The BMW 320 e21 Mod for rFactor
Posted by Ted Pollak on February 11th 2008 | Discuss
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Before computer managed engines, drive by wire controls, paddle shifters, and anti-lock braking systems, there was a time when racing was more raw and perhaps more authentic. In the late 1970's and early 1980's the BMW 320 E21 racing class was probably one of the final breeds in the era of non-wired motor sports. Known as the “flying brick” because of its boxy design this Beemer was powered by a Formula 2 engine tuned up to about 300 horsepower.
A mod maker know by the programming handle dmatzies has re-created this racing class in Image Space Incorporated's sim racing title rFactor and it is very nice work – giving sim drivers the immersive experience of piloting the “flying brick” on tracks around the world. Everything from the dashboard (See figure 3b) to the growling sound of the engine and fire spitting backfires are authentically reproduced. The mod has earned the coveted Hall of Fame rating on rfactorcentral.com and did so almost immediately after release.
BMW 320 E21 utilizes detailed models with high polygon counts despite the boxy design of the car's body. A good graphics solution is a must for this software to run smoothly on high settings but a two generation old enthusiast level AIB should do the trick for people running 1680 x 1050 and lower resolutions. At 1920 X 1200 I was able to maintain an “in-cockpit” average of 60 FPS using two Radeon X1950 XTX's in Crossfire configuration.
The G25 Driving system is a perfect mate for rFactor and there are many other mods and tracks being completed and released almost every month. So don't speed in the pits and if I see you out on the track….stay out of my way!
What do we think?
Thumbs up for the G25 and the BMW 320 E21 mod for rFactor
