[tjlees]

So 1100 km and two days of the infamous Nurburgring and GP circuit in a race prepared BMW 125i.

The 1 series with the turboed four pot is a sweet motor, really well balanced and feels very confident. The steering with proper cut slicks on has plenty of feedback and feel - amazing that a change of suspension and tyres can make so much difference!

The brakes were M sport with endless pads, provided so much stopping power with no fade (or at least in my hands).

Even when I cocked up the corner (usually too much speed!) the Bmer would under steer a little, scrub the speed off and then turn in proper - brill!!!

Really need to take the 3 series round for a comparison!

Tengocity I must of just missed you last week!!

[Tengocity]

Yes the tourist session in Thursday started at 17.15 I think so presume you guys were there right up till about then?
How many laps did you get done in a day? Not the 1100km I presume?!

[tjlees]

We left at 1645.

Given the GP circuit was included we did a measly 45 laps (~22 per day) - however half of those were with an instructor, which made a big difference!

I thought the Flugplatz required braking but it actually just a throttle lift, turn in, power on - gave me the willies everytime the instructor made me do it!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by tjlees

We left at 1645.

Given the GP circuit was included we did a measly 45 laps (~22 per day) - however half of those were with an instructor, which made a big difference!

I thought the Flugplatz required braking but it actually just a throttle lift, turn in, power on - gave me the willies everytime the instructor made me do it!

Ha! Well god knows what you'd make of my driving in the video. I don't need an instructor to see how much time I left out there just by braking too early and too much! Easy to say now that I've watched the video a few times though.
I really do fancy the idea of doing what you did, and having all day, and having an instructor.

[Tengocity]

So what were the mods to the car? Coilovers, pads and tyres? A half cage presumably as well?

[tjlees]

The 125i had:

• Federal semi-slick road-legal race tyres
• KW suspension
• Recaro Pole Position racing seats and OMP harnesses
• Upgraded M sport brakes using Motul fluid and Endless pads
• Full welded in roll cage
• ~300kg of seats, boot, installation, carpet stripped out

It was a good starter car and because of the ZF8 box really easy to change gear with your right hand!,

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by tjlees

The 125i had:

• Federal semi-slick road-legal race tyres
• KW suspension
• Recaro Pole Position racing seats and OMP harnesses
• Upgraded M sport brakes using Motul fluid and Endless pads
• Full welded in roll cage
• ~300kg of seats, boot, installation, carpet stripped out

It was a good starter car and because of the ZF8 box really easy to change gear with your right hand!,

So with that done could you pretty much lap all day without a care in the world? How long would tyres like that last doing a track day?
Just mulling over the costs of buying a E46 M3 and turning it in to something properly at home on track but not totally stripped out, so still fine to use on road too. More like GT3 RS I guess.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by tjlees

The 125i had:

• Federal semi-slick road-legal race tyres
• KW suspension
• Recaro Pole Position racing seats and OMP harnesses
• Upgraded M sport brakes using Motul fluid and Endless pads
• Full welded in roll cage
• ~300kg of seats, boot, installation, carpet stripped out

It was a good starter car and because of the ZF8 box really easy to change gear with your right hand!,

Nice, I bet that was fun

[magic77]

Looks fun bring on August have two evening sessions booked

[tjlees]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

So with that done could you pretty much lap all day without a care in the world? How long would tyres like that last doing a track day?
Just mulling over the costs of buying a E46 M3 and turning it in to something properly at home on track but not totally stripped out, so still fine to use on road too. More like GT3 RS I guess.

Tyres stood up 1100km with very little wear. If you ran for more than 3 laps the tyres would start to overheat - but that's almost 40 mins on track!

E46 m3 would be a very good choice IMHO

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by tjlees

Tyres stood up 1100km with very little wear. If you ran for more than 3 laps the tyres would start to overheat - but that's almost 40 mins on track!

E46 m3 would be a very good choice IMHO

That's more than enough, 15 mins at a time is fine for my concentrations span!