This car punches well above its weight. BMW's own specs state that its top speed is 155MPH, but, in-game, it can get much closer to 200MPH. The power curves look really good, too. It is also a tame car.
The gears help the power to move the weight - review the power curves. The suspension tries to help control weight shift, but it also helps if the driver is cautious with the loud pedal and brakes. Top speed will be good for most long straights - there is still some head room for drafting. Use a different tuning sheet,
if you make changes.
The default tune is difficult to drive. This tune makes the car much more manageable. Use the torque curve to your advantage. Gears top out at 155 MPH, so they are appropriate for most straights.
Look at the power curves. Around the 5,900 rev point, the engine changes its tone very distinctly. You can easily change gears just by listening to the sound of the engine. These gears will help you manage wheelspin and fuel usage. There is lots of grip with hard tires.
BTW, this is not a light sports car and its brakes suck, so find your braking points.
Edit: use Sport Mediums as the base tire. Hards were just a bit too close to the edge between struggling and fun.
