MyE28.com

Checked with the local parts guys, and the "turbo" badge from the back of the 2002 Turbo is still available, so I ordered one. Other than hood and trunk roundels, this will be the only badge on the e12. 8)

I've been thinking about getting a "t" from a 318ti or something. Haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I think it would be a nice, subtle change.

I have though about removing the "s2" and "///M" and instaling a "518" badge. But I think the 255 rear tires and the M-tech give it away.

I'm going with a Mack bulldog on the hood.

I pulled off everything.

Keeps the ricers guessing as to what just blew past them!

Ive seen a couple with the Porsche "turbo" badge. They look OK. Ive not had the desire to change mine.

RussC

Bill in MN wrote:I pulled off everything.

Keeps the ricers guessing as to what just blew past them!

I've got an early (10/74 production) e12. If it had 2 foot tall letters down the side that said "BMW" they'd still be clueless. Most people who drive newer BMW's don't even know what it is. And don't even get me started on some of the idjit questions I've answered about my e9...

I have though about removing the "S2" and "///M" and instaling a "518" badge. But I think the 255 rear tires and the M-tech give it away.

I think the ultimate sleeper plan (I would very seriously think about this if I had a turbo) would be to take all the spoilers off of my car, remove all the shadowlining, and basically return it to looking stock. Then, I'd get a set of E34 M5 wheels with the turbine covers because then I'd have 17" wheels to clear my brakes, but they'd be dumpy looking. That's the closest look to steel wheels; if only I could find some 17" steel wheels that were strong and light....hahahaha. 518 badging sounds just right.

A little custom butchering I did.... Look for 666csi to the right of the MENTAL Plate

It was either that or badgeless, also... I like the idea of the throughback badges, for some reason before my father took delivery of the car someone along the way had installed e9 coupe badges on the C pillars.... personally, I like it.
Justin

psportoveloce wrote:
I think the ultimate sleeper plan (I would very seriously think about this if I had a turbo) would be to take all the spoilers off of my car, remove all the shadowlining, and basically return it to looking stock. Then, I'd get a set of E34 M5 wheels with the turbine covers because then I'd have 17" wheels to clear my brakes, but they'd be dumpy looking. That's the closest look to steel wheels; if only I could find some 17" steel wheels that were strong and light....hahahaha. 518 badging sounds just right.

I have seen a few guys in the Volvo crowd running 17" steel wheels. I believe they take usually a large diameter spare from a newer car and then have it widened. So, if you really want big steel wheels, it is possible. (Although I guess the insanely deep dish on these wheels kind of gives the game away.)

Ya,
Those wheels look homemake.

RussC

You could always look for spare wheels from domestics...like a Suburban or something. I'm not sure what the bolt pattern is on them though. There's a pretty reasonalbe selection of trailer wheels too. You might find something in 17" for big trailers.

So how do you get steel wheels with the right bolt pattern?

There are existing steel BMW wheels that you graft(weld) to a merican or or other wheel?

RussC

Strangely, I kinda like those widened steel wheels! They really give the car a retro look!

Strangely, I kinda like those widened steel wheels! They really give the car a retro look!

same, it's a very period look but very much updated. the whole car has that kinda stodgy but actually very cool look to it.

I like those wheels, they would look pretty sweet on a Bertone coupe of the same body style as pictured above.
Justin

those steel wheels are unbelievably awesome, I'd love to do something along those lines at some stage. 516i badge etc.

Volvo wheels are a special case in that the bolt circle is 5x108mm -- not many wheels made in that pattern! As for making wide steel wheels, there are a number of places that do it (it's been covered in Hot Rod a few times when folks want a "period" or "sleeper" look), or you can do it by mixing and matching centers and rims (yes, believe it or not, I used the word "rims" -- it ain't a ghetto term in this context! ).

Check out:

http://www.stocktonwheel.com/wheel_widening.htm

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2006 ... /index.php

Here is a quote out of Step6 pf the second article

Here are the Chevy rims after the centers have been removed. Did you know that the term "rim" and "wheel" should not be used interchangeably? This picture shows rims, a wheel without a center.

It was for hte people who didnt want to read the entire article :p

Yellow2 wrote:Here is a quote out of Step6 pf the second article

Here are the Chevy rims after the centers have been removed. Did you know that the term "rim" and "wheel" should not be used interchangeably? This picture shows rims, a wheel without a center.

Uhh... I already knew that. Re-read my post.

Nice,
I wonder what that cost

RussC

I talked to the guy at Stockton about making some 8x16 steelies. He said they can upsize a wheel an inch, so 16's would take 15" wheel centers. Then I landed a set of TRX steelies... Which are even bigger than 15", so now I'm thinking 8x17 steelies. On the e12, I think I could have a very cool hot-rod vibe with steelies, small chrome caps and beauty rings.

Tony

Velocewest wrote:I talked to the guy at Stockton about making some 8x16 steelies. He said they can upsize a wheel an inch, so 16's would take 15" wheel centers. Then I landed a set of TRX steelies... Which are even bigger than 15", so now I'm thinking 8x17 steelies. On the e12, I think I could have a very cool hot-rod vibe with steelies, small chrome caps and beauty rings.

Tony

Did a price get mentioned?

RussC

Velocewest wrote:I talked to the guy at Stockton about making some 8x16 steelies. He said they can upsize a wheel an inch, so 16's would take 15" wheel centers. Then I landed a set of TRX steelies... Which are even bigger than 15", so now I'm thinking 8x17 steelies.

Do you mean 390mm TRXs? Yes, they're "even bigger" if you like to count 0.35" as being that much bigger. I doubt they'd have a standard rim to fit a TRX center section, driving up the price even further.

According to the guy I talked to the exact diameter of the center section is not that critical because they have various rim profiles. It just has to be "at least" a certain size to end up with the final rim diameter. And I know the TRX is not much bigger, but that 1/3 inch could be enough to get another inch out of the diameter. I have no idea if that's true yet, but I will be asking.

And price is not always the deciding factor for me. If I really want something, I don't lose a lot of sleep over the money. As they say, you can't take it with you.

russc wrote:
Did a price get mentioned?

RussC

It's been a while Russ, I don't remember.

I hear you on cost, Im just wondering if its completely out of price range range out of the gate.

RussC

russc wrote:I hear you on cost, Im just wondering if its completely out of price range range out of the gate.

RussC

Russ,

If you look at the Ford Muscle link I posted, they mention what they paid. That should give you an estimate.

-Shawn

Doh,
I thought that article was about the Volvo. $157/wheel there isn't bad.

Are there any BMW steel wheels.

RussC

I have a set of 15 inch snow tires mounted on proper offset and hole spacing steel wheels. I have way to know if they're BMW issue or not. I've seen the same wheels on an M5 at the BavAuto show.

Jeremy