Near Dream-Spec 128i

[sixburgh]

Yes sir! my rocket ship / thank you.

[squidge]

Well now that I've spent a bunch of time reading up on the car, I'm going to sell the 313s and switch to square 17x8.5 ARC-8s with 225/45 PSS's. That'll save me something like 12lb of unsprung weight per corner, which is a massive improvement that I'll feel everywhere while also saving money on tires and keeping a stock diameter.

The relatively skinny tires will make it more fun to drive, BRZ style, avoiding rubbing issues and the need for camber plates. Then in a few months I'll add the M3 front control arms and rear subframe bushings, but stick with the stock ride height and M Sport dampers.

And the BMW PE, of course.

Just rolled over 9,000 miles the other day...

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by squidge

Well now that I've spent a bunch of time reading up on the car, I'm going to sell the 313s and switch to square 17x8.5 ARC-8s with 225/45 PSS's. That'll save me something like 12lb of unsprung weight per corner, which is a massive improvement that I'll feel everywhere while also saving money on tires and keeping a stock diameter.

The relatively skinny tires will make it more fun to drive, BRZ style, avoiding rubbing issues and the need for camber plates. Then in a few months I'll add the M3 front control arms and rear subframe bushings, but stick with the stock ride height and M Sport dampers.

And the BMW PE, of course.

Just rolled over 9,000 miles the other day...

Good idea, although I think you could get 245/40/17 in there, take advantage of the 8.5" wheels?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by asbrr

Good idea, although I think you could get 245/40/17 in there, take advantage of the 8.5" wheels?

He can fit 245 section width tires, but perhaps not without camber plates, which he said he doesn't want to mess with.

[squidge]

I mean, I could do the Dinan plates easily enough and keep a pretty stock feel and appearance, but I just don't feel like I need 245 width. It's more rolling resistance and slightly more unsprung weight, and more than anything I don't want to end up rolling the fenders or having any rubbing.

If I feel like I made the wrong choice, I'll upgrade once the 225s are worn out. Hell, knowing me, I'll probably change my mind a couple more times before I pull the trigger, so I won't turn this into a wheel and tire debate.

One question though: Given Tischer's $1590 price for a set of 313s, what's a reasonable price for a perfect condition set with 9k miles? $1200ish?

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by squidge

I mean, I could do the Dinan plates easily enough and keep a pretty stock feel and appearance, but I just don't feel like I need 245 width. It's more rolling resistance and slightly more unsprung weight, and more than anything I don't want to end up rolling the fenders or having any rubbing.

If I feel like I made the wrong choice, I'll upgrade once the 225s are worn out. Hell, knowing me, I'll probably change my mind a couple more times before I pull the trigger, so I won't turn this into a wheel and tire debate.

One question though: Given Tischer's $1590 price for a set of 313s, what's a reasonable price for a perfect condition set with 9k miles? $1200ish?

Honestly you're right, I'm just coming at it purely from a cosmetic standpoint (hey I admit it at least lol)...you'd probably lose a bit more feel with a wider front tire anyway, bit more grip, so would depend on your preference.

I think $1200 is a good starting point, they are not so common out there..

[GSO E82]

Are the Apex ARC-8's available in 17x8.5 in the correct offset? I don't see that fitment listed under the 1-series on their site. They have a 17x8.5 ET40 - are those the wheels you're referring to? Those will fit correctly front and rear?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by GSO E82

Are the Apex ARC-8's available in 17x8.5 in the correct offset? I don't see that fitment listed under the 1-series on their site. They have a 17x8.5 ET40 - are those the wheels you're referring to? Those will fit correctly front and rear?

The 17x8.5" ET40 ARC-8's are marketed by APEX as an E36 fitment. They will fit our cars, but APEX doesn't sell them that way because fitting the ideal section width tires (235-245) typically requires the use of camber plates up front and rolled fenders in back.

If you want to see some pictures of that wheel on a 1er, there are a few in my build thread (be aware that I also run a set of 18" staggered AERO-7's, so make sure you're looking at the right wheels). I run both sets of wheels without spacers. I actually think the ET40 offset fills the wheel wells nicely, but my car is modified appropriately to make the wheels work.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by GSO E82

One question though: Given Tischer's $1590 price for a set of 313s, what's a reasonable price for a perfect condition set with 9k miles? $1200ish?

I think $1200 seems fair, if the wheels are in good condition with no significant blemishes. Keep in mind that Style 313's are generally pretty coveted by guys who don't mind the weight penalty, so I'd hold out for a reasonable offer unless you're in a big hurry to sell.

[GSO E82]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

The 17x8.5" ET40 ARC-8's are marketed by APEX as an E36 fitment. They will fit our cars, but APEX doesn't sell them that way because fitting the ideal section width tires (235-245) typically requires the use of camber plates up front and rolled fenders in back.

If you want to see some pictures of that wheel on a 1er, there are a few in my build thread (be aware that I also run a set of 18" staggered AERO-7's, so make sure you're looking at the right wheels). I run both sets of wheels without spacers. I actually think the ET40 offset fills the wheel wells nicely, but my car is modified appropriately to make the wheels work.

Gotcha - appreciate the info! From what squidge is saying, 225/45 on the 17x8.5 should fit without rubbing or modifications? I haven't looked around in there myself yet (only recently got the car), but tolerances must be REALLY tight in there if the difference between rubbing or not is up to a 225 vs. 235 width.

To clarify - is the rubbing against the strut or the fender? Sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread.

BTW - I've gone through your thread (I think a couple times) already! I'll have to go back through again to check out the ARC-8's.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by GSO E82

Gotcha - appreciate the info! From what squidge is saying, 225/45 on the 17x8.5 should fit without rubbing or modifications? I haven't looked around in there myself yet (only recently got the car), but tolerances must be REALLY tight in there if the difference between rubbing or not is up to a 225 vs. 235 width.

To clarify - is the rubbing against the strut or the fender? Sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread.

BTW - I've gone through your thread (I think a couple times) already! I'll have to go back through again to check out the ARC-8's.

With camber plates, in the front, I personally have more issues on the strut side - 245 section width tires are fine (barely), so long as my spring perches aren't too low (they will rub otherwise). Without camber plates the problem in front may be with the fender, I'm not certain. In the rear the clearance is problematic on the fender side, for sure.

To be clear, I don't know for certain that 245 or 235 on an otherwise stock car won't work, or even that 225 will work, for that matter. But I do know from speaking with APEX that they are reluctant to officially recommend the product for the 1 Series because of potential fitment issues.

[squidge]

Good info and discussion going on here!

I was basing using a 225 on the info here: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...6&postcount=10

Eddy from Apex states that with the 17x8.5 +40 and a 245/40, it'll require a roll in the rear, but a 235 (or 225) would be fine front and rear without modification.

That said, I'm having some second thoughts about the ARC-8s partially because they seem like a "default" choice, and frankly the 8.5" width isn't really ideal for my goals. The price and classic style are great, but I'm debating ponying up more for something more interesting... like the BBS RF 517 (18x8 +48). http://www.bbs-usa.com/road_wheels/w....cfm?wheel=110

It's a big spend but I'd get a nice chunk back out of the 313s and have a more unique setup.

Man, I'm starting to remember why I sold off all my project cars...

[squidge]

Decided to table the wheel swap for a while and ordered the BMW PE to scratch the itch instead. Thanks Suprgnat for the tip -- $615 shipped on eBay.

[_Pants]

Originally Posted by squidge

Decided to table the wheel swap for a while and ordered the BMW PE to scratch the itch instead. Thanks Suprgnat for the tip -- $615 shipped on eBay.

You're going to love it! Really wakens things up without being obnoxious. Great price, too! I love watching this car progress.

[squidge]

I'm excited about it! After the exhaust install, I'm going to back away from the mods for a while. I want to get to know the car, identify what bugs me, and squirrel money away in the meantime. It feels a little silly to start replacing suspension bushings and stuff when they're practically new. Even the RFTs -- I'm going to ditch them, but I might as well wear out the tires I've got.

[squidge]

Wrote a little piece on the car for TTAC: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...mw-128i-sport/

You're welcome for the resale value boost.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by squidge

Wrote a little piece on the car for TTAC: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...mw-128i-sport/

You're welcome for the resale value boost.

Nicely written. Even the comments after were palatable.

[squidge]

The performance exhaust install was quite easy. I spent as much time jacking up the car for the first time and carefully removing the diffuser as I did cutting and swapping mufflers. Very straightforward. I followed the tips in http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450937 to be sure I had the right female torx socket on hand to pull the exhaust hanger.

Did myself a favor and spent $30 on a cheap sawzall and metal blades at Harbor Freight, which made quick work of the cutting. People doing it with hacksaws must be masochists...

90 minute job all in. Sounds great. The people who said it sounds like "what should've come on the car" and "like stock but more" are right on. It's quiet at idle, civil with the windows up, but has some nice burble when revving down under vacuum and sounds quite nice under acceleration. Felt a tick faster on my nearest onramp as well, but nothing earth-shattering.

I also weighed the stock muffler vs. the PE -- 23lbs stock, 20lbs PE.

FYI, neither my PE or my stock muffler had the rubber vibration dampener others have mentioned.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by squidge

Wrote a little piece on the car for TTAC: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...mw-128i-sport/

You're welcome for the resale value boost.

Nice write up! Glad to see such a nice car went to a bona fide enthusiast.

Enjoy that PE. It's really a peach of a part - definitely adds to the enjoyment of the car in a big way.

Reminds me that I need to get around to listing mine for sale (as I went to the MagnaFlow cat-back, which I also love). Anyway, mine has a bit of minor damage to the tips, but I'm sure it would still make someone very happy, especially at a discounted cost versus new.

[squidge]

Thanks man! I appreciate that. Your build thread has been a great resource during my decision making, too.

[sprp85]

Hey guys,

Last night, I've picked up a 128i as well.

It seems to be optioned like no others Ive seen.

2011 AW
-6 speed manual
-Slicktop
-Xenons
-Sport (Leather with heated seat)
-Upgraded audio
-Flapper mod already done..

If this had M pack, this would have been 100% identical to what I would have ordered but as it sit, it is my dream spec for sure.

Loving it so far!

[squidge]

Sounds like a nice find! Trading M-Sport and Halogens for Sport and Xenons is probably worth it.