Thread #29001

My E39

44 archived posts · 8,408 historical views

ChiggaMarch 13, 2012
#441964

My E39

Here's my E39 540i, it began its life as a 1999 540i with automatic and sports package that I brought it home around 2005, before that I had a Lexus GS400 that some lady drove into, which I missed a lot.

I like things different and my way, I originally bought the car as a daily driver as I have another vehicle that I tinker with, but I want to do more and more, but I slowly notice a lot of other E39's are modded the same way, not that there's anything wrong with it but the diversity is lacking.

This is how I first got the car:

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stock and not much else, I quickly lowered the car on H&R springs and some ebay 19"s, which I can't say I was proud of, but it made the car looked better
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I drove it like that for a couple of years until I changed my job, which allows me to modify the car more.

This phase I added Ground Control coilover kit + Koni, M6 wheels, bbk, and factory M-tech bodykit along with updated headlights and tail lights from post 2001 models.

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View original BBCode
Here's my E39 540i, it began its life as a 1999 540i with automatic and sports package that I brought it home around 2005, before that I had a Lexus GS400 that some lady drove into, which I missed a lot.

I like things different and my way, I originally bought the car as a daily driver as I have another vehicle that I tinker with, but I want to do more and more, but I slowly notice a lot of other E39's are modded the same way, not that there's anything wrong with it but the diversity is lacking.

This is how I first got the car:

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/Picture093.jpg[/IMG]



stock and not much else, I quickly lowered the car on H&R springs and some ebay 19"s, which I can't say I was proud of, but it made the car looked better
[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/DSC02317-edit-small.jpg[/IMG]


I drove it like that for a couple of years until I changed my job, which allows me to modify the car more.

This phase I added Ground Control coilover kit + Koni, M6 wheels, bbk, and factory M-tech bodykit along with updated headlights and tail lights from post 2001 models.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/Picture079.jpg[/IMG]
ChiggaMarch 13, 2012
#441966
Then I drove around like this for a while as I was pretty tight with cash with modifying, I did take it to few track events.

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It was around that time my engine started to make a funny noise along with the transmission began to slip, unlike the GS400, BMW's V8 is not that reliable, and I discovered some rust that needed to be tackle if I wanted to keep the car, so I had to choose either get rid of it or fix it up the way I want, as you can tell I chose the latter as I like the car a lot.

I chose to paint the car in Telesto Grey from Lambo, at the same time I had the old transmission pulled out and swapped in a 6 spd manual in.

Forum image
View original BBCode
Then I drove around like this for a while as I was pretty tight with cash with modifying, I did take it to few track events.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/DSC00173.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/Picture063.jpg[/IMG]

It was around that time my engine started to make a funny noise along with the transmission began to slip, unlike the GS400, BMW's V8 is not that reliable, and I discovered some rust that needed to be tackle if I wanted to keep the car, so I had to choose either get rid of it or fix it up the way I want, as you can tell I chose the latter as I like the car a lot.

I chose to paint the car in Telesto Grey from Lambo, at the same time I had the old transmission pulled out and swapped in a 6 spd manual in.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_1668.jpg[/IMG]
ChiggaMarch 13, 2012
#441970
The paint come out better than I expected, I also ashamed to admit I bought a set of Te37 knock offs, the only excuse I had was my budget was tight with all the other work being done at the same time.

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Then the engine gave me more and more trouble to the point of insanity, I event went as far as planning an LS1 or 2JZ swap, but all logic pointed to a much newer engine replacement, which I did, and all issues seem to have gone away, during engine swap I also modified the exhaust a bit.


[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUClO0LxwRI[/YOUTUBE]
View original BBCode
The paint come out better than I expected, I also ashamed to admit I bought a set of Te37 knock offs, the only excuse I had was my budget was tight with all the other work being done at the same time.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/08162010297.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/08162010299.jpg[/IMG]


Then the engine gave me more and more trouble to the point of insanity, I event went as far as planning an LS1 or 2JZ swap, but all logic pointed to a much newer engine replacement, which I did, and all issues seem to have gone away, during engine swap I also modified the exhaust a bit.


[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUClO0LxwRI[/YOUTUBE]
ChiggaMarch 13, 2012
#441974
After all that, I couldn't stare at my knock off wheels for too long, they looked lovely but just not my thing anymore, so I began to get custom wheels made, at the same time I had my GC replaced as they were simply too soft and the shock travel is fairly short at my height, I replaced it with BC on 10k/8k springs.

The wheels are BC Forged ST08, 19x10 ET10, 19x11 ET10 rear, I kept my Vredestein tires since they've been really good to me.

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That's pretty much it so far, as the car sat in storage for the past 6 months, I've been planning a slightly different route for this year, I'll keep you guys updated, the idea is a Osaka-styled E39 .
View original BBCode
After all that, I couldn't stare at my knock off wheels for too long, they looked lovely but just not my thing anymore, so I began to get custom wheels made, at the same time I had my GC replaced as they were simply too soft and the shock travel is fairly short at my height, I replaced it with BC on 10k/8k springs.

The wheels are BC Forged ST08, 19x10 ET10, 19x11 ET10 rear, I kept my Vredestein tires since they've been really good to me.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/IMG_0405s.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/IMG_0406s.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/mah%20carz/IMG_0407s.jpg[/IMG]

That's pretty much it so far, as the car sat in storage for the past 6 months, I've been planning a slightly different route for this year, I'll keep you guys updated, the idea is a Osaka-styled E39 .
JUICEDW140March 13, 2012
#441988
So what's next for the plan?
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So what's next for the plan?
C8V6CMarch 14, 2012
#442058
Nice car
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Nice car
ChiggaMarch 14, 2012
#442072
JUICEDW140;441988 wrote:So what's next for the plan?


I originally bought a set of beat up 19" LM's to make into custom 3pcs LM, turns out one of the center is out of true round and BBS refuse to sell just the centers, I was reluctant to buy another wheel just for one center piece, so that idea is in the scrapper.

I did order a new set of wheels, 19x10 and 19x11 may be lower offset and more camber all around, its quite different from the wheels I currently have, hopefully to have them by end of April.

Other than that, I've source the LS460's exhaust tips and try to integrated into the diffuser, the only thing is how it leave a gap, I'm going to try to change the shape a bit and go with the bumper/diffuser smoother, it won't be ground breaking but its a touch of VIP flare.

Interior, I'm sourcing sport seats so I can get them redone, new steering wheel, new stereo.

Engine, new intake manifold, details, may be supercharger if budget allow and I'll redo the front and mid section of the exhaust with the new exhaust tips, I do apologize in advance that I don't work particularly fast, I tend to do one thing at a time, as you can see it took 5 years to get the car where it is today.
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[QUOTE=JUICEDW140;441988]So what's next for the plan?[/QUOTE]

I originally bought a set of beat up 19" LM's to make into custom 3pcs LM, turns out one of the center is out of true round and BBS refuse to sell just the centers, I was reluctant to buy another wheel just for one center piece, so that idea is in the scrapper.

I did order a new set of wheels, 19x10 and 19x11 may be lower offset and more camber all around, its quite different from the wheels I currently have, hopefully to have them by end of April.

Other than that, I've source the LS460's exhaust tips and try to integrated into the diffuser, the only thing is how it leave a gap, I'm going to try to change the shape a bit and go with the bumper/diffuser smoother, it won't be ground breaking but its a touch of VIP flare.

Interior, I'm sourcing sport seats so I can get them redone, new steering wheel, new stereo.

Engine, new intake manifold, details, may be supercharger if budget allow and I'll redo the front and mid section of the exhaust with the new exhaust tips, I do apologize in advance that I don't work particularly fast, I tend to do one thing at a time, as you can see it took 5 years to get the car where it is today.
208SoarerMarch 14, 2012
#442075
Good Looking E39. I am working on one as well, but its not nearly as far along as your is!
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Good Looking E39.  I am working on one as well, but its not nearly as far along as your is!
z168March 14, 2012
#442120
Love it!
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Love it!
z168March 14, 2012
#442123
Got any engine pics?

Why are you keeping the sidemarkers amber, contrast?
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Got any engine pics? 

Why are you keeping the sidemarkers amber, contrast?
ChiggaMarch 14, 2012
#442165
z168;442123 wrote:Got any engine pics?

Why are you keeping the sidemarkers amber, contrast?


The engine bay is stock, the side markers never bothered me so I never change them, but I will get smoke ones soon.

I worked this out in p-chop and the gap between the diffuser and the exhaust tips aren't as bad as I thought, I quite like them actually.

Forum image
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[QUOTE=z168;442123]Got any engine pics? 

Why are you keeping the sidemarkers amber, contrast?[/QUOTE]

The engine bay is stock, the side markers never bothered me so I never change them, but I will get smoke ones soon.

I worked this out in p-chop and the gap between the diffuser and the exhaust tips aren't as bad as I thought, I quite like them actually.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/e39_ls460tips_f1reverselights.jpg[/IMG]
AndreNYMarch 15, 2012
#442388
looks great as always i hope you can make that rear end look like that
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looks great as always i hope you can make that rear end look like that
BAHCMarch 15, 2012
#442440
rear end is a good look
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rear end is a good look
aristo93March 29, 2012
#444991
Damn that is a clean rear, are u gonna try to do this? looks like the car should have came this way from factory. Doesnt look hacked up still keeps the lines and is really clean
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Damn that is a clean rear, are u gonna try to do this? looks like the car should have came this way from factory. Doesnt look hacked up still keeps the lines and is really clean
ChiggaApril 4, 2012
#446048
I'm trying to find exhaust tips and having a hard time to source both sides at the same time.

The car is coming out in couple of weeks and so far I've ordered:
- M5 mirrors
- side markers (finally)
- new wheels

and various bits and parts for engine and interior, as soon as its out it'll be off to the bodyshop, hopefully car will be done before last week of April.
View original BBCode
I'm trying to find exhaust tips and having a hard time to source both sides at the same time.

The car is coming out in couple of weeks and so far I've ordered:
- M5 mirrors
- side markers (finally)
- new wheels

and various bits and parts for engine and interior, as soon as its out it'll be off to the bodyshop, hopefully car will be done before last week of April.
NETApril 13, 2012
#447487
clean e39. love the custom grey respray and forged wheels u went with.

I recently picked up an e39 myself. exterior currently looks just like yours when u first got it. :shrug:
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clean e39. love the custom grey respray and forged wheels u went with.

I recently picked up an e39 myself. exterior currently looks just like yours when u first got it. :shrug:
chik-n-littleApril 13, 2012
#447540
That gray paint job is nice
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That gray paint job is nice
ChiggaApril 26, 2012
#449701
I was hoping to be able to do more this summer, but oh well, just waiting for more parts to come.

Got clear side markers and angel eyes bulbs, sold my wheels so back rolling on reps for now.

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BUT, my new wheels are done! exactly the way I wanted.


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I was hoping to be able to do more this summer, but oh well, just waiting for more parts to come.

Got clear side markers and angel eyes bulbs, sold my wheels so back rolling on reps for now.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMAG0005.jpg[/IMG]

BUT, my new wheels are done! exactly the way I wanted.


[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_1628.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_1627.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_1625.jpg[/IMG]
brainneededApril 26, 2012
#449736
damn super concave. haven't seen anyone run bc wheels yet, my interest is piqued.
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damn super concave. haven't seen anyone run bc wheels yet, my interest is piqued.
JUICEDW140April 27, 2012
#449755
Keep it coming...
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Keep it coming...
tommiedredApril 27, 2012
#449781
Those wheels look pretty sick playa... hurry up & get'em mounted:biggthumpup:
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Those wheels look pretty sick playa... hurry up & get'em mounted:biggthumpup:
ChiggaApril 27, 2012
#449801
brainneeded;449736 wrote:damn super concave. haven't seen anyone run bc wheels yet, my interest is piqued.


They are very well made, compare to all other wheels I've had over the years, they are definitely one of the best ones in terms of quality and details, my ST08 was extremely light at around 21lbs each, it mainly came down to forged centers and forged barrels, which is also a downside, because of the forged barrel has to be one piece, the widest they offer right now is 11", they CAN do wider than 11", but it involves machining 2 barrels and weld them together a'la Maya/Riverside style.

You can take a look at their English website which is under construction:

http://www.bcracingwheels.com/wheels.html

or go to their main website

http://www.bcec.com.tw/

JUICEDW140;449755 wrote:Keep it coming...


Waiting for customs clearance on other stuff.............. :pat:, I thought I could squeeze supercharger in for this year, but doesn't seem like it, but I did get all the other engine parts.

tommiedred;449781 wrote:Those wheels look pretty sick playa... hurry up & get'em mounted:biggthumpup:


Waiting for shipping, as soon as they are here, they are going on!
View original BBCode
[QUOTE=brainneeded;449736]damn super concave. haven't seen anyone run bc wheels yet, my interest is piqued.[/QUOTE]

They are very well made, compare to all other wheels I've had over the years, they are definitely one of the best ones in terms of quality and details, my ST08 was extremely light at around 21lbs each, it mainly came down to forged centers and forged barrels, which is also a downside, because of the forged barrel has to be one piece, the widest they offer right now is 11", they CAN do wider than 11", but it involves machining 2 barrels and weld them together a'la Maya/Riverside style.

You can take a look at their English website which is under construction:

[url]http://www.bcracingwheels.com/wheels.html[/url]

or go to their main website

[url]http://www.bcec.com.tw/[/url]

[QUOTE=JUICEDW140;449755]Keep it coming...[/QUOTE]

Waiting for customs clearance on other stuff.............. :pat:, I thought I could squeeze supercharger in for this year, but doesn't seem like it, but I did get all the other engine parts.

[QUOTE=tommiedred;449781]Those wheels look pretty sick playa... hurry up & get'em mounted:biggthumpup:[/QUOTE]

Waiting for shipping, as soon as they are here, they are going on!
NETApril 28, 2012
#449931
the concave BC's look tits.

what r u waiting for to mount them on?
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the concave BC's look tits.

what r u waiting for to mount them on?
freeride53May 8, 2012
#451195
Way tooooo dope Mr. Mad Chigga!
What happened to the 744 & Renault, and your wifes e30?
All of your cars were herra fresh.
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Way tooooo dope Mr. Mad Chigga!
What happened to the 744 & Renault, and your wifes e30? 
All of your cars were herra fresh.
VipDoutMay 8, 2012
#451197
Wow, cant wait to see how the wheels look on the car. very loud color choice too
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Wow, cant wait to see how the wheels look on the car. very loud color choice too
jboMay 9, 2012
#451311
Your gonna kill the game with the new wheels cant wait to see them mounted...
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Your gonna kill the game with the new wheels cant wait to see them mounted...
ChiggaMay 10, 2012
#451603
jbo;451311 wrote:Your gonna kill the game with the new wheels cant wait to see them mounted...


I can't wait either, but unfortunately patience is something I must have.

Sorry for the lack of update, basically right now its a waiting game, I receive the wheels 2 weeks ago but some a-hole ding up my driver's door in a parking lot, let's just say for certain things I'm extremely anal, a car's paint is #1 thing on my list being anal about, so I sent the car into the body shop to get some touch ups, new mirrors painted and a proper polish, the car never had a proper polish since the paint job.

I'm also getting engine work done when the new wheels are going on along with a custom engine tune.

last weekend I put in the new head unit, if you ever own a BMW you know how horrible the factory stereo is, no matter what option you chose, my cd changer actually has been broken for over an year that left me just the radio, and the aftermarket head units were either hideous or doesn't do much, finally something came out that looks OEM and has all the features I wanted, incld android system.

Forum image
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[QUOTE=jbo;451311]Your gonna kill the game with the new wheels cant wait to see them mounted...[/QUOTE]

I can't wait either, but unfortunately patience is something I must have.

Sorry for the lack of update, basically right now its a waiting game, I receive the wheels 2 weeks ago but some a-hole ding up my driver's door in a parking lot, let's just say for certain things I'm extremely anal, a car's paint is #1 thing on my list being anal about, so I sent the car into the body shop to get some touch ups, new mirrors painted and a proper polish, the car never had a proper polish since the paint job.

I'm also getting engine work done when the new wheels are going on along with a custom engine tune.

last weekend I put in the new head unit, if you ever own a BMW you know how horrible the factory stereo is, no matter what option you chose, my cd changer actually has been broken for over an year that left me just the radio, and the aftermarket head units were either hideous or doesn't do much, finally something came out that looks OEM and has all the features I wanted, incld android system.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMAG0014-1.jpg[/IMG]
carlosMay 10, 2012
#451608
what headunit is that?
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what headunit is that?
ChiggaMay 10, 2012
#451633
carlos;451608 wrote:what headunit is that?


Dynavin D99
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[QUOTE=carlos;451608]what headunit is that?[/QUOTE]

Dynavin D99
brainneededMay 10, 2012
#451669
damn that h/u is freaking illlll
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damn that h/u is freaking illlll
ChiggaMay 11, 2012
#451783
Got the car back today from paint, also asked for a some buffing, still need to do a proper detail after wheels and engine work.

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Got the car back today from paint, also asked for a some buffing, still need to do a proper detail after wheels and engine work.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_2267.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_2268.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_2269.jpg[/IMG]
MrCeddyPMay 15, 2012
#452195
Looks good, can't wait to see some pics of those new shoes on!
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Looks good, can't wait to see some pics of those new shoes on!
gh0stMay 15, 2012
#452220
I almost, almost bought a 540i manual before my M45. But I couldn't find a nice enough one for the price I wanted to pay. Haven't heard a bad thing about them!

Can't wait to see pics of the wheels!
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I almost, almost bought a 540i manual before my M45. But I couldn't find a nice enough one for the price I wanted to pay. Haven't heard a bad thing about them!

Can't wait to see pics of the wheels!
ChiggaMay 19, 2012
#452798
Next update will have everything install, but I did get a little surprise, a CSL style cf splitter, its a first of its kind.

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Next update will have everything install, but I did get a little surprise, a CSL style cf splitter, its a first of its kind.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMAG0022-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMAG0018-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMAG0020-1.jpg[/IMG]
208SoarerMay 21, 2012
#452928
I like the splitter! Love the look of the car man!!!

I have a CF front lip for my M5 Front Bumper , I am waiting on my rear bumper and roof spoiler to come in so i can go to paint on my E39.
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I like the splitter!  Love the look of  the car man!!!

I have a CF front lip for my M5 Front Bumper , I am waiting on my rear bumper and roof spoiler to come in so i can go to paint on my E39.
ChiggaMay 24, 2012
#453542
Its controversial, its not for everybody, and its very dirty cause I havn't washed it in a while.

It has the non-tu manifold and injectors now, just need to find the time to get the car tuned.

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Its controversial, its not for everybody, and its very dirty cause I havn't washed it in a while.

It has the non-tu manifold and injectors now, just need to find the time to get the car tuned.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/IMG_0348.jpg[/IMG]
JuzzoMay 29, 2012
#454030
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[IMG]http://cl.jroo.me/z3/r/r/z/d/a.aaa-lower-it-or-god-will-do-it-f.jpg[/IMG]
projecty33May 30, 2012
#454034
looks good from the rear since they match your tails plus you car is a neutral color
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looks good from the rear since they match your tails plus you car is a neutral color
z168May 31, 2012
#454193
Got more pics?
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Got more pics?
ChiggaJune 1, 2012
#454391
Juzzo;454030 wrote:Forum image


Not at the moment lol, I'm happy with the height as it looks good and still usable & trackable.

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[QUOTE=Juzzo;454030][IMG]http://cl.jroo.me/z3/r/r/z/d/a.aaa-lower-it-or-god-will-do-it-f.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Not at the moment lol, I'm happy with the height as it looks good and still usable & trackable.

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/9fd8a88.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k65/themadchigga/DSC_0319.jpg[/IMG]
208SoarerJune 5, 2012
#454684
ohhhhh damn! I love the wheels man! They set your car APART!!
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ohhhhh damn!  I love the wheels man!  They set your car APART!!
hereis.johnnyJune 8, 2012
#455000
cleeaaan ... love the new wheel setup
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cleeaaan ... love the new wheel setup
prtainoAugust 9, 2012
#460486
Sick ride man
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Sick ride man