[ttimbo]

Yes, tyre pressures -- one of the easiest and most important things to check and adjust when tracking your car. Overinflated front tyres are a more likely cause of understeer than a LSD, in my experience.

[Em135eye]

Anyone that doesn't check their tyres before tracking a car is a bit daft.

I have had one drive (not on track) where an LSD might have helped; very tight, twisty road in Cornwall where I could feel the inside wheel slipping and the slight turbo lag was also evident. That's it in two years of driving it.

Ask Lotus and McLaren if they use an LSD...

My other car has three BTW...

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Em135eye

I have had one drive (not on track) where an LSD might have helped; very tight, twisty road in Cornwall where I could feel the inside wheel slipping and the slight turbo lag was also evident. That's it in two years of driving it.

But the F20/F21 has a fake differential brake system as well, using the ABS brakes.

Originally Posted by Em135eye

Ask Lotus and McLaren if they use an LSD...

They do on their race cars.

[Em135eye]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

But the F20/F21 has a fake differential brake system as well, using the ABS brakes.

Yep, the ediff works well up to a certain stage then it runs out of ideas.

Is an M135i a race car? Not as far as I know.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Em135eye

Yep, the ediff works well up to a certain stage then it runs out of ideas.

It is not as quick and smooth as a mechanical LSD.

Originally Posted by Em135eye

Is an M135i a race car? Not as far as I know.

But it can be used as one, and that is when you will need the LSD. For everyday driving, the stock fake ediff system should be enough.

[Em135eye]

But in my experience, the car was fine on track only limited by me, the driver.
It was on an extremely twisty public road on one occasion that it got a bit scrappy.

But as a fast but comfortable car, it's hard to beat.
I think a lot of LSD fans just go on about them because they read it in a car mag; they don't actually need one.
Sport+ (stability off) is more than enough for 95% of drivers.

[ttimbo]

I'd say it's more than enough for 99.5% of owners. I've seen a few too many magazine reviews criticizing the M135i for its lack of LSD (despite the fact it's available as an option), then post lap times that put the car's supposed competitors to shame. For most track work, the ediff works fine; if you're building a track special, then of course you'll fit a LSD, just as you fit a cage, sear, harness, fire extinguisher, race brakes, slicks....etc....

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Em135eye

Sport+ (stability off) is more than enough
for 95% of drivers.

In Sport+, the stability system is enabled (but slightly reduced), and the traction control is pretty much disabled. I also think this works well for most people. Personally, I prefer DSC Off when playing, but I have many years of drifting experience from the ages when there was no ABS or stabilty control on my cars.

For those who live in snowy climates, the addition of a mechanical LSD can provide some extra traction for going up slippery roads.

[Em135eye]

Originally Posted by ttimbo

I'd say it's more than enough for 99.5% of owners. I've seen a few too many magazine reviews criticizing the M135i for its lack of LSD (despite the fact it's available as an option), then post lap times that put the car's supposed competitors to shame. For most track work, the ediff works fine; if you're building a track special, then of course you'll fit a LSD, just as you fit a cage, sear, harness, fire extinguisher, race brakes, slicks....etc....

Spot on :thumbs:

When I looked into getting one, it was for low speed traction rather than track day heroics. There's a video somewhere on the internet of an M-diff equipped M5 (I think) making a very good job of ascending a snowy slope whereas a normal 5 series gets stuck. But living in Cornwall where it hasn't snowed for four years and we've had one frost all Winter, it's a bit excessive - I was also worried about resale value and insurance here goes up a lot (silly but it's a modification).

Plus the Subaru Outback is now our poor weather chariot - it's quite amazing in dreadful weather.

Our incoming VW California will be Haldex 4motion but as a 2.65 tonne camper, I don't think I'll be testing it's abilities in snow/ice too much!

Anyway, off topic again....

I think I have waited long enough.

Spoke to a BMW product genius in Aust yesterday regarding if the B58 will be replacing N55, the answer is no, B58 will be use on 3 series or higher...

Don't know how accurate it is, product genius sounds just like a salesman in disguise that know bit more about the tech stuff.

Well, i am in the process of sorting out the $$ stuff before commit to the m135i regardless if it is B58 or N55. The main concern is the arc spray liner will be as durable as the iron liner. The porous surface is good to retain lubricant, and also dirt/debris too. Well, time will tell. Unless you plan to keep the car for short term, this will not be a concern.