Best tuning Mods for a 123d coupe Msport
Discussion
Not wishing to offend you gentlemen by implying that my daily rum around is a true M series BMW but I thought that this forum may be better versed in tuning aspects than the regular BMW forum. I have a 2008 123d coupe with an msport chassis that I am looking at tuning. Does anybody know what are regarded as the best mods/tuners?
I come from a motorsport background so these mods will be entirely for practical performance rather than aesthetics.
Your advice would be appreciated.
I come from a motorsport background so these mods will be entirely for practical performance rather than aesthetics.
Your advice would be appreciated.
A safe remap without pushing the engine too much. (more power and better fuel economy)
Get your bushes changed as they are passed their best and get your geo done.
I'd also get a uprated set of pads and fluid flush.
Also its worth getting a full service, including gearbox/ diff oil change.
It will feel like a new car!
Get your bushes changed as they are passed their best and get your geo done.
I'd also get a uprated set of pads and fluid flush.
Also its worth getting a full service, including gearbox/ diff oil change.
It will feel like a new car!
Are there any particular aspects of your car that you feel need attention? Also are you looking to use the car mainly on the road or will it be used on trackdays as well?
If you want power, there are a lot of companies out there who remap these cars with good results, especially with increased torque. Apart from that I'd look at starting small and working your way up. For me I'd go for a remap, add some better brake pads and fluid and see how the car feels.
Modding is a slippery slope so I've always found it best to do things bit by bit so that I can access the results.
If you want power, there are a lot of companies out there who remap these cars with good results, especially with increased torque. Apart from that I'd look at starting small and working your way up. For me I'd go for a remap, add some better brake pads and fluid and see how the car feels.
Modding is a slippery slope so I've always found it best to do things bit by bit so that I can access the results.
I think I would pitch my requirments as a mildly track capable car. Not too sharp as it needs to be ok on the road. For this, the brakes need an upgrade - certainly the fronts. Also the damping control isn't particularly good and as previously mentioned, the geo needs doing. The problem is, what supplier and tuner to use?
I'm looking at a remap. Much of my recent racing and track work has been with Porsche. I have a good understanding of tuning with this marque and know that there is a pretty well trodden path to certain modifications by a few very good tuners. Ie; Alcon front discs, RS29 pads, decent damping upgrade and a geo from a very good specialist.
I was hoping that there was a similarly trodden path with BMW's? I worked as a development driver for a well known Porsche tuner for several years on GT3's and I know how hard it is to get a good package to work. I've seen and driven a lot of poorly modified cars and am keen not spend a long time going round in circles if you pardon the pun..
I'm looking at a remap. Much of my recent racing and track work has been with Porsche. I have a good understanding of tuning with this marque and know that there is a pretty well trodden path to certain modifications by a few very good tuners. Ie; Alcon front discs, RS29 pads, decent damping upgrade and a geo from a very good specialist.
I was hoping that there was a similarly trodden path with BMW's? I worked as a development driver for a well known Porsche tuner for several years on GT3's and I know how hard it is to get a good package to work. I've seen and driven a lot of poorly modified cars and am keen not spend a long time going round in circles if you pardon the pun..
Have a look on babyBMW, there's a number of M3 suspension components including bushes which can be fitted along with 135i discs and calipers(if you want to stick to OEM) which will improve the chassis.
Also talk to Birds about fitting a Quaife diff.
With regard to remaps talk to Simon at Emaps, he has an excellent reputation within the BMW fraternity.
Also talk to Birds about fitting a Quaife diff.
With regard to remaps talk to Simon at Emaps, he has an excellent reputation within the BMW fraternity.
Ditch the run flat tyres first Steve. Quaife diff highly recommended too. I wouldn't go with the BMW performance brake set up :
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55...
if you're planning on using the car on track with RS29s, the standard ceramic faced pistons aren't up to the job. But if you do decide to go this route, you'll need to upgrade to titanium items from Turner Motorsports.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-11705-front-cali...
Kevin Bird at Birds will recommend the first item to change will be the run flat tyres and then one of his Bilstein based suspension kits along with the quaife diffs, the suspension kits are more road biased than track however.
As others have said, there's a host of suspension bushes which will need changing as they'll be past their best.
Edit to add, Birds good for road based mods :
http://www.birdsauto.com/
Simpson Motorsport good for more track/race type mods :
http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55...
if you're planning on using the car on track with RS29s, the standard ceramic faced pistons aren't up to the job. But if you do decide to go this route, you'll need to upgrade to titanium items from Turner Motorsports.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-11705-front-cali...
Kevin Bird at Birds will recommend the first item to change will be the run flat tyres and then one of his Bilstein based suspension kits along with the quaife diffs, the suspension kits are more road biased than track however.
As others have said, there's a host of suspension bushes which will need changing as they'll be past their best.
Edit to add, Birds good for road based mods :
http://www.birdsauto.com/
Simpson Motorsport good for more track/race type mods :
http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/
Edited by Slippydiff on Thursday 11th April 10:04
Companies to use?
Remap - I'd speak to DMS Automotive about the remap (they do a lot of work on Porsches, so you'll feel at home
)
Geometry - I'm going to see Ray West at Thruxton as he is apparently very good at geometry tweaks.
Brake pads - I'm going to use Ferodo DS2500 pads front and rear (again going on the good reports they've received). I'll also have some better quality brake fluid added when Ray fits them.
I'd also agree with the comments above and say if you are still running the Run-Flat tyres, then I'd certainly swap them for some proper rubber. If you can get it in your wheel sizes, then I'd highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. I've put these on mine and the difference is quite staggering compared to the previous PS2 tyres I was running.
Of course it's up to you, but I'd try not to go too mad with the mods. Add a couple of bits (maybe do the pads and tyres first) then see how the car feels. You can always add to it later on. I'll stick my neck out and say that with decent tyres, pads and a remap, the car will feel very different to how it feels today!
Remap - I'd speak to DMS Automotive about the remap (they do a lot of work on Porsches, so you'll feel at home
)Geometry - I'm going to see Ray West at Thruxton as he is apparently very good at geometry tweaks.
Brake pads - I'm going to use Ferodo DS2500 pads front and rear (again going on the good reports they've received). I'll also have some better quality brake fluid added when Ray fits them.
I'd also agree with the comments above and say if you are still running the Run-Flat tyres, then I'd certainly swap them for some proper rubber. If you can get it in your wheel sizes, then I'd highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. I've put these on mine and the difference is quite staggering compared to the previous PS2 tyres I was running.
Of course it's up to you, but I'd try not to go too mad with the mods. Add a couple of bits (maybe do the pads and tyres first) then see how the car feels. You can always add to it later on. I'll stick my neck out and say that with decent tyres, pads and a remap, the car will feel very different to how it feels today!
Edited by ChrisBuer on Thursday 11th April 10:45
Steve, I reckon Ray West could be your 1 stop for all bits, chassis & mapping.
He's proper old school race tech with lots of bimmer race & road knowledge & darn handy driver too.
Or for geo stuff I have used for years on my e36s Ace engineering, he's brilliant for all my track car stuff on my various 36s I've had & lots of 36 & 46 knowledge, dunno about 1ers tho.
Russ at dmworxs also worth a chat, lots of experience in track set up with bimmers & ran a darn nippy 1er track slag, as well as tons of 36 & 46 track knowledge.
He's proper old school race tech with lots of bimmer race & road knowledge & darn handy driver too.
Or for geo stuff I have used for years on my e36s Ace engineering, he's brilliant for all my track car stuff on my various 36s I've had & lots of 36 & 46 knowledge, dunno about 1ers tho.
Russ at dmworxs also worth a chat, lots of experience in track set up with bimmers & ran a darn nippy 1er track slag, as well as tons of 36 & 46 track knowledge.
Steve Rance said:
Thank you very much Gentlemen. Most helpful. I know exactly what I require from my geo so it will be interesting if the chassis tuner can translate it for me. I'll take the advice of the consensus and let you know how I get on.
Much better spending your money on driving lessons first Edited by Steve Rance on Thursday 11th April 19:25
Mr Rance ,
Go to Birds / Hartge , they completely transformed my 135 several years ago . All I did was springs and slippy diff ,and replacement of run flat tyres . Top outfit ime .
Car handled better yet seemed more supple at the same time .
Regards
B
P.s at spa 20/21 if you are bored . Bring driving gloves , preferably leather ones .
Go to Birds / Hartge , they completely transformed my 135 several years ago . All I did was springs and slippy diff ,and replacement of run flat tyres . Top outfit ime .
Car handled better yet seemed more supple at the same time .
Regards
B
P.s at spa 20/21 if you are bored . Bring driving gloves , preferably leather ones .
Edited by wtdoom on Sunday 14th April 23:15
shim said:
Don't mention it.
When you've done as many trackdays as me, you'll know what a good instructor can add, better than any 'chip'
Don't hesitate to ask if you need any more advice
Don't be rude, Shim...When you've done as many trackdays as me, you'll know what a good instructor can add, better than any 'chip'
Don't hesitate to ask if you need any more advice
Mr Rance used to be quite fast. Tempus Fugit and all that. Shame that the years have wearied him so badly.
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