Jake's Epic BMW 135i Build Thread! (5+ Years of Ownership)

[suspenceful]

The photographer from the Road America event I did in May finally sent me some pictures! Man this was fun...

[suspenceful]

If anyone wants to see the footage from when my girlfriend took my 135i down the airstrip...

[patsbimmer1]

That's cool that she got to experience that with you.  Time to boost the e46!

[suspenceful]

I got a Dragy device to measure my 0-60, 60-130, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile data. I finally put it to the test the other night and thought I'd share the results.

Most people on this platform measure 60-130mph to get a good idea of power/acceleration, so that's what I did. Car was at 27psi with a full tank of gas and a passenger. I'm pleased with the results, but know there's a lot of room for improvement. Gonna try again by myself with 1/8 tank and see if I can improve the shift bog.

[YoungCR]

Pretty cool to see the rankings

[patsbimmer1]

I don't know man, looks like you were going downhill... i'd have to say that's not valid.  No internet points for you!

Seriously though that's kinda neat.  Is there a box that comes with an accelerometer and gps unit that records this or is it from your phone?

[suspenceful]

patsbimmer1 said:

I don't know man, looks like you were going downhill... i'd have to say that's not valid.  No internet points for you!

Seriously though that's kinda neat.  Is there a box that comes with an accelerometer and gps unit that records this or is it from your phone?

Lol, I know you're kidding but it requires less than 1% slope for a "valid" result. Most drag strips are downhill between -0.05% and -0.5% slope. I did a couple runs on roads that looked flat to me, but were at a -2% slope. It still gives the results, but isn't "approved" for the leader boards.

It's a tiny magnetic box (maybe 3x1"). You just plug it's cord into a 12v socket and open the mobile app. It's always recording data and will split it up into different stat sheets based on the distances/speeds you were going.

[Jdesign]

Thats pretty damn sweet!!

[suspenceful]

Finally. I received my Doc Race intake manifold last night! You could order it in black, silver, red or blue. I opted for silver because I'm not a huge fan of colors, but wanted it to "pop". It matches the turbo compressor housing nicely. I'm going to take a sanding pad to the raised logo... should give it a nice brushed finished.

I couldn't help but to set it on top of the factory intake manifold to get an idea of what it will look like once installed...

Stay tuned for a "first impressions" video on my YouTube channel. I'm also planning a full installation DIY video, along with a same day back-to-back dyno session to see the exact gains this intake manifold provides. The custom charge pipe and port injection accessories should be arriving later today. Stay tuned!

[suspenceful]

The rest of the kit showed up yesterday... here are some cell phone pictures of everything. Hoping to get around to installing it next weekend.

[suspenceful]

Oh, and I filmed a overview video of my garage setup for those who are curious.

If you don't care about the garage, I took the 1-series for a spin with some WOT pulls, because who doesn't like that?

[SteelBlue]

"hits 100..kilometers per hour pretty quick"

[suspenceful]

Well, I installed my Doc Race intake manifold on Saturday!

I put together a very detailed write-up with a required parts list, DIY installation and dyno data. Check it out now:

http://my1series.com/2018/08/14/doc-race-intake-manifold-installation-dyno-results/

For a brief overview, here are some photos and a video.

Here's a graph I overlaid with the stock manifold vs Doc Race manifold. It favors the stock manifold for ambient temperature and spool RPM, but gives you an idea of the power it picks up in the midrange. This is good power under the curve. +49whp and +47wtq at 5500 RPMs. I will eventually go back to the dyno and do a 29psi pull in 70*F weather starting at 2000 RPMs with the Doc Race intake manifold for a more apples-to-apples comparison.

[Jdesign]

Nice!! That manifold looks good in there too!

[Rekpoint]

I know this question is not related. How similar are the e36 and e82 chassis? Asking for a friend.

[Jdesign]

Rekpoint said:

I know this question is not related. How similar are the e36 and e82 chassis? Asking for a friend.

They have the same lug pattern.

[suspenceful]

Rekpoint said:

I know this question is not related. How similar are the e36 and e82 chassis? Asking for a friend.

Having owned both, they're similar but very different. Size feels roughly the same when driving, but the E82 is taller. Other than that, just feels a lot newer. It's been a while since I've driven an E36 so I can't comment on handling characteristics.

One day I'd like to LS swap an E36.

[suspenceful]

Had a blast at the 1/4 mile drag event yesterday! Managed to take home the 6 cylinder class ($200 cash and $200 tattoo credit!)

Tough being a 6MT, and I gotta get that launch down. I didn't use 2-step because the two other times I tried using it, I snapped an axle each time. Maybe one day I’ll upgrade axles and get a transmission that doesn’t lock me out of 2nd gear. Until then I’m gonna keep enjoying the car for what it is; a great street car that can do 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, autocross, road course and still be daily driven!

PS: Turns out this little Dragy device is pretty accurate!

 
  

My 60-130mph time at the track was about 1 second slower than on the street. Not sure if it was because of the hot weather or what (130°F IATs). Trap speed is there, but I know the car has a better ET in it.

[gilber33]

Is that a tan 240 with a carbon fiber hood next to you in that first video? Twin turbo LS swap.

[suspenceful]

gilber33 said:

Is that a tan 240 with a carbon fiber hood next to you in that first video? Twin turbo LS swap. 

Yup, it's my friend Brian's Volvo. It's single turbo.