BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
For a while now, Edward H, owner of this M235i, has been getting to know his F22 BMW M235i‘s quirks and behaviors as a stock vehicle for several months, and finally decided on what he was going to do to improve the car and compensate for some of the car’s shortcomings. Each hard corner, figuring out where the limits were and what could be improved. We really appreciate that kind of attention to detail.
The factory wheels and tires are a touch thin and sit a bit further in than they have to, and the factory springs made the car feel a bit more less responsive than it ought to be and the excess wheelgap at stock ride height leaves a bit to be desired. With a newer vehicle like an M235i, sometimes warranty can be a concern, and that’s where an option like Dinan Engineering is really stellar, as it preserves the OEM warranty and works with the car’s factory components as much as possible with the factory’s approval and endorsement.
Edward picked himself up a set of BBS CI-R wheels, Dinan Springs and since ModBargains / ModAuto is an official Dinan dealer, he reached out to Mod Expert Elliott to make the installation happen.
The Dinan Performance Spring Set for F22 BMW M235i lowers the car by .5in up front and 1in at the rear to give the car a more balanced dynamic, and comes complete with new bushings and bump stops for an improved ride.
The BBS CI-R wheels are wrapped in a set of the all new Michelin Pilot 4S Tires, which replace the outgoing Pilot Super Sport.
Our owner Ron got to experience the difference firsthand on a racetrack in a variety of vehicles to really appreciate how much better the new 4S is.
“The PS4S – I could feel a bit stiffer sidewall that helped further in corner, improved compound, the difference on an already amazing tire the PSS is an incremental increase. Say you went from a iPhone 6 to an iPhone 7, there was some incremental changes like better speeds etc. The PSS was revolutionary and set the tire world on fire, but the PS4S makes sure that Michelin pushes and stays ahead of many in the class it’s after, so best of the best: in handling, in the wet, in the braking, in all categories. Overall a far safer tire and still comfortable, amazing performance tire in all categories.” – Ron
Here’s how the rear springs look installed.
After completing the installation and applying a dab of the Loctite to each bolt, the next step was to put it on the alignment rack and get it squared away. Typically we recommend waiting 50 mi before aligning a car after installing suspension components, but sometimes time doesn’t allow for that, so we just jumped right in and got the car onto the rack.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
As we’ve mentioned before, our Hunter Alignment System is mounted on a Flush-with-The-Floor lift system, allowing even the lowest of the low to be dialed in.
At just $125, the price is one of the lowest in town for 4-wheel alignment and with the best equipment. After aligning the car, we couldn’t wait to snap some photos.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
The 1in drop at the rear is especially evident. On our freshly resurfaced floor, the car looks bloody incredible.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
Here’s a quick look at the side profile, which is already sharp. The BBS CI-R wheels are black face, but feature a machined lip which gives the wheel much more definition than you typically see with an all-black faced wheel.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
The overall effect is especially sharp. This is one of our favorite photos, and the Bibendum photobomb is kinda hilarious.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
The car looks just as good back out in the sun. Take a look for yourself in the gallery below to appreciate the fitment.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
The BBS CI-R’s really fill out the wheel wells perfectly, and suit the contours of the car to a T. Edward tells us he’ll follow up soon with feedback as to how the car feels now with the Dinan suspension installed and how much different the new Pilot Sport 4Ses feel relative to the car’s OEM Pilot Super Sports we pulled off.
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
with Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19 on Dinan Springs
Thanks to Edward for letting us snap the photos and for letting our Mod Experts like Elliott help him with lowering his BMW F22 M235i.
Interested in a set of Forgestars for your BMW? Thinking about modding your M235i but aren’t sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Best Mods for the F22 BMW M235i here. Talk to the Mod Experts – call us at 714-582-3330 (x8011 for Elliott) or chat live at ModBargains.com
Thanks for reading, see you next time!
Wheels: BBS CI-R 19×8.5 ET45 / 19×9 ET48
Tires: Michelin Pilot 4S Tires 235/35-19 / 265/30-19
Story & Photos Nick Gregson