Sportline 7S Gunmetal 18×8 ET45 / 18×9 ET45 on Solo-Werks S1 Coilovers
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 225/40-18 / 245/35-18 Tires

Sometimes the smallest things turn into something big. Ernie M came in a few weeks ago for just a set of LED Halo lights, but after a chat with Mod Expert Kevin, this E82 BMW 135i is really becoming a vehicle all its own.

With the somewhat rare 128i front bumper and a set of fresh DEPO projector headlights for BMW E82 and Lux H8 Angel Eyes giving him that crisp, “BMW” angel eye look, Ernie’s 1-series is really coming along. In the past few visits we’ve lowered this 135i suspension and also fitted a new set of wheels, too.

Sportline 7S Gunmetal 18×8 ET45 / 18×9 ET45 on Solo-Werks S1 Coilovers
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 225/40-18 / 245/35-18 Tires

To drop this car to a more acceptable ride height, we fitted it with a set of Solo-Werks S1 coilovers for 135i. These are an incredible bang for the buck, offering a full coilover at a price within reach for even pennypinching enthusiasts. Developed by former KW engineers, each application is custom-valved for the platform it’s intended for. What that means is that these are the best coilovers you can buy for this little money, offering a quality coilover by skipping all the extra frills like a fancy box, nifty toolkit and marketing in favor of a no-nonsense, affordable coilover option.

Sportline 7S Gunmetal 18×8 ET45 / 18×9 ET45 on Solo-Werks S1 Coilovers
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 225/40-18 / 245/35-18 Tires

Kevin then finished off the combo with a set of Sportline 7S Wheels in gunmetal finish, spec’d out at 18×8 ET 45 up front and 18×9 ET45 in the rear – the 1-series does have some funky offsets. The 7S wheels are another incredible value for the money, these are flow form wheels that offer style, light weight and strength just without the brand name.

Sportline 7S Gunmetal 18×8 ET45 / 18×9 ET45 on Solo-Werks S1 Coilovers
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 225/40-18 / 245/35-18 Tires

The Sportline 7S has a flush face and a clean look, and with these offsets and widths, fills out the wheel wells perfectly. Check out

Sportline 7S Gunmetal 18×8 ET45 / 18×9 ET45 on Solo-Werks S1 Coilovers
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 225/40-18 / 245/35-18 Tires

The rear view is equally sharp, the styling of the 7S works well with the flame surfacing of the 135i’s bodylines.

Next up on the list for Ernie’s 135i is a Magnaflow Exhaust for BMW to give the inline six under the hood more growl and a bit more oomph, and we can’t wait to hear it. Thanks for joining us, we hope you enjoyed the photos.

Need something installed?

Our shop, Mod Auto, offers full service installations – if it’s aftermarket and bolt on, odds are we can install it for you. Consult our team of Mod Experts like Kevin at 714-582-3330 (x8003 for Kevin), chat live with the team at ModBargains.com, stop by the shop in person here in La Habra, CA during business hours, or CLICK HERE to Use Our Online Appointment Scheduling System.

Story & Photos Nicholas Gregson