Project Car - BMW 120d

When BSR launched tuning kits for BMW cars we decided to build an exciting BMW project car. We pictured a car that was really enjoyable to drive and also an all-rounder, suitable for numerous different situations. We also thought there should also be a strong connection between the car and the BSR product range. After considering the options, we decided to go with the smallest, the 1-series and purchased a BMW 120d with 115kw and 330Nm. 

We then performed an advanced installation, one never offer by the factory. We converted the 120d from a four cylinder turbodiesel, to a diesel six with twin turbos. In order to handle the increased power and torque, the gearbox as well as the front and rear subframes were also exchanged. This installation was very demanding. Besides the extensive mechanical work, we had to solve complicated software issues in order to get the control systems of the new automatic gearbox and engine to cooperate and work perfectly with the electronics and comfort systems in the car. Power output and torque were more than doubled to 254kw and a hefty 700Nm. We also installed a number of exterior and interior mods detailed below.

Engine: 3.0L diesel biturbo, PPC 3 BSR Tuning System®, Modified particulate filter
Exhaust: BSR Sport Flow®
Brakes: BMW Performance
Chassis: Bilstein coilover PSS10
Wheels: AEZ Valencia 8,5x19 from OCL Brorssons (8x18 in Superstage)
Tires: Bridgestone 235-35-19 (Michelin 225-40-18 in Superstage)
Interior: BMW Performance: Seats, steering wheel, handbrake, gear stick, interior dash trim
Exterior: BMW Performance carbon fiber: wing, rear-view mirror covers, splitters, diffuser

"The diesel beast that BMW forgot to build" 
The car magazine Bilsport wrote an article about the project 120d and tested it at their famous Superstage track. Even after the first test drive Bilsport´s legendary test driver "Gullabo" made the comment: "Today we're gonna have a diesel record in the Superstage." You can read more about the test and the fantastic result in Bilsport issue 17 2011.


    

Dragstrip Day 2011
The project car was present at the 2011 Dragstrip Day at Emmaboda airfield, sponsored by BSR. The car participated in a new event called Superstrip, which is a quarter mile slalom contest. The event was new for the Dragstrip Day, so there were no earlier results to compare with, but it looked very promising when Bilsport´s test driver Gullabo guided the car between the cones.



Exhibited at fairs
The project car has been to several fairs. The Bilsport Performance & Custom Motorshow in Jönköping Sweden and the Bodensee Tuning World fair in the south of Germany. Because we had customised the car with daily-driver functionality in mind, twe had no problem driving the car all the way down to the south of Germany and then back to Sweden.



Ice racing in Anttila
BSR invited some journalists and BSR dealers from Europe and Australia, to an ice racing event in the cold, snowy hamlet of Anttila in Sweden. The 120 was the quickest car on the ice. For this event the car was equipped with stock suspension, brakes from a BMW 335d and spiked tires from BF Goodrich. We also had no exterior styling parts fitted, since the self-confidence of many of the drivers tended to exceed their actual abilities when handling a car on ice. We'll mention no names... or forget any. Anyway we all learned a lot, including that spike tires, rear-wheel-drive and 700Nm are a combination that generates a lot of fun on a frozen lake.



Customer Event at Anderstorp Raceway
Before launching our tuning kits for BMWs, we invited all customers that pre-ordered a BMW kit to a special event. After a tour of BSR HQ and development center, we went to Anderstorp Raceway Grand Prix track for an unforgettable driving experience. Everyone got the opportunity to really test their own car on the track, and also to go for a hot lap in the BMW project car with a professional race driver. The event was much appreciated by our customers and staff alike.