Doug Rowse’s 2003 BMW 330I E46 - Driver Training

Would putting a big brake on the car help it to slow better? As I sit here watching the Rolex 24 at Daytona, this time from my living room couch typing away on my Dell, I have no doubt that one of the exceptional systems from StopTech, Brembo, Baer or the like would certainly make some difference. The key is that while they would most likely produce additional braking force that would work well with a sticky tire, they would also likely increase longevity. Certainly in a twice-around-the-clock enduro, where the fewest visits to the pits for brake changes are part of the answer to success, a big brake kit would certainly help. For now, though, Doug’s 330 does more than just fine using just the stock binders.

After spending a good hour in Doug’s car, I have no doubt that he is likely to see more championships and track records set with his modified BMW 330i. Doug has plans to move into some higher and faster classes and will need to increase the power of the 3.0-liter inline-six. With another 100 hp to the wheels, a chassis-stiffening cage and some lightening of the 2,940-lb driver-free race weight, Doug’s car would be a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. I hope after he makes the jump to some stiffer competition, he decides to bring it by again and let Modified do another write up. Until then, I’ll be waiting and trying to prove that it really doesn’t matter what brand of car you own; mods that make the driving experience better are what this mag is all about, and guys like Doug have that figured out pretty well.