[AlpsRider]

I really like your setup, thanks for posting your pics. I'm planning the same tire setup and want my wheels to have the correct offsets with Dinan springs. Do you EVER have rubbing? I am considering custom offsets so I have the luxury of getting it right without spacers.

[EuroDude]

Your car looks incredible. Those are some downright tasty wheels.

[lukeeesteve]

Beautiful car. Mods especially make it just that much more special.

I came from the dark side in 2003 and haven't gone back in spite of always considering a comparable Audi.

In my dark side stage was the
99 a4 1.8 TQMS (someone decided to make a 3 point turn into it)
00 s4 (someone decided to have a baby)
01 Audi allroad (manual)
00 GTI vr6

[Saab Story]

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

I really like your setup, thanks for posting your pics. I'm planning the same tire setup and want my wheels to have the correct offsets with Dinan springs. Do you EVER have rubbing? I am considering custom offsets so I have the luxury of getting it right without spacers.

Thanks!

I have done some pretty hard cornering, hit speedbumps and dips but I haven't rubbed thus far.

When I jacked up the car to install the wheels I checked the opposite corner to see how close the fenders were when the suspension was compressed. It was extremely close but there was a millimeter or so to spare.

I think the only place where this setup could rub would be the lip on the rear bumper/fenders and it would have to be on the track during really extreme cornering.

When your looking for wheels keep in mind that both the width & offset of the wheel also affects how close the setup is to the fenders & suspension. The brand of tire also can come into play when you only have MM's to spare

[Saab Story]

Spruced up the Cockpit

[NEUE02]

^^^ That is awesome. I bet it feels great. I am disappointed in the feel of the OEM leather. So cheap feeling. Can you share the cost?

[nike001]

Originally Posted by Saab Story

Spruced up the Cockpit

..another one. Lol. I have the same wheel.

Originally Posted by NEUE02

^^^ That is awesome. I bet it feels great. I am disappointed in the feel of the OEM leather. So cheap feeling. Can you share the cost?

The OEM wheel leather is quality nappa leather. You're the only one I've ever heard to complain about having nappa leather on a steering wheel.

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by Saab Story

Thanks!

I have done some pretty hard cornering, hit speedbumps and dips but I haven't rubbed thus far.

When I jacked up the car to install the wheels I checked the opposite corner to see how close the fenders were when the suspension was compressed. It was extremely close but there was a millimeter or so to spare.

I think the only place where this setup could rub would be the lip on the rear bumper/fenders and it would have to be on the track during really extreme cornering.

When your looking for wheels keep in mind that both the width & offset of the wheel also affects how close the setup is to the fenders & suspension. The brand of tire also can come into play when you only have MM's to spare

I notice that on the Dinan website they are selling basically the same wheels that you have and are running 245s in the front. Did you consider 245s, do the spacers prevent the 245s? I'd like to try 245/265.

[NEUE02]

Originally Posted by nike001

The OEM wheel leather is quality nappa leather. You're the only one I've ever heard to complain about having nappa leather on a steering wheel.

I guess I'm funny that way. I prefer the feel of the wheels of my other cars much more.

[yatesfloyd]

I'm jelly... She's a beauty

[Saab Story]

Originally Posted by NEUE02

^^^ That is awesome. I bet it feels great. I am disappointed in the feel of the OEM leather. So cheap feeling. Can you share the cost?

Thanks, the wheel + the carbon trim is a little less than the one offered by BMW. I went the aftermarket route for the blue stripe (OEM option is red) and the tricolored contrast stitching. I'll PM you with the details.

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

I notice that on the Dinan website they are selling basically the same wheels that you have and are running 245s in the front. Did you consider 245s, do the spacers prevent the 245s? I'd like to try 245/265.

The inner clearance was actually the limiting factor; the 5mm spacer allowed me to clear the suspension with the 235s. I know 245's could definitely be done but you'd probably have to add a 10mm spacer & dial in the camber with control arms or camber plates.

Originally Posted by yatesfloyd

I'm jelly... She's a beauty

Thanks!

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by Saab Story

Thanks, the wheel + the carbon trim is a little less than the one offered by BMW. I went the aftermarket route for the blue stripe (OEM option is red) and the tricolored contrast stitching. I'll PM you with the details.




The inner clearance was actually the limiting factor; the 5mm spacer allowed me to clear the suspension with the 235s. I know 245's could definitely be done but you'd probably have to add a 10mm spacer & dial in the camber with control arms or camber plates.



Thanks!

Thanks for the reply. I guess 245s are cutting it really close without modifications. I'll just stick with 235s. I saw 245s on the front of a M235 yesterday and they looked really wide on 18" wheels.

[Saab Story]

Added some M Performance carbon and alcantara pieces to the interior.





...And snapped a few exterior pics in the last week.

[2seriesaddict]

Originally Posted by Saab Story

Dinah Springs:

Cold starts are wake up the neighbors loud, but once the engine warms up the sound is pretty civil. Cabin noise is generally pretty miild unless you go full WOT.

All mornings :P And I go to the gym 5:30am

[mmmmm235i]

Trim really brought the interior together and those wheels...amazing. Enjoy.

[tinyTIM]

Looks great with the new carbon fiber trim and I like the new steering wheel as well. Next thing for the interior should be the stainless pedals. Your car looks great!

[Saab Story]

Originally Posted by mmmmm235i

Trim really brought the interior together and those wheels...amazing. Enjoy.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by tinyTIM

Looks great with the new carbon fiber trim and I like the new steering wheel as well. Next thing for the interior should be the stainless pedals. Your car looks great!

Thank you! Pedals are definitely on my list.

[henriquecoutobsb]

Originally Posted by Saab Story

BBS CI-Rs mounted.

Hey pal, first thing first: Your car looks great!
I'm from Brazil and I'm having some trouble finding 19" wheels for the M235i.
Can you, please, tell us the details about the wheels? Width, offset, front, rear, etc. With these 235/265 tires: any rubbing?

Thanks in advance.

[WolfGTI]

Did you contact AWE about your issues? - from my previous experience with them - they are very customer centric and responsive.

Originally Posted by Saab Story

Dinah Springs:
This is my first time using springs instead of coilovers and i'm really liking them. In sport mode, the ride is firm. Dinan's claim of a 10% increase in stiffness seems valid. Handling is mildly improved and the ride height is just about perfect (if scraping weren't an issue it could use couple MM in the front).

In comfort mode it is just that, comfortable; works well for long drives and bumpy roads. Overall it's a livable package that gives you the looks your after and a small but noticeable increase in handling.

AWE Exhaust:
I have a love/hate relationship with the exhaust.

The big issue with the system was the install, I had it installed professionally but there were so many fitment issues:

the pipes stuck out a few inches past the bumper (had to be cut)

the pipes leading to the muffler hung too low and were contacting the rear brace / drivetrain stabilizer (washers had to be used to create some space.

the clamps for the exhaust tips were too weak and either broke or wouldn't crush the back of the tips properly to secure them onto the pipe (this led to them having to be welded on).


Things that I like about the system:

The sound; The full system with the performance mid pipe sounds amazing, it cackles and burbles during downshifts and deceleration. the tone is aggressive and deep when your on it, and it makes you want to rev the engine more often just so you can be rewarded with its growl.

The 102mm tips also look great, and beef up an otherwise simple back end.

Cold starts are wake up the neighbors loud, but once the engine warms up the sound is pretty civil. Cabin noise is generally pretty miild unless you go full WOT.

Also, there is a slight drone zone between 2800-3000 rpm;it hasn't been an issue though. I'm usually below that range during daily driving and above it when I'm doing some more spirited driving.

Overall, I really like the tone and characteristics of this exhaust. If the build quality improves I'd recommend it.

[Maynard]

Really beautiful wheels. BBS are always superb engineering, but those are works of art.

[Tano22]

any spacers on those wheels?

[msej449]

Outstanding mods - looks beautiful and I do like the CF interior trim. Just one cosmetic suggestion: I have the AutoID CF wing mirrors on my convertible and I think they'd look even better on yours:



Or go for the body colour option. Just a thought, but love the work you've done.