Suprgnat's '13 M-Sport 128i, a mostly visual history

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by cerealwars

The new setup is popping!

TY, can't wait to get actual tires to go with them.

Originally Posted by cerealwars

I wouldn't worry too much at 6mm clearance - I've seen a shocking

I'm not. I've done a shocking

[BodegaBay]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

On the Bimmerworld 17x8.5 ET40 TA16s, barrel clearance is unsurprisingly tight, but there is an ample ~19mm of caliper-to-spoke clearance.

That clear brush wheel will contrast stunningly against that blue. Btw, did you have an issue with the inner barrel on the TA16s in 17in?

[cerealwars]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

I'm not. I've done a shocking

LOL. Not sure what happened to the rest of my post. Clearly I've made my point

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by BodegaBay

That clear brush wheel will contrast stunningly against that blue. Btw, did you have an issue with the inner barrel on the TA16s in 17in?

I've had a pebble or two get between the barrel and caliper.

[Suprgnat]

NGL, these IND Distribution Gloss Black Wheel Center Caps exceed my expectations. Can't wait to get the tires Friday.

[chaz1294]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

NGL, these IND Distribution Gloss Black Wheel Center Caps exceed my expectations. Can't wait to get the tires Friday.

Are those floating or standard wheel caps? I’m waiting on gloss black hood and trunk badges from American Panda. I’ve seen floating wheel caps but prefer standard.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by chaz1294

Are those floating or standard wheel caps? I’m waiting on gloss black hood and trunk badges from American Panda. I’ve seen floating wheel caps but prefer standard.

Standard

[Suprgnat]

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 245/35-18
Apex VS-5RS 18x8.5 ET40

-2.7° front, -2° rear, Swift Spec-R on Koni yellow, Narrow hub conversion

Zero rub, no fender mods.

68682 miles.

[BodegaBay]

Those Bimmerworld TA16s were perfect but I think these new Apex wheels might’ve bested them.

Curious to read your experience with the new tire/wheel setup in terms of ride quality and driving dynamics vs the previous.

[Donkeyshins]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

They did the bending as well as the cutting. Give me a couple of weeks. I'm working on creating a kit, braces, spacers, and fasteners. I'll be out of town next week for work, so I'll need a little time after that to figure out how much $ I need to come up with for 5 sets or so. If I decide against making kits, I'll make the STEP files available to all.

Just checking if this is still something you were planning on doing, or if life intervened and its off the table.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Donkeyshins

Just checking if this is still something you were planning on doing, or if life intervened and its off the table.

Just waiting for the holidays to be over. It's looking to be around $225-$250 with shipping (CONUS) a kit for 10 kits. Kit would be (2) braces, (4) spacers, installation hardware [(7) genuine BMW rivnuts, (1) genuine BMW cage nut (4) M10x35 flange head 10.9 (4) M10x45 flange head 10.9] and rudimentary instructions.

[Donkeyshins]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Just waiting for the holidays to be over. It's looking to be around $225-$250 with shipping (CONUS) a kit for 10 kits. Kit would be (2) braces, (4) spacers, installation hardware [(7) genuine BMW rivnuts, (1) genuine BMW cage nut (4) M10x35 flange head 10.9 (4) M10x45 flange head 10.9] and rudimentary instructions.

I'm in.

[WrathOTM]

Count me in too, as long as these are a couple weeks out from reality. As I do have a vet visit this coming week for one of my furry friends to get fixed.

Also random question did you notice any changes with ride and handling on the new wheels? I've been reading about ride frequency lately and gone down a rabbit hole that is getting confusing. I want to save up for some fancy forged wheels, like yours specifically but do have to consider the cost/benefit.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by WrathOTM

Count me in too, as long as these are a couple weeks out from reality.

Going to be a Version 2 first.

[WrathOTM]

I see. Well then, we'll be looking forward to v2.

[Suprgnat]

Good times!

[gldnhr]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Had some time over the last day or so to putter around the garage. I got the M3 rack installed (and nailed the steering wheel to rack alignment) but no tie rods yet and 95% of the E60 oil-to-water heat exchanger installation complete. The two mods go well together as it's much easier to get at the cooling hoses for the heat exchanger conversion when the rack is out.

I also got the CSF power steering cooler installed. It's not a perfect fit, but only required a little massaging of the plastic mounting shroud.

Do you have any guidance on installing the M3 rack? In particular, I am concerned about the shaft alignment. Do you have a parts list handy? Should i get the steering shaft from an e92 M3 to connect to the rack, so that It can slide into the plastic aligning cap on the rack? Any tips on getting rack to center position etc..?

I plan on using inner and outer tie rods for a 128i (the e92 M3 ones may be too long)

Thanks!

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by gldnhr

Do you have any guidance on installing the M3 rack? In particular, I am concerned about the shaft alignment. Do you have a parts list handy? Should i get the steering shaft from an e92 M3 to connect to the rack, so that It can slide into the plastic aligning cap on the rack? Any tips on getting rack to center position etc..?

I plan on using inner and outer tie rods for a 128i (the e92 M3 ones may be too long)

Thanks!

1. I kept my stock steering shaft.

2. I used (new) 128i tie rods.

3. I cut the aligning tabs off of the plastic aligning tab on the M3 rack.

4. I locked the steering wheel in the level position.

5. I secured the M3 rack in the central position. I did it by measurement, but then I noticed the pointer on the plastic cap also indicated the centered position by pointing at a boss on the rack housing. See below.

6. I aligned the rack to the chassis and pushed it straight on to the steering shaft. Came out perfect. Just slid right on.

I don't have a parts list any more, but aside from the rack I replaced all the fasteners with new just because. I didn't bother with the active steering.

[cblock406]

Are you still planning on making/selling the front frame reinforcement plates? I'd be a buyer

[gldnhr]

Originally Posted by cblock406

Are you still planning on making/selling the front frame reinforcement plates? I'd be a buyer

I second this, i'd take 2 sets if you do!!!

[gldnhr]

Originally Posted by gldnhr

Do you have any guidance on installing the M3 rack? In particular, I am concerned about the shaft alignment. Do you have a parts list handy? Should i get the steering shaft from an e92 M3 to connect to the rack, so that It can slide into the plastic aligning cap on the rack? Any tips on getting rack to center position etc..?

I plan on using inner and outer tie rods for a 128i (the e92 M3 ones may be too long)

Thanks!

Thanks a million, this is great!

[Suprgnat]

69914 miles.