130i........doesn't feel as fast as it should?
Discussion
Mr Tidy said:
Interesting recent posts on here. 
Sadly I just missed out on a 130i 6 miles away.
But in 2014 I did what VerySideways is considering and bought a 3 litre Z4 Coupe for weekend fun. I took it out this morning to meet some fellow Z4 owners.
It's done 85K miles but had a service and Insp 1 last June (so new air filter) and a new Vanos Solenoid in November 16. It pulls well at any revs, but does get more urgent the nearer it gets to the red-line with no drop-off (until it hits the limiter).
So if your N52 seems to run out of puff I think there must be something amiss - it's a great engine IMO.
Any car that close to home is a complete dog in my experience! Sadly I just missed out on a 130i 6 miles away.
But in 2014 I did what VerySideways is considering and bought a 3 litre Z4 Coupe for weekend fun. I took it out this morning to meet some fellow Z4 owners.
It's done 85K miles but had a service and Insp 1 last June (so new air filter) and a new Vanos Solenoid in November 16. It pulls well at any revs, but does get more urgent the nearer it gets to the red-line with no drop-off (until it hits the limiter).
So if your N52 seems to run out of puff I think there must be something amiss - it's a great engine IMO.
The right car always has to be miles away!Z4 was on the list but I bottled it! Seemed to be a lot more choice at the time but just didn't dare to go full time 2 seater.
I'm sure i'll figure it out, thanks for your input!
DRCAGE said:
I've heard people say the same thing comparing an EP3 to a DC2, so i'm sure it's even more pronounced between the 130 and DC2!
Yes, I've read similar; I also had a lightened flywheel which perhaps enhanced the feeling more-so. I doub't I'll have anything with those characteristics again, unfortunately!DRCAGE said:
How "eager" should a 130i be compared to a Civic EP3(or similar) when it hits the vanos/vtec point?
Terrible question I know just don't know how to word it better.
My 130 just doesn't feel like it revs out that well, feels like I'm wringing it's neck rather than it pulling up to the redline.
While my crusty old Civic (and an even crustier Corolla T sport) pull so well.
The BMW is all up to date with servicing etc and previous owners seemed to have done everything properly.
Very different. I’ve just got rid of an ep3 track car, tuned to 240hp and stripped weighing 1118kg. That thing sounded mental off the vtec, but around a lap of Bedford GT was no quicker than road spec 130i at 1450kg. This was last year with my race partner driving the ep3 (we’re within 1/100th of each other at every track). The 130 doesn’t feel or sound as urgent in its power Delivery and feels slow up the red line after a vtec, but it delivers better drive out of corners and gets on the Power earlier with its torque and rwd than the Ep3 which I think evens it up over a track like before. The ep3 (after a year of track driving, some Racing, and some driver coaching) did turn out to be 2 secs quicker around brands indy than the 130i. But, and here’s the but, I had to choose between the two and couldn’t shake the 130. It’s now being modded for track and I reckon it’ll be a match in time. However, as a sense of occasion (noise, urgency etc etc) That tuned vtec in a Stripped shell is going to be hard to beat. I’ll have another one day, hopefully in a kit car or integra dc2. Terrible question I know just don't know how to word it better.
My 130 just doesn't feel like it revs out that well, feels like I'm wringing it's neck rather than it pulling up to the redline.
While my crusty old Civic (and an even crustier Corolla T sport) pull so well.
The BMW is all up to date with servicing etc and previous owners seemed to have done everything properly.
RUSTLE said:
Very different. I’ve just got rid of an ep3 track car, tuned to 240hp and stripped weighing 1118kg. That thing sounded mental off the vtec, but around a lap of Bedford GT was no quicker than road spec 130i at 1450kg. This was last year with my race partner driving the ep3 (we’re within 1/100th of each other at every track). The 130 doesn’t feel or sound as urgent in its power Delivery and feels slow up the red line after a vtec, but it delivers better drive out of corners and gets on the Power earlier with its torque and rwd than the Ep3 which I think evens it up over a track like before. The ep3 (after a year of track driving, some Racing, and some driver coaching) did turn out to be 2 secs quicker around brands indy than the 130i. But, and here’s the but, I had to choose between the two and couldn’t shake the 130. It’s now being modded for track and I reckon it’ll be a match in time. However, as a sense of occasion (noise, urgency etc etc) That tuned vtec in a Stripped shell is going to be hard to beat. I’ll have another one day, hopefully in a kit car or integra dc2.
What mods have you done for the track ? I am looking to take mine on the track and trying to decide what order to do mods. The brakes seem very good on the road (the best I have used on a "normal" road car) I have the m sport suspension which again feels like it will be ok on track as it's pretty low and hard (I think it might be lowered) . If it performs well I will probably save up for an lsd and I think Meister r coilovers as I had these on my SC mx5 And very impressed with them for track/ road. It needs new track rod ends so I was thinking of replacing the whole steering rack with a reconditioned M3 rack ?
To update from having mine for 2 weeks. Absolutely love it! The engine noise, the RWD balance and traction and the steering feel just make it so much more fun to drive that the golf. It deffinaly does not feel as quick but I think in the real world it is not far off! Deffinatly needs a different driving style and you need to drop a gear more to really move but it sounds so nice at the top end I don't mind!
Also the wife prefers it so that's a bonus
Quite a few over the years. I have the quaife, birds arb’s, Meister r, m3 front arms, rear suspension inserts, bmwp brakes, carbotech xp8 pads. amongst others.
First mod to do is the Meister r and m3 lca. They have a really high spring rate so hold the car up well and firm to track abuse, but most importantly come with top mounts which combined with the lca will get you 2 degrees plus of negative Camber. This will make the car turn in well and save your tyres from outer shoulder wear. The ride on soft around town is slightly softer than M-Sport so makes a good hybrid for road and track (you know how crashy the rear is). After that you’ll then want to consider updated brake lines, pads, and fluid. I find the ate200 to be good for its cost. I have the bmwp calipers (135i) but most people now fit the m135i calipers which are direct fit at the front and handle heat better if you fancy that. After that m3 arb’s. Then the expensive diff. It’s good though.
The standard car is good fun, but like most standard road cars will understeer a bit and you’ll have some brake fade. You might find the arse a little floaty at times which will settle with inserts. Run the car on the first button DCT too, allows a little bit of movement before the nanny kicks in. You’ll find it heavy for a track car if you’ve driven a mx5. Bit they are good fun. Don’t feel quick, but do sound great revved out.
First mod to do is the Meister r and m3 lca. They have a really high spring rate so hold the car up well and firm to track abuse, but most importantly come with top mounts which combined with the lca will get you 2 degrees plus of negative Camber. This will make the car turn in well and save your tyres from outer shoulder wear. The ride on soft around town is slightly softer than M-Sport so makes a good hybrid for road and track (you know how crashy the rear is). After that you’ll then want to consider updated brake lines, pads, and fluid. I find the ate200 to be good for its cost. I have the bmwp calipers (135i) but most people now fit the m135i calipers which are direct fit at the front and handle heat better if you fancy that. After that m3 arb’s. Then the expensive diff. It’s good though.
The standard car is good fun, but like most standard road cars will understeer a bit and you’ll have some brake fade. You might find the arse a little floaty at times which will settle with inserts. Run the car on the first button DCT too, allows a little bit of movement before the nanny kicks in. You’ll find it heavy for a track car if you’ve driven a mx5. Bit they are good fun. Don’t feel quick, but do sound great revved out.
paul n said:
What mods have you done for the track ?
I am looking to take mine on the track and trying to decide what order to do mods. The brakes seem very good on the road (the best I have used on a "normal" road car) I have the m sport suspension which again feels like it will be ok on track as it's pretty low and hard (I think it might be lowered) . If it performs well I will probably save up for an lsd and I think Meister r coilovers as I had these on my SC mx5 And very impressed with them for track/ road. It needs new track rod ends so I was thinking of replacing the whole steering rack with a reconditioned M3 rack ?
To update from having mine for 2 weeks. Absolutely love it! The engine noise, the RWD balance and traction and the steering feel just make it so much more fun to drive that the golf. It deffinaly does not feel as quick but I think in the real world it is not far off! Deffinatly needs a different driving style and you need to drop a gear more to really move but it sounds so nice at the top end I don't mind!
Also the wife prefers it so that's a bonus
I am looking to take mine on the track and trying to decide what order to do mods. The brakes seem very good on the road (the best I have used on a "normal" road car) I have the m sport suspension which again feels like it will be ok on track as it's pretty low and hard (I think it might be lowered) . If it performs well I will probably save up for an lsd and I think Meister r coilovers as I had these on my SC mx5 And very impressed with them for track/ road. It needs new track rod ends so I was thinking of replacing the whole steering rack with a reconditioned M3 rack ?
To update from having mine for 2 weeks. Absolutely love it! The engine noise, the RWD balance and traction and the steering feel just make it so much more fun to drive that the golf. It deffinaly does not feel as quick but I think in the real world it is not far off! Deffinatly needs a different driving style and you need to drop a gear more to really move but it sounds so nice at the top end I don't mind!
Also the wife prefers it so that's a bonus
RUSTLE said:
If you don't mind i might PM you for more info on the Meisters as i think you are the first person i have heard of running them on a 130i. I like the idea that you can wind them nearly full hard for the track and basically not get any body roll. In a way i think that is better than changing anti roll bars to a really tiff set up. Do you have a set of Geo fiquares for the meister's with the extra camber
Brakes i think i will do a pad and fluid swap first and see how i go. I never do long stints anyway.
For this car i thinking 3-4 track days a year if i am lucky and a daily driver the rest of the time.
I know it will feel heavy on track (i have had a westfield and a caterham as well as the MX5 so know what difference weight makes!) but as long as it is well balanced and fun then that is all good. I have a square set up on the tyres right now and that feels pretty good in terms of balance. Tyres are eagle F1 which i heard are abit soft on track so i might get a spare set of wheels with some more dedicated track day tyres unless somebody can recommend a tyre that will do track days (and not melt!) and also good for road use?
As i say i am use to very light cars on track so never had to really worry about wearing out tyres, pads and disks etc!
Cheers Paul
RUSTLE said:
DRCAGE said:
How "eager" should a 130i be compared to a Civic EP3(or similar) when it hits the vanos/vtec point?
Terrible question I know just don't know how to word it better.
My 130 just doesn't feel like it revs out that well, feels like I'm wringing it's neck rather than it pulling up to the redline.
While my crusty old Civic (and an even crustier Corolla T sport) pull so well.
The BMW is all up to date with servicing etc and previous owners seemed to have done everything properly.
Very different. I’ve just got rid of an ep3 track car, tuned to 240hp and stripped weighing 1118kg. That thing sounded mental off the vtec, but around a lap of Bedford GT was no quicker than road spec 130i at 1450kg. This was last year with my race partner driving the ep3 (we’re within 1/100th of each other at every track). The 130 doesn’t feel or sound as urgent in its power Delivery and feels slow up the red line after a vtec, but it delivers better drive out of corners and gets on the Power earlier with its torque and rwd than the Ep3 which I think evens it up over a track like before. The ep3 (after a year of track driving, some Racing, and some driver coaching) did turn out to be 2 secs quicker around brands indy than the 130i. But, and here’s the but, I had to choose between the two and couldn’t shake the 130. It’s now being modded for track and I reckon it’ll be a match in time. However, as a sense of occasion (noise, urgency etc etc) That tuned vtec in a Stripped shell is going to be hard to beat. I’ll have another one day, hopefully in a kit car or integra dc2. Terrible question I know just don't know how to word it better.
My 130 just doesn't feel like it revs out that well, feels like I'm wringing it's neck rather than it pulling up to the redline.
While my crusty old Civic (and an even crustier Corolla T sport) pull so well.
The BMW is all up to date with servicing etc and previous owners seemed to have done everything properly.
They really are both great cars (I've still got my Honda, couldn't shake it!) but as you say, just different in their delivery, I'm 99% sure it's down to my 130 being due a bit of proper TLC, even just cleaning the air filter has definitely made it a bit keener.
They are both modified pretty heavily, the Honda by me and the BMW by previous owners, the 130 is definitely track spec ATM so really need to make it a bit more road freindly! I started a build thread but haven't added much. Spec is on there https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... There's a kit car in there too!
A friend had a standard 130i and the modded Honda was every bit as quick when we did the North Coast 500!
Edited by DRCAGE on Wednesday 24th January 17:41
DRCAGE said:
Thank you for the concise reply, I've only just seen this!
They really are both great cars (I've still got my Honda, couldn't shake it!) but as you say, just different in their delivery, I'm 99% sure it's down to my 130 being due a bit of proper TLC, even just cleaning the air filter has definitely made it a bit keener.
They are both modified pretty heavily, the Honda by me and the BMW by previous owners, the 130 is definitely track spec ATM so really need to make it a bit more road freindly! I started a build thread but haven't added much. Spec is on there https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... There's a kit car in there too!
A friend had a standard 130i and the modded Honda was every bit as quick when we did the North Coast 500!
your LE looks like it has some nice upgrades! very jealous! i will keep up with your build thread to see future developments. I have had a Westfield in the past (not an XT2) which i miss loads but with baby here now the BMW is going to have to fill the void for abit and hopefully be a good all-rounder! had it a few weeks now and still love starting her up!
Cheers Paul
They really are both great cars (I've still got my Honda, couldn't shake it!) but as you say, just different in their delivery, I'm 99% sure it's down to my 130 being due a bit of proper TLC, even just cleaning the air filter has definitely made it a bit keener.
They are both modified pretty heavily, the Honda by me and the BMW by previous owners, the 130 is definitely track spec ATM so really need to make it a bit more road freindly! I started a build thread but haven't added much. Spec is on there https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... There's a kit car in there too!
A friend had a standard 130i and the modded Honda was every bit as quick when we did the North Coast 500!
your LE looks like it has some nice upgrades! very jealous! i will keep up with your build thread to see future developments. I have had a Westfield in the past (not an XT2) which i miss loads but with baby here now the BMW is going to have to fill the void for abit and hopefully be a good all-rounder! had it a few weeks now and still love starting her up!
Cheers Paul
Edited by DRCAGE on Wednesday 24th January 17:41
paul n said:
DRCAGE said:
Thank you for the concise reply, I've only just seen this!
They really are both great cars (I've still got my Honda, couldn't shake it!) but as you say, just different in their delivery, I'm 99% sure it's down to my 130 being due a bit of proper TLC, even just cleaning the air filter has definitely made it a bit keener.
They are both modified pretty heavily, the Honda by me and the BMW by previous owners, the 130 is definitely track spec ATM so really need to make it a bit more road freindly! I started a build thread but haven't added much. Spec is on there https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... There's a kit car in there too!
A friend had a standard 130i and the modded Honda was every bit as quick when we did the North Coast 500!
your LE looks like it has some nice upgrades! very jealous! i will keep up with your build thread to see future developments. I have had a Westfield in the past (not an XT2) which i miss loads but with baby here now the BMW is going to have to fill the void for abit and hopefully be a good all-rounder! had it a few weeks now and still love starting her up!
Cheers Paul
They really are both great cars (I've still got my Honda, couldn't shake it!) but as you say, just different in their delivery, I'm 99% sure it's down to my 130 being due a bit of proper TLC, even just cleaning the air filter has definitely made it a bit keener.
They are both modified pretty heavily, the Honda by me and the BMW by previous owners, the 130 is definitely track spec ATM so really need to make it a bit more road freindly! I started a build thread but haven't added much. Spec is on there https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... There's a kit car in there too!
A friend had a standard 130i and the modded Honda was every bit as quick when we did the North Coast 500!
your LE looks like it has some nice upgrades! very jealous! i will keep up with your build thread to see future developments. I have had a Westfield in the past (not an XT2) which i miss loads but with baby here now the BMW is going to have to fill the void for abit and hopefully be a good all-rounder! had it a few weeks now and still love starting her up!
Cheers Paul
Edited by DRCAGE on Wednesday 24th January 17:41
And of course baby comes first! Would make the same choice I'm sure! Although I bet I could get a baby seat in the Westfield...
All the suspension upgrades make it unbearable on the road and definitely not baby friendly!
Johnny5hoods said:
My 2005 80k 130i drives well, generally, and pulls like a train at lowish revs. But, like yours, it does seem to slightly lack sparkle at the top end, and occasionally hesitates almost like a misfire. Plus, engine light has temporarily been on a few times.
Mentioned this to my local BMW Indy when it was in for something minor recently, and he said it sounds like the Vanos solenoids (I think he said), and he'd plug it in and check, but it would almost certainly be that. He said they go as a matter of course every now and then on the N52 engine, and replacing them should return my engine's mojo. Think he said a couple of hundred quid or so. Might be worth checking if yours hasn't been done in a while. I see your service is up to date, but Indy seemed to imply it has to be deliberately looked for. I'm getting it done this month as it's due for its service.
Hi Everyone,Mentioned this to my local BMW Indy when it was in for something minor recently, and he said it sounds like the Vanos solenoids (I think he said), and he'd plug it in and check, but it would almost certainly be that. He said they go as a matter of course every now and then on the N52 engine, and replacing them should return my engine's mojo. Think he said a couple of hundred quid or so. Might be worth checking if yours hasn't been done in a while. I see your service is up to date, but Indy seemed to imply it has to be deliberately looked for. I'm getting it done this month as it's due for its service.
Just thought I'd post an update on a previous comment I made on this thread. Finally got my vanos solenoid changed (turned out to be just one). Engine plugged in to Indy's code reader, and no fault codes whatsoever coming up. Misfire gone and car pulls like, I presume, it should. Slight improvement in eagerness in last 1000 rpm, but not night and day. I'd say, to compare a 130i to a Honda Type R, or whatever, is likely to leave us underwhelmed about the Honda's low down grunt and the Beemer's top end sparkle. The Beemer was never designed to pull ilke that. My previous car was a Clio 182, which lacked low down, but gave a sudden rush of extra acceleration at 5000 rpm like a turbo cutting in. The 130i just doesn't do that. It's a good all rounder, not a peaky high revving screamer. Hope that sheds some light.
Johnny5hoods said:
Hi Everyone,
Just thought I'd post an update on a previous comment I made on this thread. Finally got my vanos solenoid changed (turned out to be just one). Engine plugged in to Indy's code reader, and no fault codes whatsoever coming up. Misfire gone and car pulls like, I presume, it should. Slight improvement in eagerness in last 1000 rpm, but not night and day. I'd say, to compare a 130i to a Honda Type R, or whatever, is likely to leave us underwhelmed about the Honda's low down grunt and the Beemer's top end sparkle. The Beemer was never designed to pull ilke that. My previous car was a Clio 182, which lacked low down, but gave a sudden rush of extra acceleration at 5000 rpm like a turbo cutting in. The 130i just doesn't do that. It's a good all rounder, not a peaky high revving screamer. Hope that sheds some light.
Interesting update. Just thought I'd post an update on a previous comment I made on this thread. Finally got my vanos solenoid changed (turned out to be just one). Engine plugged in to Indy's code reader, and no fault codes whatsoever coming up. Misfire gone and car pulls like, I presume, it should. Slight improvement in eagerness in last 1000 rpm, but not night and day. I'd say, to compare a 130i to a Honda Type R, or whatever, is likely to leave us underwhelmed about the Honda's low down grunt and the Beemer's top end sparkle. The Beemer was never designed to pull ilke that. My previous car was a Clio 182, which lacked low down, but gave a sudden rush of extra acceleration at 5000 rpm like a turbo cutting in. The 130i just doesn't do that. It's a good all rounder, not a peaky high revving screamer. Hope that sheds some light.
As you say, I don't think the N52 engine was intended to be like that even though it will happily pull right up to the limiter - and it's much more keen to rev than the M54 engine in my 325ti!
I've never tried a Type R or Clio 182, but I'm guessing their power delivery is more like those 2-stroke Yamaha RDs I used to have!
Random update............for anybody who is interested! (or on a similar car buying journey to me)
so had the 130i for 7 months, sold it yesterday and today ..........bought another 130i!
so to cut a long story short i bought a 130i with 145k on the clock, great car but after a track day last week i had a big list of things that i wanted to upgrade! (brakes, LSD, suspension) Step forward a week and i found a car with all the upgrade done already (i am busy/lazy and not that great mechanically!) My old car got sold to a mate and i flew to wales to pick up the new steed!
spec is
M3 rear subframe,
M3 anti roll bars,
M3 controls arms
M3 LSD
M135i brakes
light weight wheels and track tyres
B12 shocks
M3 steering rack (holy cow this is good!)
what a difference! bloody hell, an incredibly handling/ fun car! basically the car BMW should have built in the first place!
very excited for the next track day!
The is it fast enough question is firmly put to bed! ......my question should have been is is fun enough!..............it is now!
Cheers Paul
so had the 130i for 7 months, sold it yesterday and today ..........bought another 130i!
so to cut a long story short i bought a 130i with 145k on the clock, great car but after a track day last week i had a big list of things that i wanted to upgrade! (brakes, LSD, suspension) Step forward a week and i found a car with all the upgrade done already (i am busy/lazy and not that great mechanically!) My old car got sold to a mate and i flew to wales to pick up the new steed!
spec is
M3 rear subframe,
M3 anti roll bars,
M3 controls arms
M3 LSD
M135i brakes
light weight wheels and track tyres
B12 shocks
M3 steering rack (holy cow this is good!)
what a difference! bloody hell, an incredibly handling/ fun car! basically the car BMW should have built in the first place!
very excited for the next track day!
The is it fast enough question is firmly put to bed! ......my question should have been is is fun enough!..............it is now!
Cheers Paul
paul n said:
Random update............for anybody who is interested! (or on a similar car buying journey to me)
so had the 130i for 7 months, sold it yesterday and today ..........bought another 130i!
so to cut a long story short i bought a 130i with 145k on the clock, great car but after a track day last week i had a big list of things that i wanted to upgrade! (brakes, LSD, suspension) Step forward a week and i found a car with all the upgrade done already (i am busy/lazy and not that great mechanically!) My old car got sold to a mate and i flew to wales to pick up the new steed!
spec is
M3 rear subframe,
M3 anti roll bars,
M3 controls arms
M3 LSD
M135i brakes
light weight wheels and track tyres
B12 shocks
M3 steering rack (holy cow this is good!)
what a difference! bloody hell, an incredibly handling/ fun car! basically the car BMW should have built in the first place!
very excited for the next track day!
The is it fast enough question is firmly put to bed! ......my question should have been is is fun enough!..............it is now!
Cheers Paul
Nice car, noticed this up on ebay as I still have a search running from earlier in the year (ended up buying one with the Birds Suspension Package, LSD etc). so had the 130i for 7 months, sold it yesterday and today ..........bought another 130i!
so to cut a long story short i bought a 130i with 145k on the clock, great car but after a track day last week i had a big list of things that i wanted to upgrade! (brakes, LSD, suspension) Step forward a week and i found a car with all the upgrade done already (i am busy/lazy and not that great mechanically!) My old car got sold to a mate and i flew to wales to pick up the new steed!
spec is
M3 rear subframe,
M3 anti roll bars,
M3 controls arms
M3 LSD
M135i brakes
light weight wheels and track tyres
B12 shocks
M3 steering rack (holy cow this is good!)
what a difference! bloody hell, an incredibly handling/ fun car! basically the car BMW should have built in the first place!
very excited for the next track day!
The is it fast enough question is firmly put to bed! ......my question should have been is is fun enough!..............it is now!
Cheers Paul
Would be very interested in a bit more detail on the M3 Steering Rack, especially as you've recently come from a standard 130i. Is it just faster? Or does it also provide better feedback, heavier etc?
survivalist said:
Nice car, noticed this up on ebay as I still have a search running from earlier in the year (ended up buying one with the Birds Suspension Package, LSD etc).
Would be very interested in a bit more detail on the M3 Steering Rack, especially as you've recently come from a standard 130i. Is it just faster? Or does it also provide better feedback, heavier etc?
I was torn between upgrading my old car with the birds dynamic package or buying this one but went of this one in the end as it had all the M3 bits and brakes done as well. Also as i will be using it on track i had read that the birds set up with a little soft, I might go for meister r coilovers in the future if the b12 are not stiff enough for the track but so far incredibly impressed with them on the road! Would be very interested in a bit more detail on the M3 Steering Rack, especially as you've recently come from a standard 130i. Is it just faster? Or does it also provide better feedback, heavier etc?
Regarding the steering rack it makes a huge difference (although so much else is different it is hard to tell if it is all down to the rack) Steering is alot faster and the feel is alot better...... i would go as far as to say that it has better steering feel that my old mark 1 mx5.............and not far off of my caterham (i know that sounds crazy but it is that good!)
it is heavy at car park speeds but as soon as you are rolling it it fine.
hope this helps
Cheers Paul
paul n said:
survivalist said:
Nice car, noticed this up on ebay as I still have a search running from earlier in the year (ended up buying one with the Birds Suspension Package, LSD etc).
Would be very interested in a bit more detail on the M3 Steering Rack, especially as you've recently come from a standard 130i. Is it just faster? Or does it also provide better feedback, heavier etc?
I was torn between upgrading my old car with the birds dynamic package or buying this one but went of this one in the end as it had all the M3 bits and brakes done as well. Also as i will be using it on track i had read that the birds set up with a little soft, I might go for meister r coilovers in the future if the b12 are not stiff enough for the track but so far incredibly impressed with them on the road! Would be very interested in a bit more detail on the M3 Steering Rack, especially as you've recently come from a standard 130i. Is it just faster? Or does it also provide better feedback, heavier etc?
Regarding the steering rack it makes a huge difference (although so much else is different it is hard to tell if it is all down to the rack) Steering is alot faster and the feel is alot better...... i would go as far as to say that it has better steering feel that my old mark 1 mx5.............and not far off of my caterham (i know that sounds crazy but it is that good!)
it is heavy at car park speeds but as soon as you are rolling it it fine.
hope this helps
Cheers Paul
The Birds package is a bit soft on the track, it's the smaller A and B roads with rubbish road surface where it really shines. I did a 45 min session at Silverstone with it and if I was planning on doing loads of track days I'd definitely want something stiffer.
That's a glowing review on the steering, might have to look into sourcing a used M3 rack.
Think the heavy low speed steering is down to the servotronic steering on the M3 that can vary the assistance. Guess the 130i doesn't have the relevant module to control it so you get a single, consistent level of assistance.
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