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After following the BMW Driver Training page on Facebook, I decided to go on the limited High Performance course in the 135i fitted with all the performance accessories. The course was held at Kyalami Racetrack in Johannesburg.
Check out the link:
BMW Performance Course
Follow the video link too. Nice advert...
Aerial shot of the cicuit (pic doesn't belong to me)
My 120d that will never be driven the same...
135i and M Coupe in parking lot
The morning started out with filling in the necessary documentation regarding drivers' licences and indemnities. Basically signed my life away... After which had tea and chatted to the other participants who were also attending - albeit in different cars.
There was a drivers briefing for about 30 mins in which vehicle dynamics were discussed. The mandatory mention of the Kamm circle - really important in understanding how the tyres transmit forces and what happens when the limit of grip is exceeded. The advantage of following a variable radius around a corner was discussed.
Some pics of the cars:
We were then paired off with our instructors. Our instructor drove around the circuit three times giving us a good idea of the track layout. Cones were put up on each corner to show the correct turn in point.
There were three driving sessions in which we were able to drive. Between which there were demonstrations - Braking distance from various speeds and the functioning of DSC. :thumbsup:
Session 1
Three slow(ish) laps to get a better feel of the car and the track.
Managed to get 2 timed laps:
Lap1: 2min 51
Lap2: 2min 29
I struggled initially with the speed at which I release the brake pedal (Bad habit learnt from the skid pan, to intentionally break traction). I was releasing the pedal way too fast, which meant weight transfer backwards - reducing cornering ability.
I learnt something called trail braking. Really interesting... Basically you brake as you would for your corner entry and turn in at the cone. Instead of jumping off the brake pedal - as I was doing :facepalm: - you gradually reduce pedal pressure until you hit the apex. You should be off the brakes by the apex, at which point you start hitting the gas. Followed by the unwinding of the hands onto the straight.
Took about a lap to get used to it, after which was great to implement!
Brake Demonstration
To illustrate the distance required to come to a stop, a 330i was stopped from three speeds: 60km/h; 120km/h; 160 km/h. We were told to stand behind the point where the car would stop. Well if that were a get-it-right-or-you-die exercise, we all would be dead. Especially from 120 km/h not one of us had a right idea of the stopping distance.
Session 2
Similar in configuration to session 1, just now with four laps.
Lap 1: 2min 23
Lap 2: 2min 22
Lap 3: 2min 24
DSC Demonstration
This was to simulate emergency collision avoidance. Basically a stationary vehicle in your lane. (Ironically that day I encountered three stationary vehicles all in the fast lane of the highway).
Interesting to see how the car reacts to being driven under such harsh driver inputs.
Session 3
Same idea as session 2, except this time all the cones are removed. This tests how well you remember the track and can brake and turn in with the correct input.
Lap times:
Lap 1: 2min 23
Lap 2: 2min 23
Lap 3: 2min 21
Car Impression
The 135i was just amazing. Has good mid range and high end torque. That sound is also something else. Even with the windows closed, it was eargasmic. With all the performance accessories it made for a very special car. There was very little body roll - die to performance suspension. The short shift gearlever gave an amazing feeling. Extremely direct and such a short, positive engagement. I can't really comment in the brake disks - they are massive and have good feel but don't know how they feel different from the stock ones. The carbon fibre diffuser looks awesome... Don't get me started on the rims... :drool:
Overall Impression
I have been on advanced driving courses before but this was something else. This is partly due to the instructor and the 135i. The instructor was really hard on us, but was very knowledgeable. He also encouraged one when we executed a manoeuvre well. After our sessions we had lunch - which was awesome - and went on our way. The course was awesome, but not cheap. Definitely a must for anyone wanting a good day out in an awesome car or to improve you abilities.
Check out the link:
BMW Performance Course
Follow the video link too. Nice advert...
Aerial shot of the cicuit (pic doesn't belong to me)
My 120d that will never be driven the same...
135i and M Coupe in parking lot
The morning started out with filling in the necessary documentation regarding drivers' licences and indemnities. Basically signed my life away... After which had tea and chatted to the other participants who were also attending - albeit in different cars.
There was a drivers briefing for about 30 mins in which vehicle dynamics were discussed. The mandatory mention of the Kamm circle - really important in understanding how the tyres transmit forces and what happens when the limit of grip is exceeded. The advantage of following a variable radius around a corner was discussed.
Some pics of the cars:
We were then paired off with our instructors. Our instructor drove around the circuit three times giving us a good idea of the track layout. Cones were put up on each corner to show the correct turn in point.
There were three driving sessions in which we were able to drive. Between which there were demonstrations - Braking distance from various speeds and the functioning of DSC. :thumbsup:
Session 1
Three slow(ish) laps to get a better feel of the car and the track.
Managed to get 2 timed laps:
Lap1: 2min 51
Lap2: 2min 29
I struggled initially with the speed at which I release the brake pedal (Bad habit learnt from the skid pan, to intentionally break traction). I was releasing the pedal way too fast, which meant weight transfer backwards - reducing cornering ability.
I learnt something called trail braking. Really interesting... Basically you brake as you would for your corner entry and turn in at the cone. Instead of jumping off the brake pedal - as I was doing :facepalm: - you gradually reduce pedal pressure until you hit the apex. You should be off the brakes by the apex, at which point you start hitting the gas. Followed by the unwinding of the hands onto the straight.
Took about a lap to get used to it, after which was great to implement!
Brake Demonstration
To illustrate the distance required to come to a stop, a 330i was stopped from three speeds: 60km/h; 120km/h; 160 km/h. We were told to stand behind the point where the car would stop. Well if that were a get-it-right-or-you-die exercise, we all would be dead. Especially from 120 km/h not one of us had a right idea of the stopping distance.
Session 2
Similar in configuration to session 1, just now with four laps.
Lap 1: 2min 23
Lap 2: 2min 22
Lap 3: 2min 24
DSC Demonstration
This was to simulate emergency collision avoidance. Basically a stationary vehicle in your lane. (Ironically that day I encountered three stationary vehicles all in the fast lane of the highway).
Interesting to see how the car reacts to being driven under such harsh driver inputs.
Session 3
Same idea as session 2, except this time all the cones are removed. This tests how well you remember the track and can brake and turn in with the correct input.
Lap times:
Lap 1: 2min 23
Lap 2: 2min 23
Lap 3: 2min 21
Car Impression
The 135i was just amazing. Has good mid range and high end torque. That sound is also something else. Even with the windows closed, it was eargasmic. With all the performance accessories it made for a very special car. There was very little body roll - die to performance suspension. The short shift gearlever gave an amazing feeling. Extremely direct and such a short, positive engagement. I can't really comment in the brake disks - they are massive and have good feel but don't know how they feel different from the stock ones. The carbon fibre diffuser looks awesome... Don't get me started on the rims... :drool:
Overall Impression
I have been on advanced driving courses before but this was something else. This is partly due to the instructor and the 135i. The instructor was really hard on us, but was very knowledgeable. He also encouraged one when we executed a manoeuvre well. After our sessions we had lunch - which was awesome - and went on our way. The course was awesome, but not cheap. Definitely a must for anyone wanting a good day out in an awesome car or to improve you abilities.
