BMW Classing
BMW vehicle classing is based upon a combination of the modifications made to the vehicle and the latent performance of the model. The Performance Category table below lists the permitted modifications for each category. If a modification is not listed in a Performance Category (Showroom/Tuner/Modified), then it is NOT permitted in that category. Classing your vehicle is a two-step process where you:
- Determine what category (Showroom/Tuner/Modified) your vehicle falls into based upon the modifications that have been made to the vehicle.
- Determine which class in the category the vehicle occupies.
The Showroom category provides a balanced entry point for cars with minimal and common modifications. The Showroom category is comparable to SCCA’s Street category.
The Tuner category provides a playing field for more modified cars, similar to SCCA’s Street Touring and Street Prepared categories.
Each class is aimed at grouping vehicles with similar performance capabilities. If your specific car is not listed below, please contact the classing coordinator to determine your class.
Examples
Example #1: A 2020 M2 with camber plates, a software engine tune, and a cat-back exhaust would be in T1.
Example #2: A 2017 M235i with coilovers, +2” wider wheels, a larger turbo and intercooler, and a short shift kit would be in Modified.
Example #3: A 2001 740i with a cat-back exhaust and wheels +1” in diameter would be in S3.
SAVs
NCC Autocross allows BMW SAVs bearing the factory M designation (i.e. X5M, X6M, X3 M40i, etc) and SAV’s equipped with aftermarket lowering suspension. Models not meeting this criteria will not be allowed to participate due to rollover risk. If you have any further questions please email us at info@nccautocross.com.
Hybrids & Electric Vehicles
Due to restrictions in place at Summit Point Motorsports Park, effective 2025, NCC Autocross allows Hybrid Vehicles to participate, but does not allow fully Electric Vehicles. If you have any further questions, please email us at info@nccautocross.com.
BMW Showroom Classes
S1 | S2 | S3 |
1 Series M Coupe | 1 Series (All non-M) | 3 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E9X non-turbo, F3X 320i) |
M2 (all) | 2 Series (All non-M) | 5 Series (All non-M) |
M3 (E9X, F80, G8X) | 3 Series (E9X 335i, F3X except 320i, GX) | 6 Series (All non-M) |
M4 (F8X, G8X) | M3 (E30, E36, E46) | 7 Series (All) |
Z3 M Coupe & Roadster (S54 engine) | 4 Series (All non-M) | 8 Series (All) |
Z4 M Coupe & Roadster (E85/86) | M5 (All) | Z3 (4 cylinder) |
Z4 (E89: 35i & M40i, G29) | M6 (All) | All pre-2000 BMWs not otherwise classed |
Z8 | M8 | |
i8 | Z3 (6 cylinder, non-M) | |
Z3 M Coupe and Roadster (S52 engine) | ||
Z4 (All not otherwise classed) | ||
X3M, X4M, X5M, X6M |
BMW Tuner Classes
T1 | T2 | T3 |
1 Series M Coupe | All 1, 2, 3, & 4 Series Turbo Cars (Non-M) | All 4-cyl (non-turbo & not otherwise classed) |
2 Series (F22: M235i & M240i, G42: M240i) | 3 Series (F3X non-M) | 3 Series (E30, non-M) |
M2 (All) | M3 (E30) | 3 Series (6-cyl, not otherwise classed) |
M3 (E36, E46, E92, F80, G8X) | M5 (All) | 5 Series (All) |
M4 (All) | M6 (All) | 6 Series (All) |
Z3 M Roadster & Coupe | M8 | 7 Series (All) |
Z4 (E89: 35i & M40i, G29) | Z3 (not otherwise classed) | 8 Series (All) |
Z4 M Roadster & Coupe | Z4 (not otherwise classed) | All pre-1991 BMWs not otherwise classed |
Z8 | X3M, X4M, X5M, X6M | |
i8 |
BMW Modified Classes
All BMW cars meeting criteria for Modified Category, regardless of model
Performance Category Permitted Modifications
The Performance Category establishes the permitted modifications for each class. If a modification is not listed, it is NOT permitted.
NOTE: If the wheels and suspension items were FACTORY options on the model, it is permissible to interchange. BMWNA’s recent offerings of “high performance dealer installed” items are different and are not permitted as a Showroom allowance.
Showroom (S) | Tuner (T) | Modified (M) |
Wheels | Stock wheel width and diameter must be stock +/- one inch. Wheel spacers allowed but tires must not extend past fenders | Free | Free |
Tires | DOT approved w/ 200+ treadwear rating (OEM tires if lower rating) | Any size DOT approved tires w/200+ treadwear rating | Any size tires with DOT approval |
Brakes | OEM size rotors & stock size brake pads | Free | Free |
Shocks & Struts | Adjustable shocks permitted but must retain original mounting points | Adjustable shocks permitted but must retain original mounting points | Free |
Springs | Stock | Free | Free |
Strut Bars | Aftermarket front strut bar permitted | Free | Free |
Sway Bars | One sway bar may be changed or removed | Free | Free |
Other Suspension (including bushings) | Stock | Any non-metal | Free |
Seats | Stock | Free | Free |
Intake & Manifold | Stock – Fit replacement air filter permitted (Example: K&N Drop-In) | Free | Free |
Steering Wheel | Stock or factory option | Free | Free |
Software/Tuning | Stock | Free | Free |
Nitrous | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Methanol Injection | Prohibited | Prohibited | Free |
Carburetors | Downdraft Webber permitted | Free | Free |
Internal Engine Modifications | Stock | Stock | Free |
Body Panels | Bumper panels may be replaced | Free | Free |
Aerodynamic | Free | Free | Free |
Power Pulleys/Underdrive Pulleys | Stock | Free | Free |
Header & Exhaust Systems | Axle-back (muffler only) replacements permitted. No change to catalysts allowed | Headers free, catalysts required on 96+ cars | Free |
Aftermarket Forced Induction | Prohibited | On cars equipped from the factory with turbo/superchargers, the boost may be raised either by tuning or pulley changes | Free |
Intercoolers | Stock | Free | Free |
Differential | Stock | Free | Free |
Short Shifter | Free | Free | Free |
Clutch Stop | Free | Free | Free |
Flywheel & Clutch | OEM or equivalent | Free | Free |
Rollbar/Rollcage | Bolt in units permitted | Free | Free |
Restraints | Stock/CG locks permitted | Free | Free |
Engine Oil Cooler | Free | Free | Free |