The 1 series is a fantastic car to drive daily, but have you tracked it?

[1spirit]

To whoever said, "the 135i is a surprisingly great car." I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

The 135i has served me well as a daily commuter as well as road trips. Always enjoyable to drive yet still pretty practical. It can manage to fit a lot of cargo, whether it's shopping supplies for a party, carrying luggage and golf clubs for two, or picking up a full set of wheels and tires.

Two years ago when I tracked the car for the first time, it blew me away with its performance. Yes, the brakes were terrible, the tire shoulders were destroyed (PSS), and there was too much body roll. But it was still an absolute blast and the car was plenty fast!

Thanks to this forum, I've done a few mods, and the 135i just keeps getting faster on the track even though I'm still on the stock tune (8psi). I must say my need for an ///M car has dwindled substantially.

The ride is smooth and comfortable, can be driven long distances without complaints, and still is very capable on the race track... So far, I don't think I can be any happier with a different car. I guess I truly am a 1addict

I hardly see any 128i/135i's at the race tracks these days... Do you track your 1 series or have you experienced it on the race track? Please participate in the poll above!

Please note: Not autocross, just the race track

EDIT --------

Videos posted here:
3/02/16
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1232571
3/25/16
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...4#post19635394
4/14/16
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...2#post19760932

[Esteban]

Yes, you are sick... as we all are here. Coming to this forum only makes it worse! Welcome! BTW, we need pics.

[Ginger_Extract]

The looks and straight line speed of the 1'er partially make up for the deplorable handling. Even fully set up, it's still a pig, and it loves to overheat once you start going really fast.

[swagon]

I like watching on-board track vids on YouTube, but never had the desire to take the One to the track. It's a 3h drive to the two major circuits here which, aside from the costs point of view (track days eat tires and brakes), is an issue for me.

However, I would love to do the Nürburgring & Spa one day. Not in my car, though. I have seen way too many accidents on YouTube.

[Hops128i]

Only tracked it once, but planning on tracking a couple times this year.

[tock172]

I haven't tracked mine yet, but I absolutely intend to. Here are my predictions: brake fade and chunked front tires, but still a really fun experience.

[Olgeezer1]

Originally Posted by tock172

I haven't tracked mine yet, but I absolutely intend to. Here are my predictions: brake fade and chunked front tires, but still a really fun experience.

That's pretty much my experience. No changes to the car other than Bilsteins and summer performance tires. It's a great environment to have fun with your car driving it like it was meant to be driven without the fear of a ticket/arrest. It's something I think everyone should try at least once. I'm lucky to have beautiful Calabogie Motorsport Park only an hour away and the local car club includes an instructor with your entry fee.

[thehalcyon]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

That's pretty much my experience. No changes to the car other than Bilsteins and summer performance tires. It's a great environment to have fun with your car driving it like it was meant to be driven without the fear of a ticket/arrest. It's something I think everyone should try at least once. I'm lucky to have beautiful Calabogie Motorsport Park only an hour away and the local car club includes an instructor with your entry fee.

Hey there fellow ottawa 1er. I was hoping you could post or pm me details about signups for that? I'm in ottawa and have wanted to go to Calabogie for a while now but just haven't found the right occasion. I have my brother and dad visiting this summer and was hoping to take them up. PS I don't have a helmet that has been what has held me back in the past- I've tried a few on in local Ottawa stores and non seemed to fit well and price was $$$.

[PA135i]

Never tracked it. Never plan to. Just blasting by people on my everyday driving is enough for me. Still gets looks and comments when it's not moving. I'm at 102K and I can't get convince myself to get something to replace it. But, I am planning on getting another car for Winter and daily driving to keep the miles from climbing too fast.

[NorthernDancer]

Tracked my 128 twice at Calabogie and never had an issue. Ottawa BMW Club is best way to get started. There 1 day school is Victoria day May 23rd. I think you can pick up a helmut at a motorcycle store (M2010) for under $200.

[Olgeezer1]

thehalcyon : Haven't gone with BMW Club of Ottawa but it'd be a good choice. Least expensive is probably either MCO (Motorsport Club of Ottawa) or "One More Lap" on Calabogie's site. Check MCO's site for information and dates on track days and autocross(if you want to try that as an introduction). MCO's prices are very reasonable, instruction is included and they often have loaner helmets. "One More Lap" is a great idea. They sell 30 min. time slots for about $60., instructor included. I'll usually buy a couple of 1/2 hr. slots with a break in between. That's about all my street tires and stock brakes can handle. Still, great fun and you'll learn a lot about your car in a safe environment. For a helmet I went to Mike at "No Limits Auto Parts". Good basic helmet, SA2010 rated, around $200. If you go, look for a Deep Sea Blue 128 Sport Pak., stop by and say hi.

[Speed25]

I've learned I can log faster times by actually going easier on the brakes (track pads a must, though). Front tires wear just fine with max (negative) camber set, and the cheap, fixed Dinan camber plates.

[1spirit]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Yes, you are sick... as we all are here. Coming to this forum only makes it worse! Welcome! BTW, we need pics.

I'll post one soon. I'll have a video too.

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

The looks and straight line speed of the 1'er partially make up for the deplorable handling. Even fully set up, it's still a pig, and it loves to overheat once you start going really fast.

I agree...it's one fast pig though.

Overheating is the reason I keep the the engine at stock boost on the track. Even at 8psi, my oil temps reach around 285 on the track even in the winter months (50-60F). I use distilled water with water wetter for coolant, but I'm looking at both an upgraded radiator (CSF) and the PPK auxiliary water cooler before I even consider running a tune at the track.

Fortunately, the engine still runs like a champ at 285.

Originally Posted by swagon

I like watching on-board track vids on YouTube, but never had the desire to take the One to the track. It's a 3h drive to the two major circuits here which, aside from the costs point of view (track days eat tires and brakes), is an issue for me.

However, I would love to do the Nürburgring & Spa one day. Not in my car, though. I have seen way too many accidents on YouTube.

3 hours is fairly close! I'm almost ready to ship my 1 to Europe and drive all the famous tracks there, especially those two. Almost.

Originally Posted by tock172

I haven't tracked mine yet, but I absolutely intend to. Here are my predictions: brake fade and chunked front tires, but still a really fun experience.

Despite all its flaws and issues, it indeed is.

[1spirit]

A couple pics...one with 2 wheels in the air.

[tock172]

Cool shots. What kind of suspension modifications are you running?

[BigRussia]

Ive been wanting to do a track day for the longest time...but I'm worried about my car overheating and going into limp mode or something breaking. I'm also still on the not-good stock suspension (besides a Eibach front sway bar and Whiteline RSB inserts) and stock brakes and pads. I've been wanting to track so bad that I been considering selling my car for a E92 M3 which seems to be a better platform for tracking and spending time and $ on installing better suspension and brakes.

Your post and track experiences are making me reconsider...maybe i should keep my 1er and go all in on brakes and suspension. But then I think about that glorious S65 V8...

[Kgolf31]

Just a bit...

Yes, track =/=autox but my car is a dedicated car for autox and eventually time trials









Final Runs from 2015 SCCA ProFinale. Ended up taking the Season win in STX

[1spirit]

Originally Posted by tock172

Cool shots. What kind of suspension modifications are you running?

All M3 arms/bushings, Ohlins R&T, and Vorshlag camber plates.

Originally Posted by BigRussia

Ive been wanting to do a track day for the longest time...but I'm worried about my car overheating and going into limp mode or something breaking. I'm also still on the not-good stock suspension (besides a Eibach front sway bar and Whiteline RSB inserts) and stock brakes and pads. I've been wanting to track so bad that I been considering selling my car for a E92 M3 which seems to be a better platform for tracking and spending time and $ on installing better suspension and brakes.

Your post and track experiences are making me reconsider...maybe i should keep my 1er and go all in on brakes and suspension. But then I think about that glorious S65 V8...

You may have heard this countless times, but it can't be overstated: the driver mod is more important/worthwhile than any modification or car you can drive.

The E92 M3 is a better platform for tracking but I've heard it has its own set of issues on the track too. I've driven both, and I feel the E82 is a better daily commuter, but most track nuts could care less about that.

If the high revving V8 engine and its intoxicating sound is important to you, I'd say go with the M3. If I needed a dedicated track car (keyword: dedicated), I'd choose the E92 M3...or the earlier E46 or E36 ones, or rather an S2000. But that's a different discussion for another thread

[1spirit]

Kgolf, nice shots and congrats on the AX win. However, let's keep this thread dedicated to experiences on the race track.

It looks like we could use another thread entitled, "Have you autocrossed it?"

[Gregoriovv]

I've done a few track days so far. Never tracked it when the power train was stock but the suspension was stock other than M3 subframe bushings. It seemed to handle pretty well with the power its putting down. Have issues with traction of course but the suspension seemed to work ok besides shredding the shoulders of my new tires! I have since installed Bilstein PSS 10 coilovers but haven't had the chance to get it back on the track to see if I notice any difference. It sure rides totally different but I don't really drive it much so it's hard to tell without pushing it on the track!

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 1spirit

Kgolf, nice shots and congrats on the AX win. However, let's keep this thread dedicated to experiences on the race track.

It looks like we could use another thread entitled, "Have you autocrossed it?"

So a mod list of the following doesn't consist of a track car?

TCKline Dual Adjustable Coilovers #400 Fronts, #700 Rears
17x9 255/40 RE-71R Square
DiffsOnline 3-Clutch Custom Ramp Differential + 95A Bushings
27mm Front Swaybar/19mm Rear
Recaro SPG w/VAC Hardware
aFe Stage 2 SI CAI
BMW SSK
Active Autowerke Headers + Tune
17lb LTW Braille Battery
Muffler Delete
330 Front Calipers, Ferodo DS2500 Fronts, HPS 5.0 Rears
Bimmerworld Stud Kit
+ Other Misc Parts. The car is developed

Weight - 2941 lbs


Doesn't it sound kind of elitist? Don't get me wrong I understand track is a different environment but this car qualifies as a NASA TTD car, and I've been on the track...although it's not my priority.

Setup of these cars from track vs autocross isn't much different.



Race Track =/= HPDE

[BigRussia]

Originally Posted by 1spirit

All M3 arms/bushings, Ohlins R&T, and Vorshlag camber plates.


You may have heard this countless times, but it can't be overstated: the driver mod is more important/worthwhile than any modification or car you can drive.

The E92 M3 is a better platform for tracking but I've heard it has its own set of issues on the track too. I've driven both, and I feel the E82 is a better daily commuter, but most track nuts could care less about that.

If the high revving V8 engine and its intoxicating sound is important to you, I'd say go with the M3. If I needed a dedicated track car (keyword: dedicated), I'd choose the E92 M3...or the earlier E46 or E36 ones, or rather an S2000. But that's a different discussion for another thread

While I agree about the driver's mod, no matter how good you are it doesn't help with the overheating, reliability, and chances of things breaking on a tracked N54 bimmer

I would like to hear about the M3's track issues since I'm really considering one especially to do HPDEs with. Feel free to PM me

I don't have a daily commute to work anymore so my one and only car can be more performance/track oriented, I have considered a AP1 S2K or even a miata to have has a dedicated track beater, just don't know if i want one as my only car haha.