E82 125i track car

PaKiMoNSTeR

Active member
Toying with the idea of building an E82 as a track car. I've never driven one so I have no frame of reference to work from so I thought I'd get some feedback from those who own them. My E36 track car does the job but I'm jonesing for something new. I was also thinking of an E46 ci but the 1 series is a lot more compact and could weigh less once stripped out.

I believe they share loads of parts with the E90 so that should be a bonus to keep it going. It's only panels that could become a mission if you have an off. Anything else that could be potential issues like sub frame or similar on the E36/46?

Any feedback would be appreciated.
 

Vinnige Fanie

Well-known member
Toying with the idea of building an E82 as a track car. I've never driven one so I have no frame of reference to work from so I thought I'd get some feedback from those who own them. My E36 track car does the job but I'm jonesing for something new. I was also thinking of an E46 ci but the 1 series is a lot more compact and could weigh less once stripped out.

I believe they share loads of parts with the E90 so that should be a bonus to keep it going. It's only panels that could become a mission if you have an off. Anything else that could be potential issues like sub frame or similar on the E36/46?

Any feedback would be appreciated.
They can be okay but the biggest issue is you cannot run wide tires on the stock body, And the lack of LSD is a pain. If you can afford it a E46 M3 is a much better base. The 135 can be good but you will need to spend quite some money on them. I think if you would like more fun you would probably be better off just turbocharging your E36.
 

Benji

Well-known member
There are a lot of E90s at the track days doing some good times - @Navigator_E90 tracks his and I believe is running a RacingDiffs LSD.

Otherwise as mentioned, find a E46 325ci, throw in a B30 with M3 rear subframe and front suspension...debatable how much of an upgrade this will be over the E36
 

VinceM

Well-known member
There are a lot of E90s at the track days doing some good times - @Navigator_E90 tracks his and I believe is running a RacingDiffs LSD.

Otherwise as mentioned, find a E46 325ci, throw in a B30 with M3 rear subframe and front suspension...debatable how much of an upgrade this will be over the E36

Seems the ci I sold might show up on track too….

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

PaKiMoNSTeR

Active member
Like the E36 or an E46 the plan would also be to build the E82 over time. So we will go LSD, full suspension, cage etc. I'd need to do those things to whatever platform I build next in any case. I just think that it's more compact, lighter and sleek compared to an e46 ci.

I think the next question would be, does it makes sense to build something like an E82 over an E46 for those reasons or not. Base prices for the cars are fairly similar and parts to build should be similar as well. I think the end result would be much better considering the age of vehicle you start off with.

As a side note we've just fitted ITB's on the E36 so I might want to keep it after driving it for the 1st time. It's out for mapping now and I'm getting it back hopefully tomorrow so let's see.
 

golfer23

Active member
lots of guys in the states track their 128s. so the platform is there. from what i've read, they go coil overs, E92 M3 anti roll bars front and rear, 135i brakes, usually square setup for tires. cost wise, get a base 125i, a non m-sport, and that would save you money to mod the thing. The non m-sport doesn't have a rear anti roll bar which makes fitting one easier there. The M3 control arms fit too, front and rear. check 1addicts, i'm sure you will get the info you need there.
 

Navigator_E90

Active member
Toying with the idea of building an E82 as a track car. I've never driven one so I have no frame of reference to work from so I thought I'd get some feedback from those who own them. My E36 track car does the job but I'm jonesing for something new. I was also thinking of an E46 ci but the 1 series is a lot more compact and could weigh less once stripped out.

I believe they share loads of parts with the E90 so that should be a bonus to keep it going. It's only panels that could become a mission if you have an off. Anything else that could be potential issues like sub frame or similar on the E36/46?

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Hi,
Ive done 2 seasons of racing with a E90 330i, yes they are almost identical to the E82's - think the main difference is the shorter track which might be an advantage on some some tracks, like Redstar but not as stable on high speed corners on Kyalami - but darn close.
Also think the E82 might be slighter lighter as my E90 is still very much overweight comparing to the E46 & E46's - bit very nice stiff chassis!

We tested the limited slip diff, but trust me it does not make a huge difference on the low power non turbo cars, however a close ratio diff will give you a bigger advantage - Im using the Racing Diffs unit, which I am extremely happy with, wont give you the same grip when you running huge power, but it works just fine and the guys from Racing Diffs got great service!

But you are more than welcome to contact me on 0716417947 call or whatzup for any ideas
 
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