Spacers for Irma

Megabrode · 09-09-2017, 09:41 PM

We're as ready as we'll ever be for (I'm told again and again) the biggest, baddest hurricane in recorded history. What are we supposed to do until Irma gets to Tampa? My wife and four South FL refugees apparently want to drink beer and stare at the Weather Channel. No! Instead, I just installed a pair of 12mm Apex spacers on my rear wheels.

After I cleaned the hub and mounting points, the install went smoothly until I realized I don't have a 17mm socket that fits my torque wrench. So torqued them as evenly as I could with a tire iron.

My son loves the stance, and so do I. "Mean," he said. The Apex spacers appear precisely engineered to fit my Apex EC-7s like a rifle bolt. I wanted a completely flush look to match the fronts, although 12mm was cutting it very thin with only 13mm between the fender lip and fattest part of the 295/30-19s.

My son and I just got back from a 30-mile loop in what passes for hills north of here -- a surreal twilight drive with virtually no traffic. I did my best to compress the suspension on the tight turns and got no rubbing at all (we'll see what happens with rear passengers and luggage). No vibration whatsoever up to 85 coming back on I-75.

So, a success and a welcome reprieve from the non-stop deluge of hyped-up over-sharing on TV. Now for another beer.

Before and after:

Spun Crankhub · 09-09-2017, 10:23 PM

Looks great! I'd say go for some 15mm's.

ApexWheels · 09-09-2017, 11:21 PM

The new stance looks great!

Glad the 12mm spacer worked well for you. Stay safe this weekend sir!

-Matt

Megabrode · 09-09-2017, 11:40 PM

Thanks, Matt. We've been through a few of these, and wll do our best to get through this one. And thanks for the advice on the purchase.

Another question for you. What's the recommended wheel bolt torque with these 12mm spacers? Information online is mixed, most saying the normal 88 ft-lbs, a few saying ~105 to compensate somehow for the spacers. Torque may not be all that critical, but I might as well get it right.

BOOF-M3 · 09-10-2017, 08:53 AM

Hey Megabrode, not sure how I feel about you staying but I'm certain Irma doesn't have the balls to mess with you and your friends.

Bimmerpost member Theodore is getting a ride going in the General area over there next Sunday. Not sure if you saw his thread or not but maybe it's something you may consider depending on the effects of Irma.

ApexWheels · 09-10-2017, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Megabrode

Thanks, Matt. We've been through a few of these, and wll do our best to get through this one. And thanks for the advice on the purchase.

Another question for you. What's the recommended wheel bolt torque with these 12mm spacers? Information online is mixed, most saying the normal 88 ft-lbs, a few saying ~105 to compensate somehow for the spacers. Torque may not be all that critical, but I might as well get it right.

Sure thing! I would recommend sticking with BMW specifications when it comes to torque spec. Anywhere between 85ft-lb to 90ft-lb will be fine for you. Sounds like 88 is right on the mark

-Matt

blue-mw · 09-10-2017, 01:07 PM

Nice stance! Congrats on the upgrade and stay safe my friend.

Megabrode · 09-10-2017, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Hey Megabrode, not sure how I feel about you staying but I'm certain Irma doesn't have the balls to mess with you and your friends.

Bimmerpost member Theodore is getting a ride going in the General area over there next Sunday. Not sure if you saw his thread or not but maybe it's something you may consider depending on the effects of Irma.

Boof, it weakened significantly. No issues for us.

Thanks for the tip about Saturday. I checked out the thread, sounds like fun, and will PM Theodore if I can make it. I'd love to meet some fellow owners. This is my favorite of three M3's I've owned over the past 15 years. The other two, both gone:

BOOF-M3 · 09-11-2017, 12:06 AM

Yes I'm very happy it has weakened a bit. The ride is Sunday not Saturday.

I have been thinking about spacers but I try to draw as little attention to my wheels as possible as I only picked up my car a little over a month ago and the wheels need to be re-powder coated. First world problems as they say.
I evacuated to Atlanta (not by choice) and I won't be able to sleep until it passes quietly over the St Pete/Tampa area. Stay safe Mega.

09-09-2017, 09:41 PM	#1
Megabrode He's experimenting with something... 335 Rep 261 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Shockoe Bottom iTrader: (0)	Spacers for Irma We're as ready as we'll ever be for (I'm told again and again) the biggest, baddest hurricane in recorded history. What are we supposed to do until Irma gets to Tampa? My wife and four South FL refugees apparently want to drink beer and stare at the Weather Channel. No! Instead, I just installed a pair of 12mm Apex spacers on my rear wheels. After I cleaned the hub and mounting points, the install went smoothly until I realized I don't have a 17mm socket that fits my torque wrench. So torqued them as evenly as I could with a tire iron. My son loves the stance, and so do I. "Mean," he said. The Apex spacers appear precisely engineered to fit my Apex EC-7s like a rifle bolt. I wanted a completely flush look to match the fronts, although 12mm was cutting it very thin with only 13mm between the fender lip and fattest part of the 295/30-19s. My son and I just got back from a 30-mile loop in what passes for hills north of here -- a surreal twilight drive with virtually no traffic. I did my best to compress the suspension on the tight turns and got no rubbing at all (we'll see what happens with rear passengers and luggage). No vibration whatsoever up to 85 coming back on I-75. So, a success and a welcome reprieve from the non-stop deluge of hyped-up over-sharing on TV. Now for another beer. Before and after: Attached Images __________________ Analog 2011 e92 M3 \| Jerez Black \| Black Novillo \| 6MT \| CF roof \| No iDrive, Nav, M button, ZCP, EDC, or center hump \| ZHP shift knob \| OMP 1010 pedals \| K&N filter \| Dinan engine tune \| OEM exhaust mod (bypass) \| EAS exhaust tips \| shaved front bumper \| 19" Apex EC-7 \| 12 mm rear spacers
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-09-2017, 10:23 PM	#2
Spun Crankhub Major General 965 Rep 5,032 Posts Drives: 15 F82 SOLD Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (63)	Looks great! I'd say go for some 15mm's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2017, 11:21 PM	#3
ApexWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 1428 Rep 2,650 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	The new stance looks great! Glad the 12mm spacer worked well for you. Stay safe this weekend sir! -Matt __________________ 925-245-0773 /// info@apexraceparts.com Wheels /// Accessories /// Vehicle-Specific Fitment Guides /// Careers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2017, 11:40 PM	#4
Megabrode He's experimenting with something... 335 Rep 261 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Shockoe Bottom iTrader: (0)	Thanks, Matt. We've been through a few of these, and wll do our best to get through this one. And thanks for the advice on the purchase. Another question for you. What's the recommended wheel bolt torque with these 12mm spacers? Information online is mixed, most saying the normal 88 ft-lbs, a few saying ~105 to compensate somehow for the spacers. Torque may not be all that critical, but I might as well get it right. __________________ Analog 2011 e92 M3 \| Jerez Black \| Black Novillo \| 6MT \| CF roof \| No iDrive, Nav, M button, ZCP, EDC, or center hump \| ZHP shift knob \| OMP 1010 pedals \| K&N filter \| Dinan engine tune \| OEM exhaust mod (bypass) \| EAS exhaust tips \| shaved front bumper \| 19" Apex EC-7 \| 12 mm rear spacers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2017, 08:53 AM	#5
BOOF-M3 Brigadier General 4452 Rep 4,014 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Pasadena Florida iTrader: (1)	Hey Megabrode, not sure how I feel about you staying but I'm certain Irma doesn't have the balls to mess with you and your friends. Bimmerpost member Theodore is getting a ride going in the General area over there next Sunday. Not sure if you saw his thread or not but maybe it's something you may consider depending on the effects of Irma.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2017, 01:07 PM	#7
blue-mw Private First Class 217 Rep 183 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: STL iTrader: (1)	Nice stance! Congrats on the upgrade and stay safe my friend.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-11-2017, 12:06 AM	#9
BOOF-M3 Brigadier General 4452 Rep 4,014 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Pasadena Florida iTrader: (1)	Yes I'm very happy it has weakened a bit. The ride is Sunday not Saturday. I have been thinking about spacers but I try to draw as little attention to my wheels as possible as I only picked up my car a little over a month ago and the wheels need to be re-powder coated. First world problems as they say. I evacuated to Atlanta (not by choice) and I won't be able to sleep until it passes quietly over the St Pete/Tampa area. Stay safe Mega.
	Appreciate 0 Quote