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      10-21-2012, 04:49 PM   #1
JejuneLegume
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Drives: 2011 135i
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: In your streets, straightening your curves

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17x9 square set up; Dramatic handling improvement

Didn't find many examples of a square set-up using 17x9 wheels on the forum, so thought I'd share info & impressions.

Wheels: Beyern Bavaria S40

Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sports 245/40ZR17

Front Wheel spacers: 5 mm
Rear Wheel spacers: none

Front camber: -1 deg
Rear camber: -1.7 deg

(Eibach Pro System springs, struts & shocks previously installed).

Wheel/tire configuration suggested and executed by Butler Tire in Alpharetta, Ga.

The wheels are rotary-forged resulting in an 8 to 10 lb. weight savings per wheel/tire combination as measured by my SAE approved bathroom scale. That is a ~16% to 20% weight savings over the 50 lb. OEM wheels with Nitto NT05's mounted. Some of that weight savings may be attributed to Pilot Sports' light weight construction.

No real fitment problems. The front passenger tire will slightly hit the fender liner upon heavy suspension compression.

If I understood correctly, they had to mess with the rear camber plates to dial in that much camber.

I was a bit alarmed that you can actually see that much camber in the rear wheels. Butler Tire explained that the configuration would be considered an aggressive street set-up. Try it. You'll like it.

Mikey likes it.

The handling improvement is dramatic if not astounding. I'm no suspension dynamics ninja, but it is abundantly clear there is some next-level stuff happening. The suspension quickly takes a set and plants itself firmly and flatly. No drama. No delicate negotiations with the masses about distribution. Just turn in, point to the exit, apply power.

An unexpected benefit appears to be braking performance. Even with a set of BMW drilled & slotted front rotors, the brakes would massively protest elevation descents. It appears the brakes are happier with the lighter wheels and didn't protest even when making back-to-back sorties through East coast elevations.

Taller tire sidewalls noticeably contribute to more civil ride quality over harsh surfaces.

Didn't expect how nice the wheels look in that they are understated and could easily pass as OEM wheels instead of appearing hoon-ish.

Kudos to Butler Tire for their knowledge & experience bringing out the potential in cars like the 135.
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