[jerseygirl]

Originally Posted by utenigma

Car and Driver updated the video's on their youtube channel to include a more in-depth look at different categories of their annual Lightning Lap at VIR (full results list).

Here's their take on the F30 335i Sportline from the LL2 category (starting at 1:27).

3-13 vs low 3 camarro? i think thats embarrassing

[bradleyland]

How is it in any way embarrassing for a 335i sedan to get its ass handed to it by the Camaro 1LE? Just because you think Camaro is for rednecks doesn't mean it won't perform. Modern iterations of both American Pony Cars (Mustangs and Camaros) are machines to be respected, but that doesn't mean you must buy one, or that anyone who buys a BMW is "wrong".

These are the false dichotomies that marketers want you to buy in to. It's what keeps you brand loyal. I bought my 1-series because it offered the performance I was looking for along with the aesthetic, ride, and sounds of a German automobile. There are many object quantitative aspects of automobile performance, but there are also qualitative aspects that are subjective. There are a number of cars that put up better "numbers" for less money, but I didn't buy a number, I bought an experience.

[buildbright]

I have no problem with the Camaro other then it being ugly (my opinion) and built by GM.

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

How is it in any way embarrassing for a 335i sedan to get its ass handed to it by the Camaro 1LE? Just because you think Camaro is for rednecks doesn't mean it won't perform.

+1
I love my BMW, but I appreciate anything that performs like these Camaros.

[shivaswrath]

I'd like to think the suspension kit would get you a second.

The brake kit and additional one.

Better tires that aren't low rolling resistance...1-3 seconds.

[BMWforLife]

as long as we edge out the genesis and BRZ I am happy

[tmurphy2]

these camaros are unreal! 2 seconds slower than a 300k super car for 60k....solid.

Guys BMW is going to make cars (like any business) to their "mission statement" which is mainly regarding luxury and some gran touring thrown in there which they DO deliver on. hell these are the people that own rolls royce their target market is not the people on this forum really, if it was they'd make a lot sportier cars instead of telling us how cool the 3 cylinder is.

what you do have to give them credit for is that they build cars that are very mod-able and can be turned into what we really want out of them.

[dmz]

And that 1LE was almost $10k cheaper than the 335i. So much for the ultimate driving machine.

Originally Posted by jerseygirl

3-13 vs low 3 camarro? i think thats embarrassing

[RingMeister01]

Positive review! The guys were in ecstasy while testing the car. Win.

[Onurleft]

Tires are definitely the first thing that should be changed. With the 4-5lbs of sprung weight in each wheel from the run flats (that's roughly a passenger in dead weight) and PSS's I would bet the 335 would easily be under 3:10.

Did anyone notice it isn't a M-Sport? Does that not mean different wheels/tires/dampers/sways/springs?

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by Onurleft

Tires are definitely the first thing that should be changed. With the 4-5lbs of sprung weight in each wheel from the run flats (that's roughly a passenger in dead weight) and PSS's I would bet the 335 would easily be under 3:10.

Did anyone notice it isn't a M-Sport? Does that not mean different wheels/tires/dampers/sways/springs?

M-Sport only has better brake pads and staggered wheel sizes vs the Sport.

But now for tests like this, BMW could option the car out with M Performance hardware.

[Cyberdemon]

How many people here have ever been on a road course, let alone brought their BMW?

There are a lot of changes that will make a car faster on a road course. Grippier tires (which will wear faster), stiffer suspension, less weight, more aggressive brake pad compounds, etc

99.9% of BMW's however, will never see a road course - so while you could easily outfit your car for the track, it doesn't make sense to put those all into a daily driver. People already are pissed at the M-sport's more aggressive brake compounds because they are more likely to squeal.

They praise the car for it's drivability and consistency, which is something you can appreciate in the day to day.

Once you decide you want a track rat, that's when you go out and buy an E36, strip it to the core, and take it out for an HPDE.

My Vette was track prepped and my wife refused to ride in it. The exhaust sounded like a boat, the brake pads squeeled like a school bus when they were cold, and the ride felt like your spine would shake loose. But that's what you get for going around turns fast.

[E90.V8]

nice vid!

[Erhan]

Originally Posted by formula M

335i...?

The M3 gets owned by 2 chevy's... yet BMW still releasing limited editions of that car...lol. Heck, the M135 would outperform the 335i.. yet we don't get that here, either.

Pointless to care about BMW's performance anymore.. they will always be square dab average for now on. What was the ATS's track time?

Did anyone see the C7 Vette..?
3,200lbs for $50k.

I might buy the M135 if it was available here. I just don't like turbo engines, but for the overall package, I might buy it. Especially after watching Chris Harris' video comparing it to RS3.

[Who?]

Originally Posted by G2G

BMW POWER

statements like these should be said only when BMW dominates..

in this case, hmm..

not that i care, i drive a 318d, which will probably do the lap in 5 minutes flat

[DVC]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

How many people here have ever been on a road course, let alone brought their BMW?

...

99.9% of BMW's however, will never see a road course - so while you could easily outfit your car for the track, it doesn't make sense to put those all into a daily driver. People already are pissed at the M-sport's more aggressive brake compounds because they are more likely to squeal.

They praise the car for it's drivability and consistency, which is something you can appreciate in the day to day.

Agreed. For a while now, the 3 series have been built to please the majority of people who buy them - most of whom will not take it to a track, but will complain about attributes that would make it best set up for fast laps... e.g. aggressive brake pads, stiff suspension, grippy (fast-wearing, non-RFT) tires.
That's why enthusiasts will either buy an M3, or modify their 3 series for improved performance with lightweight wheels/sticky tires, suspension mods, more power, and in my case, an LSD.

It's all about striking the balance that works for each driver. The 335 is a great car, but for many of us, it's best enjoyed with a few tweaks. I'm OK with that, and that's the reason I don't get too bent out of shape about tests with stock BMWs where they come up short against cars like the Camaro (which I'd never like as a DD).

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Once you decide you want a track rat, that's when you go out and buy an E36, strip it to the core, and take it out for an HPDE.

This is probably the best solution... it's fun to take your DD fast on a track, but if you really want to get serious, then it makes sense to have a car JUST for that.