FEELER FS: Throwing stars with tires

[BigD]

I can't help it, I have to put M parallels on this car, then it will be 100% what I want. I'll only be looking to replace with OEM so I gotta sell the T-stars. The covers are perfect, the idiot wheel shop that did these wheels put balances on the lips on at least one wheel (maybe two). They're in very good shape overall, except for a few marks. They're definitely not bent. I've had the car to all kinds of speeds and it's never vibrated in any way. The wheels are Michelin Pilot XGT's or something, 235 all around I think, great condition (I don't know how to tell the % of wear but they look close to new). All the uncertainty is due to the car being 40km away at the mechanic's. I can get more specific details on request. Right now I just want to know if anyone would be interested in the set, and for how much. I'm in Toronto, Ontario.

Some photos here (can also read about the ongoing resurrection):
http://www.strengthandhonor.ca/bmw.html

[icm5er]

Always a debate on which look better. I think the M Parallels do look better overall, more agressive.

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/ivanc/TstarMpara.jpg

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/ivanc/083103-m5-FLeft%20Beach.jpg

[AllanS]

How about 500$ plus shipping? That's American money too, so's it's worth more.

[BigD]

Always a debate on which look better. I think the M Parallels do look better overall, more agressive.


There's no doubt in my mind. I love the T stars. Out of the "other" rims, I think they are the best. But the M Parallel rim has my heart. And this isn't just out of BMW OEM wheels. The way the M parallel rim looks on an E34, to me, is better than any rim I've ever seen on any other car. Have a close look at other cars mags and wheel covers. It's amazing how many people have tried to copy that design and FAILED miserably. The biggest mistake is a) they're not huge like the ones on the E34 and b) they always put some sort of extra kink or twist on the design (even the spacing, if it's wider or narrower than the BMW wheels, it doesn't look right). 5, 7" or so pairs of straight sticks, what can be simpler than that? But only BMW got it right.

One combination that does come close though, is niche bahn's on the mid-late 90's S600 coupes. I don't like bling or chrome but the way these rims looked on that car....my goodness. Some of you must know what I'm talking about.

Thanks for the interest, Allan!

[AllanS]

I take it that you're not interested in my offer, then? It was worth a shot :P

[George M]

Hi Dimtry,
First...you shouldn't have any issue selling the T-stars. I have been casually looking for a set for while now. But with me I am pickier than most and don't want to put anything on my car that isn't at least in the same condition as the rest of the car...no need...so want a pristine set. If they aren't in excellent shape...good clear coat, no rash or scrap marks etc, than it is about a $100 US a copy to refinish them and I may not be up for another round of wheel refinishing though T-stars are MUCH easier to refinish than the basketweaves I just did. As to price...just like with these cars it is ALL about condition. Canada winters are harsh...so there is also the issue of corrosion behind the T-stars on the back side of the wheel. If you go with the M//'s which indeed do look great and correct as you say on your new M5, clean up your T-stars and post some close up pics. They will move and I will consider them as well.
Good Luck,
George

[Dick Schneiders]

and strongly prefer OEM T-stars. That feeling has only increased now that I have a set of T-stars on one of my E34's. I think one of the reasons I dislike the parallels is that there are so many attempts out there to copy them, most poorly as you say, and so they really don't look all that special to me. Also, I have never really liked the open look of that style of wheel.

Dick Schneiders


There's no doubt in my mind. I love the T stars. Out of the "other" rims, I think they are the best. But the M Parallel rim has my heart. And this isn't just out of BMW OEM wheels. The way the M parallel rim looks on an E34, to me, is better than any rim I've ever seen on any other car. Have a close look at other cars mags and wheel covers. It's amazing how many people have tried to copy that design and FAILED miserably. The biggest mistake is a) they're not huge like the ones on the E34 and b) they always put some sort of extra kink or twist on the design (even the spacing, if it's wider or narrower than the BMW wheels, it doesn't look right). 5, 7" or so pairs of straight sticks, what can be simpler than that? But only BMW got it right.

One combination that does come close though, is niche bahn's on the mid-late 90's S600 coupes. I don't like bling or chrome but the way these rims looked on that car....my goodness. Some of you must know what I'm talking about.

Thanks for the interest, Allan!

[BigD]

Allan: It's not that I'm not interested, I'm just not actually selling yet. I won't buy the M Parallels if I feel I can't quickly unload the T-stars for a price that would decently offset the cost of the new wheels. I think I'm going to do it.

George: Yeah I understand. When they're actually for sale I will take a lot of pictures of them for details. The last thing I'd want is to sell something to my bimmernut friends and have them receive something they didn't expect. Thankfully I don't think there is any curb rash so there is no actual aluminum damage. But I do remember there being a couple of nail sized black spots on the lips, which could just be dirt, or could be chipped paint (you can see it on the rear wheel in the first big pic). Anyway, I'll document it all when the time comes.

Thanks for the interest everyone!

[scott540]

I must be nits like Dick. I loke the T- stars better. The parallels or knockoffs seem to be everwhere and on everything. Great site BigD. I'm going to read the whole story at work today.



and strongly prefer OEM T-stars. That feeling has only increased now that I have a set of T-stars on one of my E34's. I think one of the reasons I dislike the parallels is that there are so many attempts out there to copy them, most poorly as you say, and so they really don't look all that special to me. Also, I have never really liked the open look of that style of wheel.

Dick Schneiders

[Hector]

I also like them alot but I couldn't fork out the needed cash for a purchase. So I bought the BBS style (or RRS Italian) wheels. They were still somewhat expensive to cover by my limited funds in the car cosmetics pot. The good thing about the M parallels is that they are expensive and weed out copycat buyers like myself, for example. This is one of the reasons why you see just a handful of them on the streets while their counterpart copies abound all over the place. Can't wait until I get my m30 up on its feet with new wheel package.

Need to get on with that freakin' crankshaft sprocket removal so that I can move on... and show off the wheels.

[George M]

a good air impact wrench. Some have reported that you need a high power 3/4" drive to dislodge that nut but a friend of mine used a high end Craftsman 1/2" drive impact like I have and the nut came off his M-30. Sure you can purchase/rent the fancy crank holder and get a long leverage bar...much easier on a lift...but I would crank the line pressure up a tad and borrow a real good impact and spin that nut off...have known a few that have done it successfully both with engine in and out of the car.
George

[Hector]

that mamajama nut loose with crank holding tool and breaker bar with 5' cheater pipe. It wasn't that bad. I was expecting to go to battle with this job. My next task is to replace all front end sprockets/gears and timing/oil pump chains.

The camshaft and oil pump sprockets are off but I need to get the crankshaft sprocket off which doesn't look that easy. I purchased a gear puller to pull the crankshaft hub off a while back and was hoping I could use this same puller to pull the cranshaft sprocket off. But it doesn't look like it's going to fit behind the sprocket teeth to pull the damn thing out. So I've spent about 3 weeks--deciding off and on--whether I want to deal with this or not. If I don't, then I won't bother replacing all the gears and chains and leave it as is. I guess I need some convincing from you guys whether it's worth the effort or not. The car has 173K and I think either Jeff N. or Winfred said to replace these parts about every 200K??

I'm also in the process of changing the oil pan gasket. I got the pan out... cleaned inside and out to a blinding sparkle. I'm hoping to post a comprehensive procedure with pics about how to do this from suggestions you and Martin made a while back.

I'm up to my ass with alligators on car repair. Feel like going home, locking myself in the room and cry until I drown myself in tears. Hmmm... not really. That only happens in spanish soap operas.


a good air impact wrench. Some have reported that you need a high power 3/4" drive to dislodge that nut but a friend of mine used a high end Craftsman 1/2" drive impact like I have and the nut came off his M-30. Sure you can purchase/rent the fancy crank holder and get a long leverage bar...much easier on a lift...but I would crank the line pressure up a tad and borrow a real good impact and spin that nut off...have known a few that have done it successfully both with engine in and out of the car.
George

[Elekta]

I'm a candidate for your T-Stars if you're reasonable on price.

My two reason against M//'s: 18" wheels on my wagon will just look funny, and I really am not a low profile tire kinda guy. I drive on ranches, pull trailers and load all sorts of crazy stuff at home depot and gardenville, and I think the extra inch creates a ride issue. They are definitely the best looking wheel, but better suited as a staggered monster tire set on a 7 series or 540M-sport. 2. the OEM //'s are like $1800 before rubber.

I like the T-stars because they are 17" (2" better than my bw's) so I am slowly closing the front wheel well gap without compromising ride and comfort from lowering springs, they were OEM on narrow grill M5T's, and I can still get a taller tire on there.

Plus, they shouldn't cost more than a $1000 if perfect, and they are solid pot hole worthy wheel.

look how great they look on this 540iTouring...go to http://touringklubben.com/ and select the e34 gallerie...if you click the medlemmar link in the upper left and then select e34, you will see some 6 speed 540iT's OEM's....only prob is that most of these are winter driven, but it's pretty damned sexy ovah dare.

http://touringklubben.com/bruno_sandberg/Framifran.jpg
that bumper gives me a woody
http://touringklubben.com/bruno_sandberg/Framifran2.jpg

[guest]

Give me your number. I am definitely interested in the T stars and lucky for you , I live in TO.. My email address is brian_western61@hotmail.com. Maybe I can take a look at them and perhaps work out a deal if they are in the condition that I am looking for.

Brian

[Unregistered]

Big D. Give me your number. I would be interested in your T stars. Fortunately I live in T.O. (Mississauga) as well. I was thinking that if you are serious of selling those rims, that we can meet up and I can take a look at them. If they are in the type of condition that I am lookng for, then perhaps we can work something out. My email address is brian_western61@hotmail.com. Send me an email and perhaps we can arrange something.

Brian



I can't help it, I have to put M parallels on this car, then it will be 100% what I want. I'll only be looking to replace with OEM so I gotta sell the T-stars. The covers are perfect, the idiot wheel shop that did these wheels put balances on the lips on at least one wheel (maybe two). They're in very good shape overall, except for a few marks. They're definitely not bent. I've had the car to all kinds of speeds and it's never vibrated in any way. The wheels are Michelin Pilot XGT's or something, 235 all around I think, great condition (I don't know how to tell the % of wear but they look close to new). All the uncertainty is due to the car being 40km away at the mechanic's. I can get more specific details on request. Right now I just want to know if anyone would be interested in the set, and for how much. I'm in Toronto, Ontario.

Some photos here (can also read about the ongoing resurrection):
http://www.strengthandhonor.ca/bmw.html