135i N55 Track Build - 245 Square on Style 261

[Carficionado]

Been meaning to post for a while to share my progress. I bought a 135i earlier this year and have been modifying it to eventually become a strictly track car. I couldn't find anybody on the forum running the Style 261 square, so I thought to share that it is possible.

List of Mods:
1M/M3 control arms all around
1M/M3 Strut tower brace
ICS Track/Drift N1 Coil overs
Style 261 8.5" all around on 245 Continental ExtremeContact Sport
20mm spacers in the front and 12.5mm in the rear. Rolled fenders in the front
Hawk HPS pads
Exhaust
Charge pipe
MHD tune

Plans for 2023 is to upgrade the oil pump/pan to the S55 setup, get an LSD, new clutch to handle the future power upgrades, install the acc belt preventative failure stuff and hopefully buy a trailer.

I'm out in New England, the goal is to make into GRIDLIFE next year, perhaps Street class. So far, I have been to both Canaan and Palmer. Going to Club this weekend.

[Carficionado]

Here is a nice pic out in Canaan, running with the MassTuning guys.
and here is a video of my time trial. Unfortunately, I bitched out on turn 5 and didn't go full out on this lap....but I did do it that day

[Gary@simod.net]

I would be interested to see how the S55 pan and pump work on the N55 since they eat motors on track.. Mine ate itself on the street 83k miles

I ran oem square on both of my 135s 255/35-18 tight but no issues.

And you need to raise the car up at least 1/2 inch. It will handle better. You can also run more spring in the rear than they sell with the ISC. I own a suspension company we spec the E82 kits with 10k front 14k rear it helps them rotate better. ISC use to spec them 10k 12k which is not high enough split on the E82

[houtan]

Looking forward to seeing the s55 pan and pump retrofit as well.

[Carficionado]

Originally Posted by Gary@simod.net

I would be interested to see how the S55 pan and pump work on the N55 since they eat motors on track.. Mine ate itself on the street 83k miles

I ran oem square on both of my 135s 255/35-18 tight but no issues.

And you need to raise the car up at least 1/2 inch. It will handle better. You can also run more spring in the rear than they sell with the ISC. I own a suspension company we spec the E82 kits with 10k front 14k rear it helps them rotate better. ISC use to spec them 10k 12k which is not high enough split on the E82

I have raised the car to max of what the ISC can do, which is still a drop compared to stock. The ISCs have been great so far.

I am still collecting parts for the oil pan/pump upgrade, nothing to show there. I reached out to FCP Euro and got some answers to make sure I have the correct parts list.

I had some serious brake fade last year, did a flush this spring and had some trouble with a rusted fitting, the car is on jack stands waiting on a new brake pipe. I am now considering making the F8x brake swap a priority. A few people running 135i's for Time Attack have mentioned that they can track for much longer on the F8x rotors and calipers before overheating.

[houtan]

Looking forward to hearing how your s55 oil pan retrofit goes.

Someone was trying to retrofit the s55 pan to ann e series n55 and ran into some clearance issues. Not sure if it helps but here is the thread: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1900045

[ByeByeVTEC]

Following for updates on the S55 oil pump job!

Anyone got 2 Style 261 rear wheels lying around?

[fe1rx]

Originally Posted by ByeByeVTEC

Following for updates on the S55 oil pump job!

Anyone got 2 Style 261 rear wheels lying around?

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=29265878

[amg6975]

Originally Posted by Carficionado

I had some serious brake fade last year, did a flush this spring and had some trouble with a rusted fitting, the car is on jack stands waiting on a new brake pipe. I am now considering making the F8x brake swap a priority. A few people running 135i's for Time Attack have mentioned that they can track for much longer on the F8x rotors and calipers before overheating.

Couple thoughts here: you can fairly easily go to E9x 335i brakes that are a significant improvement and if you sell the 135 Brembos you can actually make money doing the swap. The F8x brakes are a big improvement but are still a huge compromise to a proper BBK. If you happen to be leaving DSC on, this can contribute a lot to fade, as it mostly uses the front brakes to "correct" any yaw.

My suggestion is go to a 335 set up, spend the cash on nice two-piece rotors, higher end pads, and some sort of simple duct set up. You'll have a more functional solution than the F8x, and have less money into it if/when you want to go full BBK.

Downside is it definitely doesn't look as cool.