The Sandlapper chapter of the BMW CCA had another autocross on the track(s) at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg yesterday, and it was even more fun than last time --a bit more open in a couple of spots that really allowed you to let it loose. If you think the last Sanford event was a fast autox, this one would blow you away. I had the M5 deep into third gear in numerous places along with elements completed with a quick lift and back onto the throttle...in 3rd gear (i.e. 2nd runs out on this car ~65mph). I upheld the THSCC banner pretty well I suppose by claiming FTD.
PC staff worked the course in X5s, so no course working was required. You have to be a CCA member and can only drive a BMW or Mini, but if anyone is interested, there will probably be another event in the Spring. Ash (William), Jackie and I were wondering about how David Spratte would do there in the Mini…maybe next time David?
Ok, back on topic. I saw the 135i there this weekend along with the new E92 M3. We couldn't sit in them, and they weren't allowed to start them either.
Also, we're not allowed to post pictures of them. All that said, the 135i looks pretty goofy in person imo. From front on it is way too narrow versus its height -- definitely needs to be lowered (the one there had the sport package so it was already a bit lower). It also had 4-wheel Brembo 4 piston caliper brakes -- a first for a modern BMW. The front calipers looked huge.
The M3 looks better in person than in the pictures, and it looks humongous sitting next to the 135i. Looking over the car from the outside (and laying down and inspecting the undersides), it exudes quality materials and assembly. There's not much else I can say since these are already in the hands of owners in Europe, etc, only to reemphasize that it does look better in person than pictures.
Back to the 135 for a moment. You can really sort of see how it is an E46-type chassis with E90-type stuff grafted onto it, at least that is how it appears to me. If it came with a limited slip, I could overlook all the goofiness I guess, but I imagine it is going to sell fairly well as it is. If they had properly (imo) priced its base price about 5k lower, it would be a sell out. At the price point they selected, my advice is: 335i.
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