CahunaKiwi 21 Report post Posted August 16, 2022 Hey all, new BMW owner here. As per the title I'm working on building up a 130i as a clubmans rally car, for use on gravel Hillclimbs, Rallysprints and Rallys. The intention isn't for it to be a world-beater or anything, just something that is relatively reliable and that gives maximum smiles-for-the-miles while out on the stages. Here's what it looked like when I picked it up and drove it home from its old home in Taranaki. I can guarantee that it's not going to stay this low for long! The basic plan with it is: Suspension, brakes and LSD - Not sure there's any suitable suspension available off the shelf, so likely to be MCAs (which another local running a 135i uses) or custom-built Bilsteins. Interior - Cage, seats, everything else stripped out, reroute brake and fuel lines to protect them from rocks Electronics - Defang everything! ABS is out, TCS is out, all the nanny warnings about missing airbags/seatbelts/lights etc will (hopefully!) be excommunicated from the vehicle. Engine/Gearbox - Standard. 260hp is twice what I've ever had for rallying so should be enough to keep me smiling... at least for a while! And all the million other minor things that need doing for a rally car - intercom, helmet holder, mudflaps, underbody protection, rerouting wiring to keep it save from the elements etc. And remove the towbar; it's way to heavy to keep as a towing eye for the rear... Since I'm doing it on a (relative) budget and keeping things simple, I'm hoping to be able to build it in stages over the next few months so I can keep doing club events. And all going well it should be ready for the Northern Rallysprint Series starting in Feb 2023. 8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacko 2154 Report post Posted August 16, 2022 (edited) Good stuff, have you seen the 130i challenge cars? They sound similar. https://www.130ichallenge.nl/ Edited August 16, 2022 by Jacko Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CahunaKiwi 21 Report post Posted August 16, 2022 9 hours ago, Jacko said: Good stuff, have you seen the 130i challenge cars? They sound similar. https://www.130ichallenge.nl/ No I hadn’t! Thanks for that, time for some more reading 🙂 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted September 2, 2022 I have Ohlins adjustables in mine, though I don't know how that would stand up to rally stages. Certainly a substantial upgrade over stock M-sport Suspension. https://www.ohlins.com/product/road-track/1-series-2004-2011/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
