry's Lap Timer)
Tires: Federal 595 RSR

Average speed: 70 mph
Max Speed: 110 mph

Unfortunately no video as my window mount/phone flew off and nearly out of my window For comparison my brother's supercharged E92 M3 ran a 2:57 hitting a max speed of 130 mph.

[Nugget]

Username of car owner: Nugget
Driver Name: Luke
Track: Barbagallo Raceway
Configuration: Long Track
Lap Time: 67.1370 (Natsoft Race Results)
Tires: Toyo R888s
Link to video or results (optional): Second lap of video

[YarkoDrives]

Originally Posted by cmark8

Did you blue tape the whole car? That's a whole lot of work!

Had just taken delivery of the car, left the car at appointment for Plastidip earlier that week, but since the paint was less than 6 months old the Dip could not be applied. I picked the car up undipped and covered it with 3 rolls of painters tape. I-25 in colorado roads are know for rock chips.

While I was taping the car a guy from the office park came out and said that's a pretty good practical joke. he assumed we were pranking someone.

the car is now happily dipped.

[2PUTT]

Originally Posted by YarkoDrives

Had just taken delivery of the car, left the car at appointment for Plastidip earlier that week, but since the paint was less than 6 months old the Dip could not be applied. I picked the car up undipped and covered it with 3 rolls of painters tape. I-25 in colorado roads are know for rock chips.

While I was taping the car a guy from the office park came out and said that's a pretty good practical joke. he assumed we were pranking someone.

the car is now happily dipped.

why didn't you just do a full front Xpel than a dip?

[Hit Redline]

Username of car owner: Hit Redline
Driver Name: Chris
Track: Streets of Willow
Configuration: CCW
Lap Time: 1:30.720
Tires: Bridgeston Pontenza RE-71R 235/265
Date: 7-25-15
Track Temps: 100+

First time on the track with the 135 and 2 things needed before next track outing.

Upgrade brakes as after 5 laps was getting brake fade. Going to try different pads, thinking EBC yellow and better fluid.

Need a harness to hold me in the seat.

Car has way more potential than my posted time recorded. I have run this track in a Speed3 with a 1:28 and the 135 has more power, grip, just a way better car in general.

[n54pete]

Username of car owner: n54pete
Driver Name: Pete You
Track: Gingerman
Configuration: long (cw)
Lap Time: 1:50.068
Tires: DZ2s

stock brakes did not do well, lots of brake fade.
this was also my first time on a real track.
headed to waterford hills next week, with new rotors, pads, and fluid, should be fun.

[dvas]

Track: Lime Rock Park
Configuration: Standard
Lap Time:1.05.5
Tires: Direzza ZII

Fastest lap in this video seems to be midway, the full lap immediately after I pass the blue E90.

Car is completely stock with the exception of upgraded tires and ferodo pads. With a little more seat time, I think I can get into the 4's. I'm leaving some speed on the table, especially in the downhill - you can see my frustration in the video as the 944 pulls on me there.

I think a faster driver at the instructor level in a stock car would get into 3's and possibly just be able to get into the low 3's but would be hard-pressed to go any faster than that. But, I'd love to be proven wrong.