Drag coefficient

[Robert]

So typically M cars have been known for their top end ability. In the e46 era when people compare EVO with M3 and M3 will edge out because of its engine in triple digits and slicker design. Will M division address 1 series' drag coefficient now it joins the M rank?

On cars I am familiar with.

is350 has a drag of .28
335i coupe has a drag of .30
135i has a drag of .34
M5 has drag of .31

[ChrisK]

If I remember correctly, the e46 M3 had a drag coefficient of .35

More for comparison:

e90 M3 drag coefficient: 0.30
e92 M3 drag coefficient: 0.31
e93 M3 drag coefficient: 0.32

[Dackelone]

It is not just the drag coefficient but also the frontal cross section. Both play a role in how well or bad a car will perform at high speeds.

[///M///M Good]

Originally Posted by Robert

So typically M cars have been known for their top end ability. In the e46 era when people compare EVO with M3 and M3 will edge out because of its engine in triple digits and slicker design. Will M division address 1 series' drag coefficient now it joins the M rank?

On cars I am familiar with.

is350 has a drag of .28
335i coupe has a drag of .30
135i has a drag of .34
M5 has drag of .31

And why would one compare the relative top speeds of a car designed primarily for high speeds on paved roads (the Autobahn) with a car designed primarily to cope with varying weather and surface conditions in relatively low speed situations?

Second, How would the folks at M address the 1's less than stellar Cd? They're not redesigning the car, they're modifying an existing car. In other words, they're stuck with what they've got, though they MAY be able to work some things in to get it to .33 IF they think that's worthwhile. This is doubtful since the time frame and budget are going to be relatively low for the project given it's ~2 yr likely production run. They'd also be fighting against the fender flares and the wider wheels and tires M is installing. In other words, the Cd may go up.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by ///M///M Good

And why would one compare the relative top speeds of a car designed primarily for high speeds on paved roads (the Autobahn) with a car designed primarily to cope with varying weather and surface conditions in relatively low speed situations?

Second, How would the folks at M address the 1's less than stellar Cd? They're not redesigning the car, they're modifying an existing car. In other words, they're stuck with what they've got, though they MAY be able to work some things in to get it to .33 IF they think that's worthwhile. This is doubtful since the time frame and budget are going to be relatively low for the project given it's ~2 yr likely production run. They'd also be fighting against the fender flares and the wider wheels and tires M is installing. In other words, the Cd may go up.

That's what I am trying to convey, M cars are these high speed bullets made for autobahn and track and now a 1 series is being transformed into one, what's being done to it. In particular reducing the drag coefficient.

Taking your assumption, we already 135i as an all around vehicle at low speed, then does it make sense to buy a M1.

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by ///M///M Good

And why would one compare the relative top speeds of a car designed primarily for high speeds on paved roads (the Autobahn) with a car designed primarily to cope with varying weather and surface conditions in relatively low speed situations?

Second, How would the folks at M address the 1's less than stellar Cd? They're not redesigning the car, they're modifying an existing car. In other words, they're stuck with what they've got, though they MAY be able to work some things in to get it to .33 IF they think that's worthwhile. This is doubtful since the time frame and budget are going to be relatively low for the project given it's ~2 yr likely production run. They'd also be fighting against the fender flares and the wider wheels and tires M is installing. In other words, the Cd may go up.

The e46 M3 was great at high speed and the CD is a fraction higher than the 135i. Suspension, tires, etc all play in high speed handling.

The M1 will be just fine at high speed. The M guys know what they are doing

[Robert]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

The M1 will be just fine at high speed. The M guys know what they are doing

Word, Scott was looking for ideas in another post. I figure I should bring up any idea "JUST IN CASE" they overlooked.

[ChrisK]

My 2000 M Roadster had a CD of 0.420 and it was rock stable at high speed.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

My 2000 M Roadster had a CD of 0.420 and it was rock stable at high speed.

Wasn't an issue to break above 140mph? Didn't feel like the car has hit a wall at that point? Hypothetically speaking.

[ChrisK]

Fastest I ever had the car was 143mph. I'll never forget it - it was the first time I was over 140

[Robert]

Same here. On autobahn when I visited Germany. Gas is so expensive over there.

[///M///M Good]

Originally Posted by Robert

That's what I am trying to convey, M cars are these high speed bullets made for autobahn and track and now a 1 series is being transformed into one, what's being done to it. In particular reducing the drag coefficient.

Taking your assumption, we already 135i as an all around vehicle at low speed, then does it make sense to buy a M1.

I was actually talking about the EVO as being designed for much lower speed situations due to the low traction surfaces it was designed for (gravel, snow, ice, etc.). I would not consider the 135i a relatively low speed vehicle. I would think that it, too, would achieve a higher unrestricted top speed than the EVO.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by ///M///M Good

I was actually talking about the EVO as being designed for much lower speed situations due to the low traction surfaces it was designed for (gravel, snow, ice, etc.). I would not consider the 135i a relatively low speed vehicle. I would think that it, too, would achieve a higher unrestricted top speed than the EVO.

Definitely agree. This is a case of the old cliche of comparing apples with oranges.

[footie]

I can't recall if this is correct or not but drag co has less of an affect on top speed as much as frontal area. So if true then it's this that needs to be right more than what drag it's producing.