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just came across this thread - I have a 2012 135i/DCT M-Sport (64Kmiles) and I auto-x, errrr at least I did before covid. Anyway here's a few thoughts.
135i N55/DCT is fun and works as a daily driver (i needed a rear seat for my 5 yr old) and weekend auto-x very well but needs help on both fronts. With fold down rear seats I can make costco runs, load my bike (less front wheel) and even get my 8'10" surfboard inside.
My car already had the MPP installed so it makes 135is power ~320 HP/Torque. Feels plenty fast. I'll add a Dinan tune because at only $600 why not get >350hp and 400 torque? Also the Dinan tune doesn't write over the MPP which improves the exhaust note vs. stock.
The DCT works well in sport mode with sport shifting for both driving situations here in SOCAL where traffic gets stupid and there are lots of mountain/canyon runs.
My first Auto-X mod: I went out and bought Style 68 E46 M-sport wheels on CL for <$300 and wrapped them in Federal 595RS RR tires <$450, combined about the cost of a set of Bridgestone RE-71's alone. Auto-X ruins street tires. I also run Firestone Firehawk 500 street tires at +1 all around for both street and auto-x no problem.
The question you have ask yourself is: are doing auto-x for fun or to be fastest in the field? 135i = fun but the base suspension has so much understeer that its impossible to win overall. Gotta know that answer going in. There are improvements however.
After competing here in San Diego and winning in my small class a couple times I decided to improve the breathability and handling as I had more than enough power. The understeer/front wheel roll of the 135i even with MSport suspension cannot be understated.
I installed a Mishimoto FMIC because it required zero modification and I could do it in about an hour. I'm pleased.
Next I tackled the suspension in Mar 2020 so I haven't been able to AutoX on it but as a dd its been great.
I installed 1M/M3 front control arms and Power Flex black rear bushing inserts along with Dinan fixed camber plates, and Koni yellow and Eibach Cup Kit. Totally transformed the driving experience. I'm running -2 degrees camber up front and almost that much in the rear. The Power Flex blacks are inexpensive and worth the money. The rear end of these cars are super flexible and almost unstable at high breaking loads stock. Inserts are a fraction of the cost and effort of replacing bushings.
Everyone wants to modify the engine and body on these cars and that's cool (i plan to as well) but the 135i weakness are in the suspension and interior. So I modified both and now I love my car. My car had the sensatec interior that was in perfect condition but oh boy was it drab! And the inside is where we spend the majority of our time. I re-upholstered mine in a scottish tartan/leather with red stitching also covering all 5 arm rests in padded leather. What a huge improvement on the enjoyment scale. I also wanted a car that didn't have nav as the systems are old tech and the big screen on the dash looks awful long term. That's why we all have a smart phones, right?
anyway hope this helps and that auto-x returns asap.
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