The first VLN race of the 2014 season also saw the debut of the usual gaggle of new machinery.
Amongst the most important was a brand new factory developed BMW racer, designed to replace the older M3 GT4, the M235i Racing.
The car certainly looks the part, and it’s quick too, the cars running already at or around the pace of the well-developed full race Opels, and, as BMW explains, it’s a good sign that the Bavarian giant wants to ensure that its numerically dominant presence in VLN racing is maintained, but improved with new machinery:
“Our idea to bring the M235i Racing on the market had its origin at last year´s 24h race where Member of the Board for Development, Dr. Herbert Diess, and BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt walked through the starting grid of the 24h race and saw that there were a lot of BMWs, but very old ones,” said a BMW Spokesman to DSC.
“Here they made the plan to build a car for a very reasonable price that fits to customers that want to do motor sports at an entry level stage. From the moment we communicated the car at the end of November the interest was huge.”
That’s good news indeed for the health of the racing scene at the ‘Ring in particular, though the first race saw some issues, starting with the first cars arriving with customers very close indeed to the start of the season.
“Please just imagine the fact if you consider the development time, quantity, price and our quality expectations of such a car, “ say BMW. “Between communication and delivery of the first 15 cars we just had four months. This includes more than 10.000 km of testing, defining all production processes, homologation etc. And 15 cars is almost 10% of the starting grid of the 24h race at the Nürburgring.”
The logistics involved are indeed exceptional but as BMW accept, there have been issues with some of the first batch of cars. We’ve put some of the concerns to BMW and they have given us the following responses:
“It is clear if BMW Motorsport brings such a car on market this car has to fit the usual BMW Motorsport standards. This is why we are very eagerly working on this project, also together with our clients. You are right, there have been some unhappy clients at the first event, and there have been reasons for it but we also had very happy clients.
“All tests were performed with two test models, thus ensuring the quality of the cars. “Deviations in the assembly of the subsequent 15 cars, which are typical of the kind of individual assembly that takes place in motorsport, do not result in any loss of performance. “In discussion with our customers, we are working meticulously to compile the experience gained from VLN1 and to implement improvements.”
Delivery time
Customers have complained that the deliveries of their cars were late
BMW responds:
“As you know, the first cars have been delivered one week later than originally planned. We wanted to go sure that our customers receive a car that meets their and our expectations.
“We delivered the M235i Racing to our customers after an intensive but short development period.
“Still, because of this, it is to be assumed there is potential, or even need, for improvement in one or two areas.
“We are now working closely with our customers to iron out these issues as soon as possible. The very first race demonstrated the high standard of BMW racing cars. Not a single safety-related crash occurred.”
Fuel Tank Installation And Fuel Pick Up Issues
Customers report that a number of cars had punctured tanks, allegedly as a result of errors during assembly; in addition the fuel tanks are shaped such that they can’t be run down to reserve – below a certain fuel level fuel supply to the engine will cut in certain corners;
BMW says:
“Fuel did not leak in the comprehensive tests performed.
“As this is a safety-related issue, solving this problem is of great importance.
“Working in close cooperation with the teams, we are developing a short-term solution to prevent the fuel from leaking and allow use of the full quantity of fuel. This will also guarantee optimal fuel pressure.
Suspension Set-up
Customers have reported that the car’s suspension setup is too harsh for the Nordschleife
BMW Responds:
“The car was set-up for its outing at the Nürburgring by BMW, in cooperation with our works drivers.
“This configuration was the basic set-up given to the teams.
“We will work closely with the teams to set the car up in such a way that the handling also meets the requirements of our privateers.”
Customer Support And Spares Availability
Reportedly the teams cannot check the engine oil level by themselves – it can only be done by a BMW M technician with the right laptop.
Some spare parts are not yet available or in short supply and there is not yet a complete spare parts price list yet. Spare shells are not (yet) available.
BMW says:
“Obviously, it is a primary aim of providing our customers the service they expect from BMW Motorsport.
“Right from the outset (VLN1) we assembled a team to look after our customers’ needs at the racetrack, and to offer support with regard to technology, organisation, regulations and parts.
“This way, we are able to guarantee that customers receive rapid and expert assistance should they have any questions or problems.
“The increased technical support is particularly important, especially during the start-up phase, in order to ensure that every improvement is incorporated quickly and our customers have access to an ideal car.”
Rather impressively BMW have also given a response to DSC to an issue we hadn’t raised!
Seat Fixtures:
BMW Say:
“Individual customers have mentioned that the seat fixtures are not rigid enough, due to the very diverse seating positions adopted by the different drivers.
“BMW has taken this assessment on board and will ensure a good seating position and optimal comfort is possible for every driver.”
Many thanks to BMW’s customers for their candour, and to BMW too for a rapid and comprehensive response.
GG
