[HandmadeShifts]

Follow my build on instagram: @HandmadeShifts

First and foremost, I'd like to thank my partners who helped in this project: BBS Wheels, Adam's Polishes, StudioRSR, Vaia Design, CSF Radiators, VR Speed Factory.
It all started with a leased 2015 BMW M235i automatic, my first BMW and my first fun car; I can't really do aggressive modifications on a lease so I decided to go purchase an 2018 M2 LCI 6-MT for European Delivery on December 2017.


It was freezing, snow starting and I wasn't willing to spend $700 for snow tire rental so I opted to leave it at BMW Welt and let them the handle transit to Loginout.


The process was smooth, trackable and worry free; an 8-week intercontinental journey. USDA and Customs clearance was the most brutal wait. The only security you get is, although GPS tracking is disabled, you can see the status of your car when doors, hood, window, or trunk are open and mileage changes. The car arrived at Port Hueneme on January 25, at the dealer on February 2, 2018.


First stop front grille removal to prep for paint protection film and switching them to gloss black surrounds, I did the front end custom install.








I did some cosmetic upgrades while I wait to reach the 1,200-mile break in service.




Legacy plates took place of the Euro plates. Gloss black M2 badge. CF rear diffuser, and trunk lid spoiler installed. Downpipe and exhaust came out at 600 miles, I couldn't further resist.

[Jadar]

Awesome mods very clean and tasteful. Just curious on the ED how is the front plate attached? I'm curious because I plan a ED trip and always wondered if they actually drilled holes in the bumper. I'm in a no front plate state and would prefer that no holes are in the bumper.

[HandmadeShifts]

New wheels arrived, I decided to give her new shoes for Valentine's Day.




Also, a quick photo session with the outgoing Estoril Blue M235i.







Next: Brembo GT 380mm BBK

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by Jadar

Awesome mods very clean and tasteful. Just curious on the ED how is the front plate attached? I'm curious because I plan a ED trip and always wondered if they actually drilled holes in the bumper. I'm in a no front plate state and would prefer that no holes are in the bumper.

It adhered with double sided tape, the PPF installers removed it for me, they used a heat gun and fishing line to safely remove it. According to some posts I've read, there's a chance of peeling some paint with it.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by HandmadeShifts

It adhered with double sided tape, the PPF installers removed it for me, they used a heat gun and fishing line to safely remove it. According to some posts I've read, there's a chance of peeling some paint with it.

Oh yikes that's scary. Thanks for the reply. At least they don't drill holes

How was the overall trip? 1st ED? It would be mine I can't wait. Were you able to negotiate anything below ED MSRP?

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by Jadar

Oh yikes that's scary. Thanks for the reply. At least they don't drill holes

How was the overall trip? 1st ED? It would be mine I can't wait. Were you able to negotiate anything below ED MSRP?

I live in LA, no one was willing to do ED for me. i paid ED MSRP at that time. My overall ED experience was a pleasure, I'd do it again on my next BMW. What I did was leave the car at BMW Welt, took the night train going to rome and joined a Contiki trip around eastern Europe.

[HandmadeShifts]

And part installs continued before the break in service.
Here are Brembo GT 380mm BBK being installed by my friends at AutoTalent.






Followed by a Photoshoot collaboration with @average.m4 and Golan & Justin@autotalent.

[F87_LCI]

Where are the shots of the roof?

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by F87_LCI

Where are the shots of the roof?

I am back-logged with all the pictures! Haha

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice build

[subliminalaudio]

I like the regular 2 series blue color ! Nice work

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by Sam@ModeCarbon

Looks good

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Nice build

Originally Posted by subliminalaudio

I like the regular 2 series blue color ! Nice work

Thanks guys! The car looks different now, updated pictures are on my instagram, I need compile a lot of pictures and catch up on this thread.

[HandmadeShifts]

Front splitter installed.

[HandmadeShifts]

**Retrospective thread, up to date photos can be seen at my instagram.***

Acexxon Gloss rear slat reflector delete; easy to install, fitment is spot on, finish is 10/10 feels like a body paint finish.




Ended the 1,200 break-in period at Decker Canyon Rd - Mulholland Highway A.K.A. the snake with my buddy @oscslife's tuned Toyota86.











Malibu runs are not complete without the mandatory Neptune's net seafood grub.






Next: RKP carbon fiber roof.

[Mike0105]

Great set of mods already, what pedals are those?
Mike

[Oxymoron]

Perfect choice of mods so far

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by Mike0105

Great set of mods already, what pedals are those?
Mike

They are from Pedal Haus. No rubbers on them but they are grippier than rubber.

[F87_LCI]

Originally Posted by HandmadeShifts

Acexxon Gloss rear slat reflector delete; easy to install, fitment is spot on, finish is 10/10 feels like a body paint finish.

Do you have to remove the wheel well for this install? I have some of these I would like to install and was wondering if you can simply pop them out from outside?

[RussM4]

Originally Posted by HandmadeShifts

Front splitter installed.

What type of front lip is that?

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by F87_LCI

Do you have to remove the wheel well for this install? I have some of these I would like to install and was wondering if you can simply pop them out from outside?

Not necessarily, I didn't remove my wheels, you might not even need to jack the car up depending on your tools; my tools were bulky and I didn't have small wrenches. Let me know if you have more questions.

Originally Posted by RussM2

What type of front lip is that?

It's the polyethylene front splitter by Lightweight Performance. I'm thinking of switching to the RKP front lip with a lower polyethylene splitter, need to check on my clearance after I lower the car.

[RussM4]

Originally Posted by HandmadeShifts

Not necessarily, I didn't remove my wheels, you might not even need to jack the car up depending on your tools; my tools were bulky and I didn't have small wrenches. Let me know if you have more questions.


It's the polyethylene front splitter by Lightweight Performance. I'm thinking of switching to the RKP front lip with a lower polyethylene splitter, need to check on my clearance after I lower the car.

do they make one with carbon ?

[HandmadeShifts]

Originally Posted by RussM2

do they make one with carbon ?

Lightweight? Yes. I just chose poly because it's more durable than CF.