With more than 80 F22 M240i Cup cars sold and a long line of people waiting at the door since the unveiling of his new G42 M240i Cup racer (see Autovisie 10), we can say that Davy Lemmens from DayVtec can fairly assess what the needs are in Dutch recreational sports. His latest initiative is a DIY kit to convert the F20 125i into a fast and, above all, reliable track car. The same parts as in the M240i are used as much as possible, so that customers can optimally benefit from the purchasing advantage of DayVtec.
BMW M 125i DayVtec
That means a coilover set from AST, a Drexler plate lock, a racing steering wheel with paddle shifters and a brake set from AP Racing. An agreement has also been concluded with a roll cage builder, who will install a welding cage in the stripped chassis.
Purely through software adjustments, the two-liter turbo engine has been increased from 218 hp and 310 Nm to no less than 300 hp and 400 Nm. According to Lemmens, that is the maximum that can be achieved from the engine, without having to renovate the internals and the like.
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Strange but true: by removing the rear silencer the B48 engine has become slightly quieter, which is useful in Zandvoort and Zolder. The software of the eight-speed automatic transmission has also been rewritten for shifting behavior that better suits a racing car. The sheet metal remains untouched to save costs. On the M240i Cup racer, various body parts are replaced by lighter plastic.
Lap times of the BMW 125i very close to those of the M240i
Nevertheless, Lemmens expects that when the car is fully developed, the lap times of the 125i will be very close to those of the M240i, as long as it is driven on semi-slicks. With real racing slicks, the M240i can use its surplus power better and the effect of the heavier front axle is less evident, resulting in significantly lower lap times. With the (relatively) limited grip and traction of semi-slicks, the 125i can make better use of its lower weight and better weight distribution, thanks to an engine that is behind the front axle instead of on top of it, with later braking points and higher cornering speeds.
Lemmens expects to be able to sell the conversion kit for approximately 15,000 euros excl., which is many thousands of euros less than if someone were to buy all the parts and adjustments in-house. BMW 125i’s (both three- and five-door) are for sale in the Netherlands for prices between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. Because coupes are usually a bit more expensive, hatchbacks were chosen.
Great need for new models for racing
According to Lemmens, there is a great need for new models on the Dutch circuit, preferably with an automatic gearbox, because they are much more maintenance-friendly. Initially, the DayVtec 125i is mainly intended for track days and racing courses, but it can also be driven in the BMW Racing Series.
This is a racing series that races on the same days as the M240i Cup, but is open to BMW track cars from all walks of life, divided into four speed classes. If there are enough 125i’s in the future, setting up a separate class is always an option, says Lemmens.
Obtain a racing license
You need a license to race. Autovisie editors Coen Grutters and Stijn Kuster previously collected this at Zandvoort and TT Assen. See how to do that here.