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Critics who claim that regulations hinder innovation demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of both business and motorsport. Historically, the need for advancement has fostered creativity, and every regulation intended to limit speed has been ingeniously navigated, often leading to legendary adaptations that remain secret to this day. A notable example of bending the rules occurred with BMW, which introduced a unique “pendulum brake” to gain an advantage in Super Touring. However, while innovative, this invention may have inadvertently contributed to the decline of this iconic racing category.
The 1990s marked the peak of touring car racing, with Super Touring emerging as one of its most popular classes. Beginning in 1992, Super Touring cars replaced the older Group A in circuit competitions worldwide, drawing inspiration from the British Touring Car Championship’s 2.0-liter class. BMW entered this arena with its new E36 3 Series, eager to build on the success of its predecessor, the E30. While the early models achieved modest success in smaller regional events, they struggled to compete in more challenging markets. To gain a competitive edge, BMW reportedly sought assistance from McLaren.
An archived sales listing for a Super Touring E36 indicated that BMW Motorsport collaborated with McLaren to enhance its vehicle for the 1997 season. While details about McLaren’s modifications are vague, the listing specifically mentions improvements to the suspension. Given McLaren’s involvement in Formula 1 during that time, it seems likely they played a role in the introduction of the E36’s innovative “pendulum brake.”
The year 1997 was notable for the so-called “fiddle brake” controversy, where McLaren equipped an additional brake pedal that slowed the inner rear wheel, enhancing both handling and stability. Although this system was later banned, it seems that a similar concept influenced the design of the E36’s more intricate pendulum brake.
The functionality of the pendulum brake was detailed in a video produced by Schnitzer Classic, which supports the historic BMW racing team, Schnitzer Motorsport. The system employs a proportioning valve under the dashboard that adjusts the brake balance through hydraulic lines to the front brakes. Unlike conventional systems that adjust front-to-rear bias, this setup alters lateral balance based on the movement of a pendulum that swings side to side. When the driver turns the wheel, the pendulum shifts outward, applying more braking force to the outer wheel compared to the inner one.
This might seem counterintuitive, as modern torque vectoring typically brakes the inside wheel to reduce understeer. Many observers were skeptical, fearing that the pendulum brake would hinder braking into corners. However, kart racer Javier Fichera clarified in the comments that as the driver turns, the weight shifts to the outside wheel. Without anti-lock braking systems (banned in Super Touring), this design aimed to prevent the inner wheel from locking up during cornering.
You may wonder why the proportioning valve isn’t linked directly to the steering column for immediate adjustments. One speculation is that this delay is intentional; the pendulum adjusts the brake balance in sync with weight transfer, rather than preemptively. The system ensures that brake balance changes only when sufficient grip is available.
What was the outcome? Evidence from the racing careers of the E36 Super Touring chassis starting in 1997 suggests that the modified version was far more competitive right from the start. However, its dominance was short-lived, as BMW transitioned from the E36 to the E46 in December 1997. This shift coincided with the decline of Super Touring, as noted by Alex Clarke, the editor of 1990sBTCC.com. Factors such as rising costs, shifting brand alliances, and strategies like BMW’s pendulum brake contributed to the eventual withdrawal of manufacturers from the category.
Regardless of its success, innovation remains the lifeblood of motorsport. If it leads to victory, it can redefine the sport; if it doesn’t, it can at least spark conversation and leave a lasting legacy, regardless of race outcomes.
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