Practical ways of fitting the template on my BMW's?

[320touring]

I've just seen the "template" tool on the home page, and given it a whirl with both my cars..inspired by the "Tail" fever that's taking over the board at the moment

Over here in the UK, we're pretty restricted when it comes to modifying vehicles- full Kammbacks/tails would not meet with the approval of either the police, or other motorists- however, both the vehicles below are doing approx 75% of their mileage on motorways, so I feel aero improvements could be key to maximising MPG.

The 318iS is generally driven using DWL at between 50-65mph in light traffic. returning circa 38-40mpg (imp)

The 328i is driven P&G on LPG, and returns circa 23-28mpg (imp) depending on conditions. Mainly used in heavy commute traffic, average speed circa 35-40mph. LPG system is single point, so no DFCO available.

I've taken two stabs at each car re lining the template up, and would welcome input as to how gain could be achieved without causing much visual impact..BAF (Burd Acceptance Factor is in play on the 318iS!)

I've also included some generic front end pictures (the 328i touring is similar at the front to the other car, except for more cylinders in the engine bay!)

Cheers!


e36 318iS driven by my girl





e36 328i touring (with LPG) my daily mile muncher





Generic front end/underside pictures

[JethroBodine]

As you say, you have to be a bit sneakier across the pond.

My suggestion, on the 318 anyway, would be to block your upper grill from behind with black ABS plastic, coroplast( or the Scottish equivalent). I started with a rear mounted block and no one noticed that I didn't tell, and did get quite a difference( sorry, I don't have exact numbers as I was making changes quickly both to my driving and car. Also you might want to put on a front belly pan to close up that great hole under your radiator. Make it easily removable for the MOT. The Estate would probably benefit even more from these mods.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by JethroBodine

As you say, you have to be a bit sneakier across the pond.
My suggestion, on the 318 anyway, would be to block your upper grill from behind with black ABS plastic, coroplast( or the Scottish equivalent). I started with a rear mounted block and no one noticed that I didn't tell, and did get quite a difference( sorry, I don't have exact numbers as I was making changes quickly both to my driving and car. Also you might want to put on a front belly pan to close up that great hole under your radiator. Make it easily removable for the MOT. The Estate would probably benefit even more from these mods.

Thanks for the input! My girlfriend reckons your car is crazy (and not exactly asthetically pleasing!) but she can definately see the benefits of the mods you have undertake- so much so, that I'm able to start doing some to my cars.

You are giving good advice re the upper grill block- I'll need to be inventive with ways to block-thinking possibly clear plastic or coroplast..

yeah, the lack of undertrays from both cars (and every bmy up until the e39/46 (circa 1996/8) is only mildly alarming..

fabricating one could be plenty fun though

[some_other_dave]

First, on the red car you have taken the photo from above the car, so you can see the roof panel and the top of the boot. You should take the photo with the camera at roughly half the height of the roof of the car. And a photo from a long distance (with a telephoto lens, or just cropped if you've got good enough resolution) will help as well.

There may be a similar problem with the estate, so it may need another photo as well.

Second, the highest part of the template should overlay with the highest point on the vehicle. The bottom of the template should be on the same plane as the bottoms of the tires, which should compensate for the camera not being perfectly level with the car.

You can probably ignore the roof rails on the estate (wagon), especially if you plan to remove them. You should, they definitely contribute to drag!


So I would say that none of your pictures show the template properly applied. For one thing, the front of the template is too low; the front tire of the car is above the ground plane line of the template. The first image of the red car looks like it is aligned reasonably fore-and-aft, but it is difficult to tell because we don't have a pure profile and the template and vehicle are sitting at slightly different angles.

I don't think either image of the estate is lined up correctly, because they are lining up on the roof rack. Which is one of two narrow projections, and does not characterize most of the roof line of the car.

-soD

[aerohead]

If you could come up with a set of technical drawings of the Bimmers,as we sometimes find at 'auto blueprints .com' we'd have some 'true-length' images to work with.These are necessary for proper alignment with the 'Template.'
Are you allowed add-on front airdams and rear spoilers for the boot?
If so,we might cut some drag while maintaining a modicum of styling continuity.
The BMWs should look like the Bentley Continental R for better mpg.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by some_other_dave

First, on the red car you have taken the photo from above the car, so you can see the roof panel and the top of the boot. You should take the photo with the camera at roughly half the height of the roof of the car. And a photo from a long distance (with a telephoto lens, or just cropped if you've got good enough resolution) will help as well.

-soD

Cheers for the feedback Dave- do you reckon I'm aiming to get images like this?



as I'll have a hunt for more!

Originally Posted by aerohead

If you could come up with a set of technical drawings of the Bimmers,as we sometimes find at 'auto blueprints .com' we'd have some 'true-length' images to work with.These are necessary for proper alignment with the 'Template.'
Are you allowed add-on front airdams and rear spoilers for the boot?
If so,we might cut some drag while maintaining a modicum of styling continuity.

Hi Aerohead, I had a try re the blueprints (on the 318iS coupe)



Hopefully that is lined up better- I got the ground to be the same level.

Interestingly, my car usually has a wing on the rear (small) but it looks like an m3 wing may actually "meet" the template, similar to the "box wing" concept Varn is building at the moment?!

now to hunt for touring blueprints!

thanks everyone

[aerohead]

Here are some rear spoilers which might pass muster with the authorities:
*1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo
*1994 Saleen S-351 Mustang
*1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta
*1997 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe
*2010 Audi R8 GT
*2010 Aston Martin Rapide
*2010 Aston Martin DB5
None of these spoilers look so radical that they'd draw a lot of attention.Perhaps the local authorities would look the other way.
I apologize for not posting images,but these should pop right up at GOOGLE IMAGES.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Here are some rear spoilers which might pass muster with the authorities:
*1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo
*1994 Saleen S-351 Mustang
*1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta
*1997 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe
*2010 Audi R8 GT
*2010 Aston Martin Rapide
*2010 Aston Martin DB5
None of these spoilers look so radical that they'd draw a lot of attention.Perhaps the local authorities would look the other way.
I apologize for not posting images,but these should pop right up at GOOGLE IMAGES.

Thanks for the heads up!

Had a look within the BMW stable- the e36 m3 Evo had a much larger rear wing, which gets it closer to the template, but not quite there:



and this one is an outrageous aftermarket one..makes it fairly easy to visualise the ideal splitter height:

[some_other_dave]

Originally Posted by 320touring

Cheers for the feedback Dave- do you reckon I'm aiming to get images like this?

Yes, that's the idea!

-soD

[320touring]

Originally Posted by some_other_dave

Yes, that's the idea!

-soD

Best see if I can borrow the Girls tripod and camera then..