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      01-31-2009, 03:41 PM   #1
m3bs
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135 at Roebling Road

Anybody had their 135 out on Roebling Road yet?

I'm trying to decide whether to take my 135 or the old M3 to an upcoming lapping day.
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      02-01-2009, 02:03 PM   #2
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As much as I'd liketo say 135, the M3 would probably be more fun. As long as it's able to take the abuse (10+ year old car)the M3 is the better track car. I did a lapping day there last year and it was a blast.
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      02-01-2009, 03:15 PM   #3
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The M3 probably has over 3000 miles at RR. I'm sure it would be quicker, but I would like to try the 135 sometime. I just hope it doesn't plow so much that I just grind off the front tires.
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      02-02-2009, 08:43 AM   #4
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I think you know the answer then. Take the 1 and report back on how she does. I'm sure the 1 will understeer more than the M but it's still better than 90% of the cars on the road.
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      02-13-2009, 02:35 PM   #5
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Lessons Learned from Roebling in the 135. (Long)

1. I still prefer a normally aspirated motor for track duty. The N54 pulls deceptively well, but the power is difficult to modulate at the limit. This may be due to BMW's drive-by-wire throttle programming, which exaggerates the initial throttle opening. While feathering the throttle through Roebling's long, steady state corners, very small changes in pedal position caused the front end to bob up and down, causing lots of understeer. I do not have any type of tune or suspension upgrade on the car (yet).

2. I am now convinced that a LSD is needed to get the most out of the 135. I tried normal, DTC, and e-diff modes, and I could sense the brakes being applied under corner exit in all modes to some degree. I didn't think it would be a problem for high speed (3rd gear or higher) corners, but it was. Perhaps with less body roll (suspension upgrade) this could be minimized.

3. The stock run-flat tires, in spite all of the bad press they get, have a surprising amount of grip. I was able to take most corners at indicated speeds within 3-4 mph of what I can in my M3 with full track setup (suspension, tires, alignment). Understeer was a problem in some corners (T1 and T6), but in turns where I could keep the power on (T3 and T9) the weight transferred rearward and the the car just stuck. FWIW, my Ipod Dynolicious program indicated a maximum of 0.97 G's left, 0.98 right, and .99 under hard braking.

4. No problems with oil temp with 78 degree ambient (in February!). Maximum observed temp was 260.

5. Sport seats are pretty good. Not race seats by any means, but good. On the same day, I drove a '08 Z51 Vette (on track tires) and the seats in that thing are a joke. I've used barstools with better support. I couldn't drive that car well because it required use of two of my four limbs just to stay in front of the wheel. I can't believe GM doesn't offer a more peformance oriented seat in a car that has so much capability. 436 horsepower makes a difference.

6. After 150 miles, the left front tire is toast. Roebling is very hard on tires because you are almost always turning. I did reasonably well in the AM trying not to abuse the tires, but later I "had" to push hard enough to outrun the 335 that was also there, as well as push the Vette some. Ego can be a terrible (and expensive) thing!

7. Brakes went a little soft early in the day, but came back and stayed solid the rest of the day. Braking into turn 1 is from 140, but that is really the only time the brakes get a workout at Roebling. I believe more front tire would help braking performance.

8. My lap times were 5-6 seconds slower than in my M3, much of which came in T1 and T2 where the 135 understeered pretty heavily. I just had to back off and wait for grip until I could power out of T2. I was less than a second behind the Vette, so it wasn't a total blowout.

Overall, it was a fun day. The car ran flawlessly and held its own against some very capable machinery. It was hard to go back to a street car after being used to a dedicated track car, but it does show how capable modern street cars have become. Now, if I can just pick up a few upgrades with my tax refund like wheels, tires, suspension, camber plates, JB3, etc............

It's a slippery slope!
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      02-13-2009, 03:10 PM   #6
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Great write up. Thanks for the info and comments!

Yes, these little 135s are quite potent cars in capable hands. As you said, imagine it with a tune, suspension upgrade, track tires, and less understeer. It has a hella lot of potential!
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      02-28-2009, 06:57 AM   #7
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Well, I ordered my suspension last night. I decided to try the Cross coilovers. Hopefully, I'll get another opportunity at Roebling so I can do a before and after comparison.

Thanks to Dan at Vivid Racing for helping with the selection process.
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      03-01-2009, 01:03 PM   #8
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Thanks so much for the update. Keep the reports comming as the mods are completed.

My JB3 is on the way and currently in the hands of the USPS.
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      03-11-2009, 08:16 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Coach View Post

My JB3 is on the way and currently in the hands of the USPS.

Mine too! Should be here tomorrow.

Suspension also on the way, but it may be several weeks.
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      04-06-2009, 04:56 PM   #10
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Crossed Up

Getting closer.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4861706
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      04-16-2009, 01:48 PM   #11
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Cross Coilovers

They are in!

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4929827

I'll provide another update once I get the car back on track for comparison.
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      09-11-2009, 10:57 AM   #12
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It only took 5 months, but I finally got the car back on the track.

Update here:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5849329
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      09-15-2009, 01:53 PM   #13
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Yeah I was out there a while ago great track!!!
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