MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
A bit more sideways action here as I try to stay with a stage 2 (450bhp) ZF8, and then keep ahead of another with Bilsteins and brake upgrades aplenty.
ClioSport.net
Register a free account today to become a member!
Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more here.
MarkCup's BMW M140i
- Thread starter MarkCup
- Start date
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Yes it has.
I was thinking of different pads to go with the ATE fluid I currently have, but now I think why bother?!
They wouldn't increase the fun I had, and I wasn't really using all that the standard pads had to give.
I was thinking of different pads to go with the ATE fluid I currently have, but now I think why bother?!
They wouldn't increase the fun I had, and I wasn't really using all that the standard pads had to give.
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
A couple of updates on my ownership and something significant I've learned that I kind of knew already but it's just been 100% confirmed...
1st, Bedford, a round-up of how it went... there's not much here I haven't said in an earlier post, but thinking about it more, I'm completely amazed it did what it did while suffering as good as zero wear on the consumables. I must try harder next time on track, use more of what the wearables have to give.
2nd, I had the Goodwood Road Racing Club Autosolo on Sunday...and I'm officially 100% hooked!
Last time in March (just before lockdown came) I had a total blast, and ended the day not only winning my class, but also being fastest overall on the day. This turned out to be a timing error, I wasn't fastest overall, and I didn't win my class. Still, the chilled Veuve Clicquot was nice that night
I did let the chap know who won for real and also told the GRRC of their error but they never even acknowledged my email...
So, having spent Saturday giving the 140 a very rare going over, I rocked up, super early on Sunday buzzing for the day ahead...
Bit of unusual spot in the paddock
And an entire paddock full of 15 of these bad boys (complete with 24hr security guard)
At sign on I was greeted with "Mr Briggs, you're here to defend your title today!?".
Erm, awkward face.
With that done, and with far too many cameras setup, and with my number more carefully placed to avoid being within my line-of-sight, we set about the runs. I was in class D which was RWD cars over 2000cc, meaning these were some of my competitors...
There were a good few Caymans and a Clio V6 as well in my class...I thought I might be in with a chance.
Knowing what to expect made for a different experience this time out. Accuracy is everything as cones cost 5 seconds, so that was my main focus and I managed the entire day, 12 runs across 4 different courses without tagging a single cone. I did get one "wrong course" penalty on the 3rd course but the other two runs on course 3 were there or thereabouts.
I've an absolute sh*t ton of video to get on with editing and a Scooby Type R video to get completed before I do, so for now this is all I have. My fastest run from course 3...
What did I learn about me, my car, and Autosolos?
1. Tyre pressures...once warmed up I had way to much up front, and not enough at the back, and I took nothing to adjust them with. This meant that on the mini 'roundabouts' even when hard on the throttle in 1st gear it was just pushing the front wide. I could have borrowed a gauge I'm sure, but I left them and made do with what grip I had. Next time I'll make sure I have some proper front end purchase.
2. Handbrake...don't forget to tape the button up! I used it a few times to get some rotation started on the really slow tight turns and I've seen from one of my runs I didn't release it properly...I expect there's more runs where it happened too.
3. Use the TORQUE! I spent far too long in 1st gear thinking it would give me better punch, 1st to 2nd to 1st to 2nd etc. That made me too busy, and gave me far too many chances of making a mistake! My fastest runs came where I mainly used second and focussed on carving a smooth balanced line carrying greater speed from gate to gate rather than accelerate, BRAKE HARD, turn, accelerate.
4. I can do these things with the windows down. It only occurred to me on the last run of the day, it's not a trackday, normal rules don't apply. It was a glorious hot and sunny day, so I knocked the aircon off for a few more BHPs, opened the window, and revelled in the engine noise, the tyre chirps and howls, and the strong smell of distressed tyres and brakes that wafted in as I pulled up at the final timing gate 😁
I knew from comparing the odd time or two with others that I was sort of there pace wise but thought the overall fastest on the day was well out of reach...which it was, won by the pilot of a Caterham R610 or something...it was basically completely carbon fibre, very nice, and zero intertia!
However, it turns out that I did do enough for the class win 😁😁😁😁😁 I was told my runs were "the most entertaining to watch by far" and there was lots of interest in what my car actually was! The joys of being de-badged.
I'm waiting for the times spreadsheet to come through to see just how much I was off the Caterham's times and how I did against others in my class.
I can't wait for the next one.
Lastly, what's the big thing I've learned? Don't work with anyone else when it comes to video!
The video at the top, the Bedford round-up...my original upload had some footage of a chap sliding his 140 about like a madman. I thought it could make a good close to the video. I asked him if I could use it, he said OK but wanted me to present it in a way that wouldn't make him readily identifiable. We discuused, we agreed, black and white, slightly grainy, significantly cropped, he was fine, I could use it. So I did.
Then a couple of slightly negative comments are left and he wants me to cut that bit out. Great. Videos can't be edited in situ on YT, and I'd linked that one all over FB so down it came. Luckily, I could close with the dialog I had (often, I would have filmed entirely around the topic), so what you see above is after that change.
Further to this, the Scooby Type R thing. I drove it the Sunday before last and it's incredible. Mad. So nice to drive, and feels so quick. We spent 6 hours together, filming static shots, a walkaround. The the in-car drive and dialog, external shots, chase cam from the tow eye mount on my car. Brilliant. Loads of footage in the bag.
Then 24 hours later "mate, I know I said I'd be fine with it, but can you not show my numberplate...".
That's just added hours and hours and hours to my editing workload. Thanks. I'd have filmed accordingly if you'd said that up front.
Never again. I don't care what I'm offered a drive in. And breathe...
1st, Bedford, a round-up of how it went... there's not much here I haven't said in an earlier post, but thinking about it more, I'm completely amazed it did what it did while suffering as good as zero wear on the consumables. I must try harder next time on track, use more of what the wearables have to give.
2nd, I had the Goodwood Road Racing Club Autosolo on Sunday...and I'm officially 100% hooked!
Last time in March (just before lockdown came) I had a total blast, and ended the day not only winning my class, but also being fastest overall on the day. This turned out to be a timing error, I wasn't fastest overall, and I didn't win my class. Still, the chilled Veuve Clicquot was nice that night
I did let the chap know who won for real and also told the GRRC of their error but they never even acknowledged my email...So, having spent Saturday giving the 140 a very rare going over, I rocked up, super early on Sunday buzzing for the day ahead...
Bit of unusual spot in the paddock
And an entire paddock full of 15 of these bad boys (complete with 24hr security guard)
At sign on I was greeted with "Mr Briggs, you're here to defend your title today!?".
Erm, awkward face.
With that done, and with far too many cameras setup, and with my number more carefully placed to avoid being within my line-of-sight, we set about the runs. I was in class D which was RWD cars over 2000cc, meaning these were some of my competitors...
There were a good few Caymans and a Clio V6 as well in my class...I thought I might be in with a chance.
Knowing what to expect made for a different experience this time out. Accuracy is everything as cones cost 5 seconds, so that was my main focus and I managed the entire day, 12 runs across 4 different courses without tagging a single cone. I did get one "wrong course" penalty on the 3rd course but the other two runs on course 3 were there or thereabouts.
I've an absolute sh*t ton of video to get on with editing and a Scooby Type R video to get completed before I do, so for now this is all I have. My fastest run from course 3...
What did I learn about me, my car, and Autosolos?
1. Tyre pressures...once warmed up I had way to much up front, and not enough at the back, and I took nothing to adjust them with. This meant that on the mini 'roundabouts' even when hard on the throttle in 1st gear it was just pushing the front wide. I could have borrowed a gauge I'm sure, but I left them and made do with what grip I had. Next time I'll make sure I have some proper front end purchase.
2. Handbrake...don't forget to tape the button up! I used it a few times to get some rotation started on the really slow tight turns and I've seen from one of my runs I didn't release it properly...I expect there's more runs where it happened too.
3. Use the TORQUE! I spent far too long in 1st gear thinking it would give me better punch, 1st to 2nd to 1st to 2nd etc. That made me too busy, and gave me far too many chances of making a mistake! My fastest runs came where I mainly used second and focussed on carving a smooth balanced line carrying greater speed from gate to gate rather than accelerate, BRAKE HARD, turn, accelerate.
4. I can do these things with the windows down. It only occurred to me on the last run of the day, it's not a trackday, normal rules don't apply. It was a glorious hot and sunny day, so I knocked the aircon off for a few more BHPs, opened the window, and revelled in the engine noise, the tyre chirps and howls, and the strong smell of distressed tyres and brakes that wafted in as I pulled up at the final timing gate 😁
I knew from comparing the odd time or two with others that I was sort of there pace wise but thought the overall fastest on the day was well out of reach...which it was, won by the pilot of a Caterham R610 or something...it was basically completely carbon fibre, very nice, and zero intertia!
However, it turns out that I did do enough for the class win 😁😁😁😁😁 I was told my runs were "the most entertaining to watch by far" and there was lots of interest in what my car actually was! The joys of being de-badged.
I'm waiting for the times spreadsheet to come through to see just how much I was off the Caterham's times and how I did against others in my class.
I can't wait for the next one.
Lastly, what's the big thing I've learned? Don't work with anyone else when it comes to video!
The video at the top, the Bedford round-up...my original upload had some footage of a chap sliding his 140 about like a madman. I thought it could make a good close to the video. I asked him if I could use it, he said OK but wanted me to present it in a way that wouldn't make him readily identifiable. We discuused, we agreed, black and white, slightly grainy, significantly cropped, he was fine, I could use it. So I did.
Then a couple of slightly negative comments are left and he wants me to cut that bit out. Great. Videos can't be edited in situ on YT, and I'd linked that one all over FB so down it came. Luckily, I could close with the dialog I had (often, I would have filmed entirely around the topic), so what you see above is after that change.
Further to this, the Scooby Type R thing. I drove it the Sunday before last and it's incredible. Mad. So nice to drive, and feels so quick. We spent 6 hours together, filming static shots, a walkaround. The the in-car drive and dialog, external shots, chase cam from the tow eye mount on my car. Brilliant. Loads of footage in the bag.
Then 24 hours later "mate, I know I said I'd be fine with it, but can you not show my numberplate...".
That's just added hours and hours and hours to my editing workload. Thanks. I'd have filmed accordingly if you'd said that up front.
Never again. I don't care what I'm offered a drive in. And breathe...
Last edited:
Excellent update, I'll pretend I haven't watched the videos already!
Firstly, CONGRATS on winning the class again, you've nailed how to be quick as I thought you would have. Unfortunately there's a reason why caterhams are autotest specials but they are reachable if not driven properly, but to be the best of everyone else... You did brilliantly.
You have TPMS don't you? Could have done a 1 second hiss each side. Yes, having the windows down is awesome, I love having them down for eau de michelin, but just make sure it's not raining, as I learned the hard way. Was just spitting when I pulled up to the line with both windows down...
All the water ran off the roof when I turned and flew in the window soaking me LOL
As for the Bedford review, to me it just shows how hard PS4s are to beat, they literally do everything fantastically. And doing a trackday without wrecking a set of tyres isn't really a bad thing. Clean drivers are smooth drivers and smooth drivers are fast drivers! Not like you didn't hang the ass out at all though.
That's s**t about both the other 140 owner and the Type R owner... I barely do any editing and it takes me ages, to turn around and say you want your numberplate blurred out of 10-20 minutes of footage showing literally just that car... Well, that's a bit of a tosspot move, although perhaps they didn't really understand how much work would be involved. I'm looking forward to the review though!
Firstly, CONGRATS on winning the class again, you've nailed how to be quick as I thought you would have. Unfortunately there's a reason why caterhams are autotest specials but they are reachable if not driven properly, but to be the best of everyone else... You did brilliantly.
You have TPMS don't you? Could have done a 1 second hiss each side. Yes, having the windows down is awesome, I love having them down for eau de michelin, but just make sure it's not raining, as I learned the hard way. Was just spitting when I pulled up to the line with both windows down...
All the water ran off the roof when I turned and flew in the window soaking me LOL
As for the Bedford review, to me it just shows how hard PS4s are to beat, they literally do everything fantastically. And doing a trackday without wrecking a set of tyres isn't really a bad thing. Clean drivers are smooth drivers and smooth drivers are fast drivers! Not like you didn't hang the ass out at all though.
That's s**t about both the other 140 owner and the Type R owner... I barely do any editing and it takes me ages, to turn around and say you want your numberplate blurred out of 10-20 minutes of footage showing literally just that car... Well, that's a bit of a tosspot move, although perhaps they didn't really understand how much work would be involved. I'm looking forward to the review though!
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
That rain!!!
I thought I was going to get away with it.
I did not get away with it.
I did not get away with it.
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Driving it like I stole it for real 😝
Watching these runs back over and over again as I have been for the last few weeks, I realise how much time I left out there. There is definitely an overall win in the car, and me, if I can read the course a little better.
Watching these runs back over and over again as I have been for the last few weeks, I realise how much time I left out there. There is definitely an overall win in the car, and me, if I can read the course a little better.
Jonnio
ClioSport Club Member
Punto HGT Abarth
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
That was a cheap crappy GoPro Hero mounted above the tailpipe on a towhook mount. I've been pleasantly surprised with jow well they seem to deal with any wind noise, and what they pick up exhaust noise wise does sound good.
Agreed on the track action, braking is 100% my focus next time out, I want to find out exactly what they've got.
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
One week from now I said farewell to the RS 2 years ago!
In advance of a 2 year review, I've given thought to the future with this thing and can see no reason whatsoever to change it for anything else. Ever.
In advance of a 2 year review, I've given thought to the future with this thing and can see no reason whatsoever to change it for anything else. Ever.
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
If I had that and drove it regularly it would cost a fortune!
At least with this I can daily it, track it, compete in it, and all without giving too many f***s. It's a complete all-rounder, not much bigger than my Fiesta ST (quite a bit heavier though, granted) but with 360bhp/400lbsft, and an easy 30+ mpg if I want it.
It is therefore the best car ever 😘
Oh, and it does big skids too. Bestest car everer.
Shame it looks like a 116D 😝
Donny_Dog
ClioSport Club Member
Jim's rejects
Does it tick the 'appearance' box though? Genuine question. The 116d lolz but what do you make of it Vs the Focus RS for image?
Will it be a future classic? Or is it just a current fit your requirements and in 10 years you might think otherwise?
Could you better it with upgrades to take your attraction to the next level? Surely stock is just average and you don't feel you're missing out on any upgrade?
Not doubting, just devils advocate. Offering video ideas also foc. Lol.
Will it be a future classic? Or is it just a current fit your requirements and in 10 years you might think otherwise?
Could you better it with upgrades to take your attraction to the next level? Surely stock is just average and you don't feel you're missing out on any upgrade?
Not doubting, just devils advocate. Offering video ideas also foc. Lol.
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Genuinely, image is of zero concern, and if anything, I much prefer the anonymous 116d look. When I specced my RS, I went for an unusual colour/wheel combination for that exact purpose, I'm not someone that feels a need to be noticed!
Will it be a classic? I've no idea. I think it will be appreciated for what it is, which is a car with performance easily equivalent to last generation M cars but for not far off 116d running costs.
There are many things I could do to it to improve that missing zing/feel, but none of them are going to materially change the car other than make it faster (meh) or make it less comfortable/more fidgety (no thanks).
As I said, I like that it's just a boggo standard 1 series to 99.9% of people that see it, but if I choose I can easily rip away from them faster than a E46 M3 CSL if I want to.
Leaving big dark black lines behind while I do it. Lovely.
Krarl
ClioSport Club Member
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Balls. When I originally saw this I downloaded it with the intention of using it in my latest video re. mods, but it went live today and I completley forgot! Ah well, I'll sneak it into another one at some point.
So, I've been in this thing for two years now...and still have zero desire to change it for anything else.
It's not special, the only standout thing about it really is the B58 engine and that's a masterpiece, but the rest of the package is just run of the mill 1 series.
What I have realised recently, what keeps me happy in it more than anything else, is just one simple thing. Rear wheel drive (and the LSD).
That's what I really love, and it comes packaged in a car that's the right size for me and what I want a car for.
Would I like an M2? Could I live with one? 100% yes on both counts, it'll most likely address all the small 'complaints' I have. But do I want to drop the thick end of £15k-£20k for that privilege?
You know the answer to that 😂
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Goodwood AutoSOLO images are now up...he didn't get too many of me, but I've ordered these 3...
Krarl
ClioSport Club Member
Wheres your golden long luscious hair gone?
Stefan.
ClioSport Club Member
Krarl
ClioSport Club Member
Tbh I've thought about going full upside down head. My hair is like 2015 Bieber ffs
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
I have genuine envy ☹️
Donny_Dog
ClioSport Club Member
Jim's rejects
More like Dom Littlewood.
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Cnuts.
David Stuart
ClioSport Club Member
Yeah I’m 2 years in mine and really happy with it as well.
The wife wants to give up work possibly. And if she does we will be getting rid of her car (Renault Grand Scienic for childminding duties). To be honest that might prompt me to trade in the m140. We trend to use the Renault for family duties because it’s got way more room inside. 2 little girls and car seats and all their stuff and you soon realise that a 1 series is a small car and not that practical with the RWD layout.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
Yeah, that would be a bit of a struggle. We have a C-Max for domestic duties, my cars serving that purpose have always been secondary thankfully.
Even with older girls (17 + 12) and so much less stuff to worry about, living with just my 1 series would be a massive PITA.
Thankfully the automatic rev-matching's really good, so I wouldn't have to sit in a corner rocking back and forth every time Sarah drove it.
David Stuart
ClioSport Club Member
Well that’s another thing. My wife has an aversion to automatic gearboxes. No reason other than “I learned to drive a manual”.
So if we do trade in to one car I can see it being something fun enough for me, more practical and manual.
Megane RS would be a shout. But I drove the first demo one in Scotland and wasn’t blown away
Honda Civic type R also an option. Looks have grown on me.
Maybe a focus ST for something a bit less serious and more sensible looks wise. But I worry it would have the typical hard Ford suspension.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
massiveCoRbyn
ClioSport Club Member
Several
People are so weird about the auto/manual thing. I know a few people (mainly women, it has to be said), who would refuse to drive an automatic car, citing that, "They don't know how", even though it's easier. My missus on the other hand, who has spent most of her life in the Middle East and North America can't comprehend the idea of a manual car.
MLB
ClioSport Club Member
I find the auto in our M140i brilliant for everyday driving and don't mind it too much for a spirited drive, wonder how I'd find it on track, but I suppose that's what I have the Clio for.
My wife doesn't mind the auto but if it were up to her she'd be driving the new Civic Type R. I like the Type R as well but that would be a PITA to polish twice a year!
My wife doesn't mind the auto but if it were up to her she'd be driving the new Civic Type R. I like the Type R as well but that would be a PITA to polish twice a year!
Try living with a 4 year old and your only cars are a Mini and an MX5 🙈
MarkCup
ClioSport Club Member
My wife's exactly the same. I told her we'll look at auto cars when we need to replace the C-Max.
"Ooh no, I wouldn't like that, don't want an auto".
Yep same here. We’ve had the auto Octavia and now the auto Mini. When the MX5 gets replaced next summer, im going to struggle to convince the Mrs to get anything that’s manual.
