Jake's Epic BMW 135i Build Thread! (5+ Years of Ownership)
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Seen it. Agree on so many levels, to the millionth degree.
When I was having my engine built for my Acura by King Motorsports, I spent many hours there with their machinist and the service manager. I was one of the few people they would let come back and be part of the discussions with Webcams when we were working on a cam profile, and in general just got to be around because I was 1 of 1000 Honda owners coming through there who wasn't a complete douche.
I have been privy to so many phone conversations over just a 3 month period of being at the shop 3-4 times a week, and it's literally all just dumbass kids wanting 600 hp turbo builds for $2000 , or janky shitty ragged out Civics going on the dyno and poor Tim has to try and tune them and they gain 3 hp and kids get mad about it.
On top of that, you have people who bring their cars in for builds and everything gets done and tuned, full motor, everything, and then they don't pay. Of course King keeps the car, but that car isn't worth anywhere near how much labor has been put in at $75/hr to build it, that now isn't being paid for.
It's a shitty business to be in through and through when it comes to dealing with people. I can't agree more that the broader car community is just entirely full of shitfucks, and it is made worse by the fact that we live in a time when technology masks a lot of knowledge about stuff. So few people know anything about cars anymore, and even fewer admit what they don't know. Now take that attitude and bring your car to a shop and spout off to the people owning the shop like you know something because you found it on a forum somewhere so it must be true, and you have the average defacto engagement of someone owning a performance shop. Doesn't it sound like fun?
Fuckin shitfucks.
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Someone snapped this of me as I was rolling through the pits. Videos to come tonight. Wish my GoPro wouldn't have died before a lot of the good races

That high long res pic
Waiting on 1320 promo video appearance still.
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As you all know, I was at the NoFlyZone Midwest event this past weekend. Got almost 25 passes in. The first day was rained out, but we got a few solo runs. Going 146mph in the rain is... interesting.The second day was awesome and I was able to clock a 156.79 MPH run.
Here is a compilation video of some cars I was able to run.
It was a blast. I beat the crap out of the car without a hiccup and then drove 5 hours back home. Here is a compilation video of some cars I was able to run.
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Found this video as well.
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As you all know, I was at the NoFlyZone Midwest event this past weekend. Got almost 25 passes in. The first day was rained out, but we got a few solo runs. Going 146mph in the rain is... interesting.The second day was awesome and I was able to clock a 156.79 MPH run.
Here is a compilation video of some cars I was able to run.
It was a blast. I beat the crap out of the car without a hiccup and then drove 5 hours back home.
Found this video as well.
Quoting these to bring them over to the new page. Yup.
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Went to the dragstrip yesterday and finally broke an axle. I've dragged the car many times, but it finally gave up after a 4K RPM clutch dump with 2-step.
My options are upgraded MFactory axles for $800/pair, new OEM replacement for $500, or a used axle for $250. Might just go the used route...
In other news, I bought some wheels for my daily. OZ Ultraleggas, 18x8" with 235/40/18s on them. Through a 5mm spacer behind all four and I'm happy with the way it looks!

Stormtrooper by Jacob Spence, on Flickr
Posted by Jacob Spence, on Flickr...and one of the 135i before breaking the axle.

Northland by Jacob Spence, on Flickr -
Well now the wagon needs to be lower!
Wheels look good, 135 looks fantastic. I'm a touch surprised the CV's lasted this long! -
Well now the wagon needs to be lower!
Wheels look good, 135 looks fantastic. I'm a touch surprised the CV's lasted this long!I want to lower the wagon... but I know I shouldn't. First world problems.
I'm also surprised I didn't break one sooner. Apparently it isn't uncommon at all on the N54 platform.
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definitely just get a set of used axles. MFactory axles aren't getting you some crazy 1000 hp/tq rating the way that their differentials do, and they're on backorder from what it looks like.
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definitely just get a set of used axles. MFactory axles aren't getting you some crazy 1000 hp/tq rating the way that their differentials do, and they're on backorder from what it looks like.
That's what I did. Just ordered a used (68k miles) axle from a junkyard in Fon Du Lac for $64 shipped. We will see if it shows up in good condition...
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Patiently waiting for that axle to show up. Enjoy this picture while we wait. One of my favorites, ever.

Storm by Jacob Spence, on Flickr -
that photo is so fucking cool.
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that photo is so fucking cool.
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I tried a new "option" with my tune. My car now sounds like the 4th of July on decel. Take a listen...
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