Fikse FM5's are out of the box!!
04-12-2003, 03:59 PM
#1
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Fikse FM5's are out of the box!!
I'm cleaning them as I type (though they are pretty clean to start with). Tomorrow I'll get a coat of wax on them, and bolt them up to the car. As you can see...simply gorgeous f----g wheels! The beauty is in the details...for instance the way they cut the windows between the spokes, so the light catches the angles in the windows just right.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2062/fikse_face.jpg">
Josh at Achtuning did forewarn me that the inside edge of *one* of the tires is worn from a poor alignment. Looks like that might be the first one I unboxed (rest are still packed). However it doesn't appear an alignment issue caused this...notice the ridge of rubber on the very edge of the tire.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2062/fikse_tire_inside.jpg">
Looking at the outside edge of the tire I see this...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2062/fikse_tire_outside.jpg">
Looks as though the tire was getting intimate with someone's fender. As I inspected the shoulder blocks, I found one block missing a chuck of rubber.
These wheels should be 18x8.5" et33mm (with the 5mm spacer fikse provides). The tires are S03's, 235-40-18. Yeah, that's a BIG tire...I thought I was getting 225's when I ordered these. The tires reportedly have 3K miles on them.
So here's the deal...I'm not one to accept compromises, and I really doubt these S03's are going to fit without touching my fender. We'll know more tomorrow. I have ZERO intention of rolling my fenders, so *IF* these wheels don't clear, they'll be up for grabs for exactly what I paid for them ($2500). The only catch is that I will NOT ship them. So if you're willing to drive to SE PA to get them (near Trenton NJ), then drop me a line (rajeshATnetreachDOTnet), and I'll let you know how the fitment goes tomorrow.
*sigh*
[edit] Yes, I know, I could just get new tires...but I'm not willing to fork out another $800 on tires at this point.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2062/fikse_face.jpg">
Josh at Achtuning did forewarn me that the inside edge of *one* of the tires is worn from a poor alignment. Looks like that might be the first one I unboxed (rest are still packed). However it doesn't appear an alignment issue caused this...notice the ridge of rubber on the very edge of the tire.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2062/fikse_tire_inside.jpg">
Looking at the outside edge of the tire I see this...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2062/fikse_tire_outside.jpg">
Looks as though the tire was getting intimate with someone's fender. As I inspected the shoulder blocks, I found one block missing a chuck of rubber.
These wheels should be 18x8.5" et33mm (with the 5mm spacer fikse provides). The tires are S03's, 235-40-18. Yeah, that's a BIG tire...I thought I was getting 225's when I ordered these. The tires reportedly have 3K miles on them.
So here's the deal...I'm not one to accept compromises, and I really doubt these S03's are going to fit without touching my fender. We'll know more tomorrow. I have ZERO intention of rolling my fenders, so *IF* these wheels don't clear, they'll be up for grabs for exactly what I paid for them ($2500). The only catch is that I will NOT ship them. So if you're willing to drive to SE PA to get them (near Trenton NJ), then drop me a line (rajeshATnetreachDOTnet), and I'll let you know how the fitment goes tomorrow.
*sigh*
[edit] Yes, I know, I could just get new tires...but I'm not willing to fork out another $800 on tires at this point.
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04-12-2003, 04:09 PM
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For the rims...I'm just going to use P21S GEPC and Blitz wax for now.
You don't understand how torn I am. I am NOT in the mood to spend $800 on tires. That would make my grand total $3300. Not the bargain I bargained for. For $4100 I get a brand new set mailed to my door with *0* miles. You'll have to ask Digital how particular I can be. These are gorgeous wheels, but if they don't fit, they don't fit. I'll pass them along to another AWer.
04-12-2003, 04:10 PM
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FWIW, 235 S03s are too wide. You need to get yourself a Pilot Sport or other tire...
Bridgestone runs too wide (I run S02 Summer and before that, S02 PP in 235), and I ran that wide with fenders rolled.
I'd go a 225 tire. I don't have any that are laying around, otherwise I'd send them to you.
Another thing to note, is no matter what people say. DO NOT use wheel cleaner on Fikse's, especially if they are satin anodized. Use simple soap and water. Fikse reccomends this as your primary cleaner.
I'd go a 225 tire. I don't have any that are laying around, otherwise I'd send them to you.
Another thing to note, is no matter what people say. DO NOT use wheel cleaner on Fikse's, especially if they are satin anodized. Use simple soap and water. Fikse reccomends this as your primary cleaner.
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04-12-2003, 04:18 PM
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Thanks jyoteen...(question inside)
Unfortunately (as I mentioned in my post below), adding in the cost of 4 new tires, mounting/balancing...this comes so close to a brand new set. I was hoping to spend the $2500, and have these bolted up.
:-((( (I can't believe I'm going to part with these!)
[edit]
Mine have a 5mm spacer, you're had a 10mm, correct. Any thoughts for me, or does your original advice still apply. It's wishful thinking on my part...I pretty much know 235 S03's are trouble...unfortunately Josh misread the sidewall before he shipped them, so....
:-((( (I can't believe I'm going to part with these!)
[edit]
Mine have a 5mm spacer, you're had a 10mm, correct. Any thoughts for me, or does your original advice still apply. It's wishful thinking on my part...I pretty much know 235 S03's are trouble...unfortunately Josh misread the sidewall before he shipped them, so....
04-12-2003, 04:22 PM
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I hear you. I'd hold on to the wheels if I were you until your current set wears out..
it's not like the wheels will de-value. In fact, they go up!! :-D
The Fikse FM5 is 48.3mm ET, so you're right in that the 5mm spacer will give you ~38mm offset.
I don't know if the wheel clears the control arms if there is no spacer. I'm not sure for the A4.
The one detail I love about the wheels are the tiny bevel edge where the front of the spoke face meets the side. It's a tiny detail, as you indicated. Speaking to an engineer, he mentioned that it's a 3D machining and is very difficult and he could really see the quality in the construction.
I also like that the bolts are on the inside, so you're not laboring cleaning them.
The Fikse FM5 is 48.3mm ET, so you're right in that the 5mm spacer will give you ~38mm offset.
I don't know if the wheel clears the control arms if there is no spacer. I'm not sure for the A4.
The one detail I love about the wheels are the tiny bevel edge where the front of the spoke face meets the side. It's a tiny detail, as you indicated. Speaking to an engineer, he mentioned that it's a 3D machining and is very difficult and he could really see the quality in the construction.
I also like that the bolts are on the inside, so you're not laboring cleaning them.
