Bosch Authorized Dealer R.A.C.E Showcases Bosch Motorsport at Taupō Supercars
18 April 2025 Bosch Motorsport
At Bosch Motorsport, we support New Zealands vibrant motorsport community through our authorized dealer R.A.C.E (Racecar and Custom Electrical) in Auckland. As the sole Bosch Motorsport dealer in the region, RACE specialises in optimising vehicle performance with cutting-edge technology. A prime example of this expertise is Gary Bigwood’s championship-winning BMW E36 M3, which won its class at the 2024 Targa New Zealand.
Vehicle Performance Enhancements
Gary Bigwood’s BMW E36 M3 exemplifies the power of Bosch Motorsport innovation. Built upon the foundations of the 1992 BMW E36 M3 chassis, known for its balanced weight distribution and rigid structure, providing a solid foundation for high-performance modifications. The vehicle is powered by an E46 M3 engine, S54B32, a 3.2-liter inline-six engine. Gary and Jasons upgrades mean the M3 is now capable of producing 380 horsepower at 8000 RPM at a weight of 1300kg, but Targa regulations don't allow a car to exceed 200km/h, so it has low gearing to improve acceleration. This engine is equipped with high-performance fuel pumps and injectors from Bosch Motorsport, ensuring optimal fuel delivery for maximum power output.
For superior control and stability, the BMW also features a Bosch Motorsport M5 ABS system, specifically tuned for the unique demands of tarmac rally conditions. This system provides Gary with the confidence to push his limit, providing precise control and stability under braking, crucial for navigating challenging Targa stages.
The car is further enhanced by the Bosch Motorsport DDU11 display, a digital dashboard that provides real-time data and critical control. The DDU11 features a high-resolution colour screen, configurable display layouts, and integrated data logging capabilities, allowing Gary to monitor critical performance metrics such as engine RPM, lap times, and sensor data during races.
An unsung feature Gary’s team enjoys most is the DDU11’s option to bleed the breaks, "...we can do full diagnostics and in fact we can even bleed the breaks from the screen. The pit crew absolutely love it. Its very quick and its a perfect bleed all the way through the system including the pump...".
Installation and Tuning Expertise
The transformation of Gary's M3 into a race-winning machine is a direct result of the expertise of Jason, the lead technician at R.A.C.E. Jason's meticulous installation and precision tuning of the Bosch Motorsport components have resulted in sharper throttle response, consistent braking, and optimized fuel delivery, enabling Gary to fully harness the car's capabilities. Jason's work includes fine-tuning the Bosch M5 ABS system to match the specific demands of tarmac rallying, ensuring optimal braking performance and vehicle stability.
Showcase at Supercars Event
Gary’s BMW E36 M3 was displayed at the Supercars event in Taupō from April 11th-13th 2025, alongside the Bosch Motorsport display tent. Throughout the weekend, the car attracted numerous curious visitors among the Supercar attendees in the merchandising area. These enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to engage with Gary and Jason from R.A.C.E, who shared insights about the vehicle's impressive array of Bosch Motorsport upgrades and functionalities. Their expertise provided a deeper understanding of how these enhancements contribute to the car's performance and reliability, sparking lively discussions and excitement among fans.
Bosch Motorsport is dedicated to providing top-tier products and services to the motorsport community. Builds like Gary Bigwood’s by R.A.C.E highlight our dedication to performance, innovation, and supporting the pursuit of victory.
