Well, i did it. I built 3 piece custom roadstars.

[E.Hands]

I'm a click away from getting some r888's in 305 30 19 and 265 30 19's and 315 30 18 and 255 255 35 18. I just can't help myself.

Excellent, I'm planning to wrap mine in r888's as well!

[328 Power 04]

For curiosity's sake, what kind mill was this done on? Just looked at the video again and it's amazing.

[jonesmechanical]

For curiosity's sake, what kind mill was this done on? Just looked at the video again and it's amazing.

From all of the machine shops I have been in, wheel specific or not, they all seem to have very similar machines.

The local machine shop we have considered using has 5 axis machines. I believe that all of the machines in this specific wheel shop are 3 axis.

[Rabbi Doom]

I believe that all of the machines in this specific wheel shop are 3 axis.

No need to have anything more than a 3 axis if your main focus is machining wheel centers. I've been looking at CNC mills lately and it seems like the best route for manufacturing parts for a car (everything from Nylatron bushings to wheel centers) is to get a large closed 3 axis and a small open 5-6 axis for detail work because most of the time anything over a 3 axis isn't used. There's a company here in Bozeman (PocketNC) that's trying to make an affordable entry into the 5 axis desktop market which would be a nice addition to the roster.

Regardless of what the actual demand is on these wheels, its so much fun to want. In this case, it's going to be better to have.

As someone who is very passionate about cars and a business owner related to that passion, I can completely understand this. I've been trying to do something similar for the Z3M community but not as grandiose as your wheels and I've been running into so many hurdles with my lack of compromises. I would rather do it myself and have complete control over the final product than paying someone who doesn't share our passion and will do a lackluster job. I did get some unsettling quotes to have some fairly simple stuff done so rather than paying someone to 3D scan a part, we just bought a 3D scanner. Rather than paying someone to manufacture the parts for us, we just bought the stuff to do it ourselves. We're still waiting on a few key items that should have been here a while ago but they should be here soon.

Basically, I can really appreciate your enthusiasm and dedication in making this happen.

[poordna]

Guahhhhhh... Seriously nutty.

Do you have a non-forummer-friendly link of some kind that shows progress?

Perhaps a Photobucket or Imgur album or something similar?

[328 Power 04]

From all of the machine shops I have been in, wheel specific or not, they all seem to have very similar machines.

The local machine shop we have considered using has 5 axis machines. I believe that all of the machines in this specific wheel shop are 3 axis.

Oh OK awesome. We recently just acquired a large 4 axis CNC mill and I've finally managed to program and cut something more complicated on it by using CAM software on PC. I've done drafting and 3D modeling in the past, so it took just a little time to get the hang of it. I didn't think it really required more axes than 3, but it's good to know.
Next I want to try making a scale model of a rim (maybe E36 M3 Contours) for R/C cars, or a desk ornament... One day maybe I'll design my own wheel face.

[Remotion]

18" with flat lip is where the game is at. Just stunning!

[mtnbkr]

How close are you to the unveiling of finished centers or wheels?

[Wres157]

Those look fantastic. Am I spoiling the fun if I ask how heavy they are?

[jajou318]

Those look fantastic. Am I spoiling the fun if I ask how heavy they are?

Think it was already answered - maybe in the last thread. Hoping for 20lb iirc.

[BimmerBreaker]

The first post in this thread mentions weight for just the centers

[328 Power 04]

Where does the valve stem go? Just curious.

[jajou318]

Where does the valve stem go? Just curious.

4 o'clock on the first mounted picture. Goes mounted through the outer lip.

[328 Power 04]

Can't believe I missed that one as one of the regular mounting fasteners. Thanks.

[jonesmechanical]

The first post in this thread mentions weight for just the centers

Sub 24lb for 19x11.5, and sub 20lb for 20x9 with big brake clearance. We are finalizing the back side pocketing (same as oem wheel) which will save some more.

We anticipate the 18's to be a bit less.

[jonesmechanical]

How close are you to the unveiling of finished centers or wheels?

A few weeks away. The first ones will be 19", as we are now prototyping the final sandwich mount machining.

[jonesmechanical]

Where does the valve stem go? Just curious.

Located on the outer lip on the 19" stepped lips, and likely on the inside of the wheel on the 18's, where the step is on the inner half which allows for the tire installation. We can also set it up to Com through one of the wheel bolt holes as long as it doesn't create a brake clearance issue. We haven't figured that one out yet on my car.

The front centers not only cleared AP racings 14" kit, but the rear center with the shallower hub pad only needed a 5mm spacer to clear it, which could allow for a 2" outer lip on the front instead of a 1.5".

I'm still locating quality titanium hardware that can be optioned for the ultimate in weight savings.

[cemalakcal]

Located on the outer lip on the 19" stepped lips, and likely on the inside of the wheel on the 18's, where the step is on the inner half which allows for the tire installation. We can also set it up to Com through one of the wheel bolt holes as long as it doesn't create a brake clearance issue. We haven't figured that one out yet on my car.

The front centers not only cleared AP racings 14" kit, but the rear center with the shallower hub pad only needed a 5mm spacer to clear it, which could allow for a 2" outer lip on the front instead of a 1.5".

I'm still locating quality titanium hardware that can be optioned for the ultimate in weight savings.

Hi Greg,

would you send the front plastic center for test fitting Alcon Mono6 calipers?

[jonesmechanical]

Hi Greg,

would you send the front plastic center for test fitting Alcon Mono6 calipers?

Yes, I will be getting them back from for the apracing test this next week. I'll shoot you a pm for deposit information and other details.

[JeffyD]

Got mine refinished using Chrome Shadow. Love them, very happy and prefer this. The paint BMW uses always gets damaged over time from brake dust and other contaminants. I wanted to see how the P/C holds up by comparison. Oh, and I'm foaming at the mouth to see these wheels mounted with tires on a M Coupe, preferably mine

Gimme yo' car, bro. I wunnit.

I can't wait to slap these things on my coupe. I hope Christmas comes a little earlier this year.

Oh, dude. I just saw "Provo!" Which is funny because I'll be taking my M there in a couple of weeks to visit my uncle. Hopefully the weather plays nicer than it has been.

[fjcp]

Long time drooler, first time poster. My hat off to you for a job more than well done!!! This really is the ultimate wheel for our cars. PM'd you!!

Jay



ps. JUST WOW!!!!!

[robb1887]

bump for updates?

[sjdennis]

Well Done Greg!

These are BEAUTIFUL wheels! I've never considered aftermarket wheels on my M Roadster...until I saw these! I hope I can afford them when they become available for ordering

Dennis

[mtnbkr]

bump for updates?

[mtnbkr]

Updates? Anything?