What is the potential for the 335i in FS/ST?

I would think it could hang with the Shelbys in FS (similar power to weight?). Or if allowed in ST, wouldn't it be strong with max wheel, tire, sus and basic power mods.

Thanks guys.

Anything turbo is a good fit for STU as its impossible to police boost. However, your biggest problem, and the reason the E36 M3 is getting smacked around in STU is 2wd < awd. The 335 is also pretty porky for an autox car these days.

It's too heavy for STU.

And I don't think it'll work in FS with an open diff.

It's too heavy for STU.

And I don't think it'll work in FS with an open diff.

Agree on both accounts.

That diff is really frustrating when trying to auto-x that car. Been there.

Too much weight for STU and 1wd<awd, especially when you start making some power.

STU does not allow twin turbos.


Sam Strano is in our area, and he won nationals in FS this year (I think 3+ national titles), and so is Jason Burns who I think won FS last year. They are FAST!! Those Shelbys are too much for the 335. Sam has beat my SM2 car a couple of times...:( But he is just that good.

Whatever Prepared class the 335 would fall into would probably be better, but lots of $$$$

Thanks for the good feedback everyone. It makes a lot of sense. The 335i is clearly an nice car overall, but maybe not for auto-x at any serious/competitive level without tearing it all up and then you don't have such a nice car anymore.

Saw one at a Car Control Clinic and all it did was smoke its inside tire. Needs a real diff.

Saw one at a Car Control Clinic and all it did was smoke its inside tire. Needs a real diff.

I did a wet/dry auto-x at the Performance Center. It was set up like a duel, winner stays, 3 runs max. I won all three runs, but the lack of ability to put any power down was ridiculous. Not to mention they gave me a sport shift box which I hated.

I think the car would be too porky for a street prepared class. I think you would need to go to SM and strip out as much weight as possible, get a nicely tuned motor with some new turbo love, good LSD, etc. Even then I thinks its a stretch. The car just isnt' meant for that environment.

Of course, it goes without saying that a very well driven 335i (or any car) will beat up on amost everyone at a local event and the talent isn't as deep.