|
|
|
02-19-2012, 02:08 AM | #1 |
Private First Class
16
Rep 155
Posts |
Tracking a stock 135
I have a 2011 BMW 135i DCT that is completely stock. Is the car really that bad stock? I read a lot of reviews how this car is not made for the track and all. I see that there is a lot of people who add few suspension mods and track the car all the time. Since my car is leased and its my daily driver i am planning on keeping the suspension mods to a minimal, possible upgraded sway bars in the future.
My previous car was a 2010 Subaru WRX STI SE and was amazing stock. I only tracked it once and that has been my only track experience thus far(has some auto x experience in my VW as well). I am planning on going to NJMP this spring and tracking the 135. Am i wasting my time tracking the car showroom stock? I only go to the track once or twice a year. How do the stock pads hold up on this car. How about the OEM runflats? Am i going to have a horrible time with this car on the track?
__________________
Current:
2015 BMW M3 Past: 2013 Porsche 911 C2 2011 BMW 135i |
02-19-2012, 02:28 AM | #2 |
Captain
81
Rep 655
Posts |
The car will be just fine stock, you'll have a blast!
Two minor things though: 1) Change (or have someone change) your brake fluid to a "racing" brake fluid like Motul RBF 600. It's a very cheap and easy "upgrade" to make sure you're not experiencing brake fade at the track. 2) The stock brake pads are great initially, but can fade a bit. With a stock engine and on runflats you're probably perfectly fine. But again, for a few hundred bucks you can upgrade your brake pads for some additional peace of mind and consistent brake feel throughout your runs. Leave the suspension alone for now until you know exactly what you want to change (if anything). |
Appreciate
0
|
02-19-2012, 03:13 AM | #3 |
Major
82
Rep 1,051
Posts |
+1 on pads and fluid. I do think the car comes with decent dot4 fluid, but good fresh dot4 fluid isn't a bad idea. Pads are almost required for tracking a car to get the most out of it, so I would pick up some DTC 60+ or other track-ready pads. Swap out pads for the track.
__________________
2009 BMW 135i 6MT Sport, AFE intake, Cobb AP, Apex 18x8.5+9.5, 255/275 PSS
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-19-2012, 06:47 PM | #4 | ||
Lieutenant
23
Rep 475
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
Have fun and post up your impression on the car later. Lubo |
||
Appreciate
0
|
02-19-2012, 07:00 PM | #5 |
Brigadier General
489
Rep 4,167
Posts
Drives: 1/18 Monte Carlo Blue E92 M3
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Angeles
|
Yes you need pads + fluid ASAP. Look at my thread, where it shows how badly my stock pads cracked after only a few track days.
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ghlight=ds2500 |
Appreciate
0
|
02-20-2012, 08:41 AM | #6 |
Captain
112
Rep 810
Posts |
Whether or not you need to change pads/fluid depends on the track. My first three DE's were at a track with only one hard braking zone (140 down to 70 I think), and the brakes were fine. Saturday I tried a new track with 4 hard braking zones (105 down to 45), and after I got comfortable and pushed the car to the limit, there was notable fade after 5 laps, and they were toast after 7. My advice is find a YouTube clip of the track you are going to that shows telemetry. Give us more info about the braking zones and we could probably give you a more confident, consistent answer as to whether or not you need to change anything.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-20-2012, 09:13 AM | #7 |
Colonel
142
Rep 2,234
Posts |
if you are tracking the car once or twice a year I would say not to worry too much about it. the car has some inherent deficiencies when it comes to handling and brakes but not unless you're driving at 9/10th. having said that, changing the pads and fluid is relatively inexpensive and doing so will allow you to push the car a little harder. IMO starting totally stock is the way to go since you will quickly learn where to make improvements if you decide to go tracking more. otherwise, take it easy and learn the car first before you make any upgrades
__________________
"I would quote everything pixelblue said, but you've already read it. Take it from someone who's put the 1 through its paces"
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-23-2012, 09:30 PM | #8 |
Private First Class
16
Rep 155
Posts |
Thanks everyone for the advise. So the general consensus is changing brake pads. Fair enough...
__________________
Current:
2015 BMW M3 Past: 2013 Porsche 911 C2 2011 BMW 135i |
Appreciate
0
|
02-23-2012, 09:59 PM | #9 |
Captain
81
Rep 655
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2012, 07:23 AM | #11 |
Captain
35
Rep 761
Posts |
Allot of good advice here brake pads/fliuids etc... I've been stock and done a couple of laps out at the ring and for me the weak point seemed to be the tires. I know allot of people bash the RFTs but they did well enough with grip my problem was any type of road irregularity seemed to unhindge the rear. I would also recomend a tire upgrade or if you can a second wheel set up with non RFT's. I know I'm about to drop dime on some new Mich's once the weather warms up.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2012, 07:32 AM | #12 | |
Brigadier General
123
Rep 4,070
Posts |
Quote:
That rear shimmy has more to do with the rear bushings and suspension components...get the M3 suspension upgrade. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2012, 07:34 AM | #13 |
Captain
35
Rep 761
Posts |
Yeah thats true also, but I know from being in my car with the RFTs and one of my friends on non RFTs there a bit more shudder. Have the bushings etc on my to do list also though. Thanks
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-24-2012, 01:54 PM | #14 |
Lieutenant
7
Rep 443
Posts |
Should be fine. I'd be more concerned about the organization and how the event is run, than the car. I've had the 135 on the track three times now, with the fourth coming up next month. It is stock.
For me, the driver has been the limiting factor 9 times out of 10 so far.
__________________
Because... grocery getter. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-25-2012, 09:47 AM | #17 |
Second Lieutenant
22
Rep 204
Posts |
End of April 2-day event? I've got a couple of friends who are probably going to sign up, and it will be their first time for a track weekend. I'll probably go out there one day to watch....
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-25-2012, 08:27 PM | #19 | ||
Lieutenant
39
Rep 529
Posts |
Quote:
One last piece of advice. You need to have an instructor ride with you, even let him drive your car. Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
02-25-2012, 11:43 PM | #20 |
Lieutenant
7
Rep 443
Posts |
Yep. Three events down with the 135, and I am still waiting to replace these things.
__________________
Because... grocery getter. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-26-2012, 12:38 PM | #21 | |
Private First Class
16
Rep 155
Posts |
Quote:
NASA so it should be fine.
__________________
Current:
2015 BMW M3 Past: 2013 Porsche 911 C2 2011 BMW 135i |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|