[Eternal Vibration]

You know...when i first got this BMW i3 I was so excited for the gas savings and the low cost transportation. It really is a great thing compared to gas cars. I have had BMW M4's, infiniti G37, 240sx with an RB25...many cars and motor cycles over the years. This is my first electric car... YES...I love it. I will find it hard to go back to a gas only daily driver. This thing has a carbon fiber body, polymer body panels and is such a nice little hatch.

However... I realized all my excitement was cut short when i realized that the tire replacement cost was $1200 (on sale by the way) at BMW...And shopping online didnt help. You want new tires for this thing? $275/each Plus shipping and installation. I was like...wtf this is Liek Pilot Sport 4S money for a tire that is 275 width. How are these tiny tires so expensive! Well, the low production volume and small selection/competition for these tires makes it expensive.

What should cost $100/tire to replace costs 3x that and all that money I saved over the past 6 months in gas is gone!

Hummm...I don't like it. Is there a solution? The short answer is no. I looked almost everywhere for alternative tires/wheels and a more affordable price. NOTHING.

So I said...well I can fix this. I will buy a set of used BMW 3-series wheels, get some spacers to make them fit, and then make a set of wide fenders to keep things in check.

I bought the wheels with almost new tires on them for $600. OEM Michelin tires. i got spacers with extended lug bolts for $150 so I am in $750 with wheels,tires,and spacers so far.

We just got a new 3D printer at work. I am going to 3D Scan, Design and 3D print wide fenders for the car to match the wheels. Stay tuned for progress and updates!


BTW, this thing drives WAY better than the factory wheels and tires. Normally low-profile tires make things more harsh and less compliant. Bu there is a significant difference in difference in ride character. Its smoother, quieter, and handlers way better. the turning response is better. I was expecting everything to be worse, but its not. Its better, buy a lot! I have not even maximized the profile of the tires. Both the front and rear can go up 1 profile size to match the diameter of the factory wheels. Which would make it even softer.

F: 19x8+27 225/40/19 w/25mm spacer
R: 19x8.5+40 255/35/19 w/30mm spacer (can be 5mm lower but I wanted the track of the back to match or be wider than the front)

[airman1]

Cool. Watching your progress. How about the effect on range?

[Eternal Vibration]

I have not checked the range yet. I will update on the progress. I had issues with the 3d scanner yesterday so I might have to get a new one to accomplish what I want to.

Here are some pictures of the 3D printer. And recent parts made.

[E85 Sport]

Subscribed for box flares.

[airman1]

Cool!

[Eternal Vibration]

Working on the cad model.

I might try might try two different designs. I will update when at least 1 is finished