M140i Upgrades // Part 3: Lightweight Flow-Formed Wheels Bola FLB Review

[@chrisball3337]

Great content. Really good to see informed and considered upgrades, with useful commentary rather than over the top exhaust notes and, "how much power did my stage 10000000000000 M140 make"

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

😂 the youtubes loves a stage xxxx m140 doesn’t it! Cheers for the feedback, nice to hear it’s considered valuable. 👍

[@DDG-Downfall]

Got a m240 myself and i'v still have too find wheels that i like and have a flush look. Happy i found youre channel.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Cheers mate, enjoy the 240!! 🙌

[@adamski1400]

Grear review, just discovered these and a cracking looking wheel to boot

[@thebeatonclan]

Brilliant content! Looking forward to seeing your vids on suspension and brakes.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

thebeatonclan thanks mate, I think I’ll try to make them the next couple of vids as they’re so important on these cars! 👍

[@LesroyBuckley]

Always love your videos! Calm, polite, perfectly delivered content. All with no ads. Great, informative and fun series of vids. I've done the exhaust, induction, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs. Stage 1 remap. Really looking forward to your episodes on both suspension and brake upgrades. Love the wheels and I bet the weight saving is great. Question for you - why/how do you put wider tyres (255/265) on the rear wheels (compared to front 235 front)now that you have a 8.5" square setup? Does a square setup not have same width tyres? Keep up the great work, loving the video. Finally... I'm desperate for an LSD but just can't justify the 2k. I know I'll love it but can't build up the courage to spend it! Your review of the LSD and track slides are killing me!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Nick Anderson thanks for the kind words! Sounds like you’re building a lovely car, the package you have at the moment sounds very good indeed! 👍 There’s no doubt the diff would be the cherry on the cake! The way I look at it cost wise is that you have something with residual value when the time comes to sell the car, albeit that will cost about £100 to remove. So the true cost is buying price less selling cost (minimal if you buy used) plus the cost of fitting and removing. Viewed in this way perhaps a ~£300-400 cost is more easily justified and IMO at least adds a lot to the car. Regards the tyre sizes and not running square sizes, there isn’t much room in the front arches, especially with the //M LCAs and TS’ I have fitted (vid to follow), so it’s a bit of a balancing act between tyre width, ride height, camber and arch clearance. On the road I also prefer the fronts a little narrower so that it doesn’t follow the road too much and keeps the steering feeling as sharp as is possible. A little stretch on the tyre from the wider rims helps here too.

[@anthonyh958]

Great info thanks👍. Been looking at these Bola flb’s myself for a couple months. As they offer custom offset was considering going ET42 all round. Keep up the good work

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Anthony h sounds like a nice fitment, dependent upon tyre choice, the fronts might be a bit tight to the shock body so worth checking. I think I would go for ET40 so long as you can squeeze the tyre under the arch on the outside. 👍

[@Pablo924TV]

Im looking forward to buy them this year. I have a white Golf 7.5 and I´m looking forward on having them in black. The thing is that I need help on the offset numbers.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Pablo Afonso sounds a nice combo mate, give Bola a try, they helped me with offsets. I emailed them direct. 👍

[@689twin]

How have I just found this channel. Just here for the 140i content. Bought new with decent spec so reluctant to mod while still in warranty but it’s either a change (BMW M.... probably second hand) or a project once the newness/warranty/finance wears off. Saddest thing is that i prefer the look of the old square rear and odd shaped front lights of the old M135i and I’m pretty sure that they will be a future classic, not so much the newer 140’s. Could be wrong but that’s my gut feeling.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

689Twin I don’t blame you for wanting to look after the warranty! In a nearly new car with most of its warranty the only things I would suggest are an LSD and a set of shocks and springs, shouldn’t impact much on the warranty front and are a huge improvement where BMW didn’t get things right. That said they’re a lovely car out the box and it depends on the type of driving you do. I honestly prefer the 140 lights, more so because of the more modern appearance when they’re on or used as rear DRL. But I do like the look of the earlier dark line lights... Enjoy yours! 🙌

[@ShogunsDojo]

Wheels look mega in that colour against the car. If they prove to be durable this will be the sweet spot for aftermarket wheels.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Kunle F22 thanks mate, yeah I think so too, serious value if and when they prove to be as strong as they should be. One thing is for sure, the roads around here will test them! 😅

[@lucrid7628]

Great video! Wheels look great. How has the durability been so far? Any cracks or bucks? Planning getting a set myself

[@P3ktoRis]

subscribed, looking forward for your videos

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Thank you mate 🙌

[@IamJackPot]

A video on M140i cost would be great. Like a realistic cost of modded car ownership (if it's had to go back to BMW for any reason and how have you mods affected the warranty etc) and reliability etc. Thanks!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

IamJackpot that’s a good idea and not something I’d considered thanks! For a good look at near standard running costs, +MarkCup70 did a very thorough video. 👍

[@StevenToast8]

That’s reassuring, recently bought my M140i. Took the wheels off to research the manufacturer and was disappointed when I saw the price of the FCL wheels I have fitted. Started to wonder if they were just thrown on as cheap rep wheels, but having viewed their website and this video it does appear the previous owner had some insight into the benefits of the lightweight option and aesthetics.cheers. I swapped the rears to the front because of tyre wear but now wondering whether like yours these may have different ETAs?? 🧐

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

I think they're terrific value wheels for something strong and light, would certainly buy them again. The offset should be stamped in the inside, failing that you can measure the backspacing from a straight edge.

[@amadeuslala]

Look amazing on your car… I am struggling to choose my model for mine, I have a red f20 and I m not sure which one to choose to go for flow with FLB or FLC or to go with cast B11 or CSR. Do you have some shots of the car or if possible to give an opinion.

[@MsGman598]

Did you notice anymore grip being 8.5j over the standard 7.5j wheel. Bigger tyre= more grip? Thanks

[@MUSASHI1944444444444]

These wheels look great! How have they stood up? Do you still have them? I'm thinking of getting them for street use, my concern is their resistance to potholes and such

[@MUSASHI1944444444444]

Also, have you noticed any changes in ride comfort besides the car feeling more responsive? Thank you in advance!!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

They should be stronger than most wheels since they’re flow formed and I’ve no doubt they’re stronger than the weak OEM wheels. I sold the car recently but the wheels are perfect still, I’ve no reservations about them. Would buy them again in a heartbeat. 👍

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

@@MUSASHI1944444444444 regards the ride comfort, perhaps the car was a little better along bumpy roads with the much lighter wheels but it’s a slim difference. Technically they will transmit slightly more detail of the smaller bumps to the cabin but I noticed no difference. A stiffer or softer sidewalled tyre will have a far greater impact on ride quality. 👍

[@MUSASHI1944444444444]

Thank you very much! It's great to have your feedback, since I don't know of anybody running these (or any aftermarket wheels for that matter). Happy motoring with your new ride!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

@@MUSASHI1944444444444 you’re welcome and thank you 👍

[@DjNikGnashers]

Thank you for the helpful info, great wheels.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Nik Gnashers cheers Nik, pleased it was of use! 👍

[@deancrudgington1304]

Hi, seen your video, wheels look very nice. I do like bola wheels. I am thinking about getting some 19inch for my mondeo. Have you had any problems with them. Cheers

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Sorry for the delayed reply, the Bolas are spot on! Hit a few smaller potholes that might have tested cheap replica wheels without issue. 👍

[@martinbjj7150]

Hello Sir, what tyre dimension you drive on the bola wheels?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

I used 255 square, 235/265 and 235/255. The balance felt best on 235/255 for the road, though I don’t see too much wrong with 225/245 or 255 for the road. 👍

[@martinbjj7150]

Thank you for your answer! my thoughts was 225/225 or 235/235 because xdrive, which one is better for the road, no track

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

@@martinbjj7150 ahhh with xdrive I think 235/235 would be great. Preferred over 225s purely as they will fit the rims better. 👍

[@rosserd1234]

I'd love to hear your thoughts when you've fitted a 255 rear tyre on the clearance you have,I did consider these as they look very similar if better than my oz hyer gt wheels which are a touch narrow for the power our cars produce.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Ross Mason I’ve just put 255s on and no problems with clearance. That’s 8.5” width et45 and with 1.5* negative camber for reference. 👍

[@rosserd1234]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS cheers for the reply mate,enjoy 👍🏻

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Ross Mason 👍

[@Bad-Alias]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS would the 255 tire fit on with standard camber set up please

[@foxyboots]

do you run spiggot rings and tuner bolts supplied by bola or you can use stock bolts?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

No need for spigots and you can use standard bolts, though they come with new bolts from Bola. I'm using a stud conversion and nuts on mine so they might look a bit weird!!

[@bmwb5858]

Hello mate. I have an m140 and have the m4 lca and ts. Interested in these rims but was just curious as to the fitment? I'm currently running a 5mm spacer front and 15mm back. On stock rims so not sure what size bolas I should go for so I dont need the spacers. Thanks

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Umar Said mine were et40 front and et45 rear without spacers. 👍

[@jonhall1049]

Hi mate, would you need the spacer on standard suspension?

[@ianmitchell9102]

Just discovered this channel, wow great content !! Can you put the bmw cap back on instead of the bola cap ?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Thank Ian! I don't think the OEM caps fit, but you can definitely get aftermarket caps. That's what I will do with mine soon, as I essentially want my car to look as though it could be totally standard OEM model to the uneducated.

[@ianmitchell9102]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER thanks mate 👍🏻

[@TOMC91_]

Great, video been looking for some wheels like this for ages...Where did you get them from did you go direct? Looking to purchase same set up

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

TOMC91 C Thanks Tom, yes direct from Bola, I just called them. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! 😊

[@tom_f87competition16]

Why wouldn’t you use the et40’s on the back as well?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

TOM_F21 I wasn’t 100% sure on fitment with 265s, with ET42 I had some rubbing previously. A little more camber at the rear has given more room at the arch now. 👍

[@davidliddle2557]

How wide whould you say you can go tire wise on the standard wheels?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Hi David, my personal preference would be to not upsize them as a 235/40 on the standard rim would make the front end less precise through tyre movement on the rim. At the rear upsizing would be detrimental to balance without an increase at the front too, though you could use a second pair of rear wheels on the front to facilitate a 235 or 245 there. 👍

[@devriesetom]

Thinking of buying these, doubting between 235/35 or 235/40 for the fronts. What would your suggestions be? Any idea on the differences?

[@bellastaffypearmapearman2666]

12kg is my small daushund weight. does that really make a difference to acceleration?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Haha no not in acceleration, though a small improvement in feel and damping ability over bumps is perceptible. The weight loss is more important to me in wanting to improve wherever possible, so in changing wheels for a different design and size, it's nice to find a small improvement in weight that adds to the overall improvement from my mods as a whole. 👍

[@ZanicL3]

Hi mate, I recently bought the Bola B17's for on my Scirocco, are those lightweight and flow formed as well? (I know it's kinda dumb to ask now but I didn't look into it, I just went for the looks). Cheers

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Zanic L3 I don’t think they are FF’d the B17s but I suspect they’re still a bit lighter than the hefty standard wheels though! Gorgeous looking wheels too, those are the ones I meant in the vid when I said I’d always liked them.. nice choice! 👌

[@ZanicL3]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS Yeah they remind me a lot of the R8 Facelifted rims upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/2018_Audi_R8_Coupe_V10_plus_Front.jpg Thanks for the answer! They are not FF

[@jonpierce2395]

Hi Matt , Great channel, I’m just about to purchase some of those bolas you’ve got, I see your running a 235/40 front tyre , when I suggested this on baby bmw I was told they were quite a tall tyre compared to a 255/35 rear , what do you think? Regards, Jon.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Sorry for the delayed reply Jon, they are taller compared to the 225s, helped in the case of these wheels by being ‘stretched’ a bit more. It limits the ride height more - you can’t go as low, though I felt the overall package of the car with them, was near perfect!

[@jonpierce2395]

Hi Matt, I had the Bola’s put on yesterday with my old standard tyres. Can’t believe how much better the car feels now , much more nimble.

[@jonpierce2395]

I think I understand what your saying, do you have any side on pics of your car I could see pls

[@devriesetom]

Hi John, doubting between 235/35 and 235/40 as well. What did you do in the end?

[@jonpierce2395]

@@devriesetom hi, I ended up with a 245/35 F and 255/35 R

[@ynsaine89]

I want those wheels ony focus rs but i dont know what offset i can use. Someone told me they can rip those rims xd

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

I can't help on offset myself, but if you contact Bola directly they should be able to advise, they helped me with wheel specs. What colour is the RS, and what colour for the wheels?..

[@ynsaine89]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS i have a white rs. En i want gun metal. But im also looking at enkei rpf1 rims. I am afraid that the rims going to rip apart.

[@m_b5891]

English roads seem as terrible as here in Belgium... 🤣 Superb video but mate, semislicks are sooo noisy!😱 (just subscribed 👍💯)

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

M4004139R S203 thanks mate and yes, where I live (Lincolnshire in the East Midlands) we have lots of country roads... some lovely driving roads, lots of poorly maintained roads and some terrible! Makes finding a suspension compromise tricky! 😅

[@jordantown4933]

What colour?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Gloss Gunmetal 👍

[@jdmspacebuggy]

What's your thoughts on those 651 tyres?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Won Ton right, I’ll do a vid but in short they grip well in wet and dry - very much comparable to the AD08Rs they replaced on the road. I’ve bought some in 15” for my MX5 to try on the track but suspect they’ll be somewhere between the old AD08R and new AD08RS in terms of track performance. They’re very cheap and so very good value, but I wore my rears very quickly... about 4000 miles and three or four months. But then I am a bit of a willy at times with that diff fitted! 😂 The fronts were barely touched. Anything specific you want to know in addition, just ask.

[@adambarrs92]

Looking at getting these wheels for my Megane RS... What colour are these ones? My Meg is silver so was thinking either the gunmetal or black?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Nice, these are gunmetal. I couldn’t make my mind up either! 😅

[@martinlee7706]

do u keep the original wheel nuts for the set up or u change the wheel nuts set thx

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Bola supply new nuts with the wheels, though I think OEM have the same tapered seat so could be used too. On mine I have a stud and but conversion hence them looking odd! 👍