We just had our annual Driving School at Motorsport Park Hastings this past weekend where two 135's attended as part of the dealerships (BMW of Lincoln) sponsorship of the event. The new owners were treated to the event as part of their purchase. We had a 6-speed and an Automatic. We had the new V8 M3 registered but last minute family issues caused the owner to cancel his free weekend as well. OK...as an instructor, NOT in either car personally, but on track with them both here is what I found. My E39 M5 student could not gain on it in a rolling drag race down the straight to 100-105mph. My good friend who instructed in one 135 offers the following. Cornering is crisp, acceleration hard and brakes never came close to fading. He did drive the car as the owner wanted to see what it would do in competent hands. A 335 with the Vishnu tuning ran away from the 135 pretty easily. The 335 owner had a dyno graph that showed 375hp and 414ft lbs at the wheels and he lives in Denver. I would bet the 135 with the same software, or the Dinan solution, would be a complete Beast out there. The oil temps did get a bit warm, but not as high as the stock 335's for some reason. Final analysis....even in stock trim (wheels, tires, brakes) a very capable car, albeit heavy, it didn't "feel" its weight. Seems the 6 speed offered a more involved experience but the auto was still fun and would stay in gear when asked. Shifting mid corner is never good and really upsets the car balance. To make it a really competent track car and something that E36/46 M3's would have real trouble with I recommend the following. First learn to drive by attending DE's. Then, either the Vishnu or Dinan software upgrades, and if the TC Kline double adjustable on the 335 works half as well on the 135, get them. Further, the track tire of your choice as well as brake pad. Just my opinions from observations and experiences. Sweet machine.....
How did you fit in the cabin? Any issues there? I had some problems with my helmet hitting the roof by the sunroof. How about you? Matt
Helmet fit. I am 5-10 and had no problems. My buddy who instructed in the car is about the same height and he said nothing. The owner was over 6 feet and said nothing. We lowered the seats all the way down and recline as a standard, even in my 91 M5. If you don't adjust for it, you will have problems, certainly.
Thanks for the reply... I only had one for a few laps at Laguna. I'll give it another try next chance I get.... Matt
I am just about 6'.. maybe 6'1", and I found it to be a problem wearing a helmet in my sunroof equipped car. This is exactly why I tried to get a car without a sunroof, but of course I was denied the option, even though cars without a sunroof come right off the same factory line. I think that the 1 to 1.5 inches I think i'd gain would possibly be enough that contact with the roof would not be an issue. But it is, and just like in my e46s, it's annoying. -Jer
