The M240i; with an almost endless stream of aftermarket parts to choose from, it makes for the perfect platform to build a highly equipped sports car.
Max’s 2018 F22 M240i has spent more time on the track than most, what started as a weekend toy, quickly has become an almost completely dedicated track day hero.
With a relatively street car looks on the outside, its what’s on the inside that truly makes a motoring enthusiast excited.
What on the inside of Max’s BMW makes for a well balanced machine: Upgraded Limited Slip Differential, M-Sport Big Brake Kit with DBA sports rotors and competition Ferodo brake pads. Supported by stainless steel brake lines and Speed Engineering brake ducts. With stopping covered, the power is helped with a stage 2+ tune with Ethanol fuel, putting down approx 320rwkw. The Recaro race seats and race harness give away that this BMW means business.
When it came to the suspension, Max needed something that would not only be capable on track, but something that can be dialled back for driving on public roads on the way to the race track. The obvious choice was Bilstein B16 Coilovers.
“I don’t usually daily drive the car, it is mainly a weekend/track focused car. I just drop the settings to 3 front and rear on the suspension and it is as comfortable as OEM, with the advantage of retaining less travel, so it is perfect for a run on B roads in the hills. Or long drives to get to interstate tracks!”
Bilstein B16 coilovers offer a range of adjustment a stock suspension set up never could. With height adjustment from 15-35mm on the front and 10-25mm on the rear, the ability to lower the centre of gravity is a huge handling gain, as well as the ability to fine tune the corner weight of the vehicle for the perfect balance.
The B16’s also feature combined compression and rebound adjustment that makes it easy to quickly adjust the stiffness on each corner. Riding in comfort on the way to the track, dial it up when you’re ready to set some PB’s on the track.
“On track I used to have a softer setting for the front compared to the rear to get some more turn in, but recently I had done a much more aggressive alignment and I think I hit the sweet spot using 10 clicks at the front and 8 at the rear. Then depends a lot on the track. Fast flat tracks as Phillip Island and SMSP they are great with those settings, but when it comes to Sandown and Winton, that have some bumps, I found it helpful to get 1/2 clicks down, especially to the rear to keep good traction getting out of corners.”
“At the moment I have no future plan for the car other then getting some better semi slick tyres to improve my PBs and enjoy it as it is.
The dream plan is to move to the big sister, an M2 Competition, maybe sometime next year and start again with the mods…”Â
Phillip Island – 1.49.7
SMSP (GP) – 1.46.5
Winton – 1.36.4
Wakefield & The Bend – Coming Soon
