[dcaron9999]

I just started the 2014 lapping season this evening in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. Was eager to test my new endurance brake pads (Carbotech XP10), and Quaife LSD. Temperature was cold (8 degrees Celcius/46 degrees Fahrenheit). I am quite happy with the braking performance, with no or very little fade towards the end of my session. After four 20 minute sessions, the front pads already are thinner than the rear pads. Im a bit surprised by that. I now understand why people get a more robust pad in the front than in the rear (XP12f and XP10r).

I have the M3 front control arms, and Camber plates set to max, and my alignment is -3.2. I have RE-11 tires (225/40R18f and 255/35R18r), maintain my hot pressure below 40PSI, but still get outside edge wear and some understeer. My RE-11 front tire outside edge tread is almost gone (looks like slicks). Maybe the sidewalls of this tire is too soft, even with correct pressure in them.

I need advice on next modification on my 135i to increase my cornering turn-in speeds. Turn out speed is much better with my LSD, but still overwhelming my rear tires (could use a little more traction). I consider myself an intermediate/advanced driver.

To those who track their 135i on stock suspension, how much does the E92/M3 and E93/M3 Front Sway Bar help with reduction of understeer?

I wonder what the next logical and affordable modification I should invest in to reduce understeer even more, without sacrificing rear traction. Budget is $1000-$1500.

Scenario #1 : Get E93/M3 Front Sway bar. Evaluate results on the track, and move on to the next logical upgrade if required (Swift springs and Koni sport struts).

Scenario #2 - On my stock style 261 RIMs, get wider/stickier Extreme Performance tires in the front (235/40R18), or narrower in back (245/35R18, to approach square setup. I would hate to do that because I want best traction possible to have my Quaife LSD (with 3.46 final drive ratio) put the power down. This is already a challenge in second gear with RE-11 tires.

Scenario #3 - On my stock style 261 RIMs, get R-compound/streetable tires (front = 225/40R18, and rear=245/35R18, or 255/35R18). I wonder if stickier tires and stiffer sidewalls would help my situation.

Scenario #4 - Get a dedicated set of 17" style 68 M RIMS (7.5x17 and 8.5x17) shod with R-compound 225/45R17f and 255/40R17r. Keep my my stock style 261 RIMs for street use, or sell them altogether as I use the car mainly for lapping events (70%) and street (30%). Besides the major advantage of lighter RIMS and reduced unsprung weight, I wonder if this choice would result in better or worse traction than scenario #3.

Open to your suggestions. Thanks for your help!