M135i for trackdays?

[e46m3c]

Afternoon,

I’m considering a high mileage m135i to runs as a dual purpose commuter / trackday car.

Do they have any major issues out the box? Oil starvation of chocolate gearboxes etc?

Looks just the ticket on paper.

[Disco You]

People tend to run them with just over maximum on the dipstick to help with oil starvation issues.

The other challenge is the handling, so people often add additional bracing that was available on some models, as well as the usual lower springs/coil overs etc.

[e46m3c]

The engines are reliable and don’t overheat?

[e46m3c]

Is there any real benefit to push the boat out and go for m140?

[e46m3c]

Sounds good. Send me a link?

Are the stock control arms capable of sufficient neg camber or will I need camber plates?

I’ve found road cars tend to wreck front tyres due to lack of width / camber. Surprising expensive to fix on some cars.

[kiethton]

e46m3c said:

Sounds good. Send me a link?

Are the stock control arms capable of sufficient neg camber or will I need camber plates?

I’ve found road cars tend to wreck front tyres due to lack of width / camber. Surprising expensive to fix on some cars.

They run a decent amount of front camber standard (but would need more for heavy track work)

I know that some have used plates when building track specials but I’ve never had cause to do so as had an exige for track work

[Tommie38]

I can imagine the lack of an LSD being frustrating, particularly if you are coming from an M3.

[e46m3c]

Yea this is the problem with the m135i. Let’s say 10k entry point. 1k for sump. 2k for diff. 2k suspension and we are knocking on e90 m3 money.

M135i appeals as I can daily it and save the miles on the c63 and not car putting the dog in it etc. and take it on perhaps 10 trackdays a year.

I might be better off just using the c63 but it’s very heavy and will destroy pads discs tyres to the point the cost will stop it being fun.

[e46m3c]

I currently have a z4m for trackdays but the lack of roof / roll over is worrying me. It’s also no use for me day to day and not special enough in comparison to the c63 for a choice at the weekend. Is really want a z4m with a roof, back seats and a boot. More torque welcome too. 14-1500 kg. 300+ bhp and rwd. 4 door e90 m3 would probably work but another level of running costs.

[brillomaster]

maybe i'm just being ignorant, but none of the cars i've tracked (328i, 330ci, Z4 3.0i, and a boxster S) have had an LSD, and i don't think any of them needed them - assuming you have decent tyres on.

i've long thought an early BMW 135i would make an interesting track car - parts readily available, big brakes as standard just needs pads, and easy 360bhp+ with a remap.

i've also never had a car with a baffled sump - i understand that if you're running slicks a sump can be a good idea, but trackday tyres dont generate the lateral loads to warrant it. plus a straight 6 running lengthways doesnt have a very wide sump for oil to slosh around much. but if you're planning on using it as a daily too, you wouldnt go so far as to need a baffled sump or an LSD. as i say, perhaps its just me being ignorant/ lucky!

[strippier]

I used to track a 2014 M135i.

Still have the coilovers and intercooler and charge pipes and decat. Basically to allow a stage 2 remap.

Let me know if interested.

S

[kiethton]

brillomaster said:

maybe i'm just being ignorant, but none of the cars i've tracked (328i, 330ci, Z4 3.0i, and a boxster S) have had an LSD, and i don't think any of them needed them - assuming you have decent tyres on.

i've long thought an early BMW 135i would make an interesting track car - parts readily available, big brakes as standard just needs pads, and easy 360bhp+ with a remap.

i've also never had a car with a baffled sump - i understand that if you're running slicks a sump can be a good idea, but trackday tyres dont generate the lateral loads to warrant it. plus a straight 6 running lengthways doesnt have a very wide sump for oil to slosh around much. but if you're planning on using it as a daily too, you wouldnt go so far as to need a baffled sump or an LSD. as i say, perhaps its just me being ignorant/ lucky!

Baffled sump is a must for track work, they can suffer with oil starvation around longer high speed corners, or as most owners on the marque groups report....doing doughnuts

[Glenn63]

As above from what Iv read the 135 need a baffled sump. I have a 140 which is my daily and track car. LSD a must imo, then suspension, I went with b14’s and its a complete transformation from stock. Mines also tuned and is quicker than most E90s I come across on track bar the ones on super fat slicks there’s no way I can match their corner speeds.
Perfectly usable and practical day to day and decent on track.
I had a 204 c63 before and it’s far to heavy and soft round the bends for track, the m140 like a go kart in comparison.

[dontdobends]

They go ok on track without mods, used the wifes car on a trip to Spa


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck3MsPh99BY&t=...

[e46m3c]

So verdicts out on the sump then?

I’d only run road tyres as I like the car to move around and only going for fun.

[PGNSagaris]

e46m3c said:

Afternoon,

I’m considering a high mileage m135i to runs as a dual purpose commuter / trackday car.

Do they have any major issues out the box? Oil starvation of chocolate gearboxes etc?

Looks just the ticket on paper.

Friend had one. Went to Bedford for its maiden trackday. This happened.




They need a baffle or similar.

[PGNSagaris]

[PGNSagaris]

[Tommie38]

Ouch on the track damage.

I was going to say that I wouldn’t want an E9x M3 as a daily, I just don’t think they have enough mid range punch. Track with reduced weight, brilliant, even as a weekend special car. But not as a daily with a full interior.

I should add that I haven’t driven an M135i!

[anonymous-user]

Is it possible to dry sump an M135i, or fit a baffled sump if not?