Style Up! -

The F10 M5, by iND

Published on October 9, 2012 by jesal in 3d Design, BBS, BMW, Body Kits, Brakes, Brembo, Custom Painting, Custom Parts, Eisenmann, ESS Tuning, Exhaust, Falken, iND, KW automotive, Tires, Uncategorized, Wheels

For most dedicated BMW enthusiasts, the F10 M5 is a car they simply had to have. BMW promised us great things with this new M car, and the M division rarely disappoints. The car’s amazing new twin turbo power plant, extremely versatile personality, and typical M chassis dynamics told us at IND to expect this M5 to be nothing short of the next sports sedan icon.

Thanks to Steve Thomas BMW, our dream of owning an F10 M5 has become a reality. IND’s own M5 will be an homage to the M tradition of building the world’s best sports sedan, albeit taken to an extreme a few levels above what BMW themselves are willing to do.

IND Distribution has joined with the best and brightest in our industry with one simple goal in mind- to create the absolute best F10 M5 possible. IND is proud to introduce our team of technology partners:

While we cannot disclose the specifics of this project just yet, it is absolutely without question that all of us at IND are tremendously excited about the months to come. We hope that in developing our own F10 M5 and pushing the car to it’s absolute maximum we will be able to learn valuable lessons useful not only for IND, but for the entire M5 community.

Please check this thread often, as in the next few weeks we will continue to post updates while we test and develop our F10 M5 project car.

iND M5 hits Steve Thomas BMW-
http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthr…thomas+BMW+IND

AMS Stock Dyno testing-
http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740823

Carbon Fiber Roof installed!
http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showpos…3&postcount=64

KW Clubsport kit installed

Liquid Fusion Lincolnshire by iND

Published on September 20, 2012 by jesal in Uncategorized

True automotive enthusiasts are usually relegated to the local coffee shops or bookstore cafes for a relaxing coffee or snack, where the only high performance allowed was inside your beverage — until now. On September 23rd at 1:00pm the IND Group will be formally unveiling a new Liquid Fusion Cafe in Lincolnshire, an offshoot of the original and highly regarded Liquid Fusion Cafe in Northbrook. A unique aspect of this new location is that it will feature a car-themed appearance, including classic photos of IND’s various creations and client projects over the years.

As you’ll notice on Yelp or anywhere else, the Liquid Fusion Cafes serve some of the best Bubble Tea in the Chicago area, so you can be certain the very same quality you’ve come to know and love will be present here. One legendary mantra is “No Frozen Fruit Ever!”, so of course all fresh fruit is cut every single morning and your taste buds reap the benefits. In addition, Illy coffee from Italy will grace their menu. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying Bubble Tea or Illy coffee, you are most likely already craving either or both!

In fact, the concept for IND as a company was actually formed over drinks at the original Northbrook location, so the genesis comes full circle as IND opens their own cafe in Lincolnshire. Future events will include local meets, “Cars & Coffee” weekends, and other automotive-related events.

The all-new Liquid Fusion Cafe is located at 275 Parkway Drive, Suite 315 in Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Officially, the Grand Opening will take place on September 23rd at 1:00pm. We hope to see you there!

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IND F10 M5 tests are finished. The IND M5 build starts now!

Published on September 19, 2012 by jesal in Uncategorized

I am proud to announce that IND’s last round of baseline testing is complete. After a busy week we have managed to record and log some track miles at AutoBahn Country Club’s south course, as well as a series of runs at our local drag strip, Great Lakes Dragway. If I could walk away with one impression of the M5 after putting the supersedan through it’s trials, it is that this M5 works “exactly as advertised”. Most M5 owners can now attest to the fact that the F10 M5 is a performance car of the highest caliber, and after our rounds of testing last week we are happy to report the same.

Our build schedule for our M5 project did not allow us to be as thorough as we would have liked- the extremely tight timeline between now and SEMA means that we are not able to wait for private days and closed courses as normal, and had to simply test the car as soon as possible. This did result in some limited opportunities, but we were still able to gather the key points- a consistent lap time and quarter mile time.

Each member of IND’s staff waited with eager anticipation as our M5 took off for AutoBahn Country Club for the first time. We’ve known of course that this car has enjoyed rave reviews from journalists worldwide even when put through it’s paces on a race track, but how would it perform in the hands of a real driver in the real world?

The car captured the eyes of many onlookers while it rolled onto Autobahn’s South Track pit, with only the roar of the Eisenmann system and the Eisenmann graphics on the side differentiating this M5 from an “off the showroom floor” car. I joined our test driver for his first few laps, and as he grew familiar with the car’s behavior we quickly developed a respect for the car’s composure on the track, and also it’s forgiving but interactive nature.

Our driver was able to dip below the 1:40 mark with the M5 in factory trim, a very impressive time for a 4,300lbs sedan! More than the lap time itself, the balance and ability of the car was what was truly impressive. The car was able to remain cool throughout the sessions, and although the brakes faded with time, they were still up to the task of decelerating the supersedan throughout the day. We certainly have our work cut out for us in improving the car’s performance, but will be able to do so as we improve the braking, power output, and weight of our M5.

A mere two days later the car was headed to Great Lakes Dragway, this time accompanied by Ivan of AMS Performance, our hot shoe for all straight line tests. We expected good performance from the car, but were hampered by our lack of launch control as we performed the test with a mere 900 miles on the clock.

AMS Performance have developed an absolutely incredible program for the Nissan GTR, and will be bringing their engineering expertise to the table with our project as official technology partners of IND. Ivan, the driver for AMS Performance has a great deal of experience with DCT style transmissions, and although we were restricted to an open day was able to learn the transmission and get a good launch in just a few runs. Our best time was an 11.978 at 119mph, with a 1.9 60’ time, and although this can clearly still be improved with better tires, launch control, and some more time in the driver’s seat, it still managed to turn some heads at the drag strip! Few present that had seen a sedan capable of a sub-12 second quarter mile right from the factory.

Enjoy the photos from both test days! We will update this thread with video at the beginning of next week.

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Center of Gravity

Published on September 14, 2012 by jesal in Akrapovic, Automobile, BMW, Custom Painting, Custom Parts, Exhaust, Falken, iND, KW automotive, Suspension, Tires, Varis Japan, Volk, Wheels

There is always just a hint of trepidation when the concept of altering body or framework is on the table. By this point in time, IND has performed a great many such operations, especially with respect to roof panel replacement. The list of models we have installed carbon fiber roof panels on is quite extensive, including the E46 M3, E90 M3, 1M, and of course our ongoing F10 M5 project. Regardless of how proficient we may have become over the years, there is never a full desensitization to what is essentially cutting up the very fabric of what BMW painstakingly created only a short time ago. Watching that industrial equipment begin to work away at the carefully designed metal inevitably turns the stoutest heart to consternation, if only for a brief moment.

This was precisely the direction that Colin, a dedicated client of Andrew’s, was facing head-on. As a young professional who had put his heart and soul into his work to obtain his dream car, he wanted to put an equal amount of heart and soul into the car itself, and turned once again to IND for the next step. While even the most casual viewer could clearly see that Colin’s E92 M3 was far from stock, his desire was to create an even more aggressive presence, all the while continuing the clean design of the M division, even to the point of maintaining a color scheme of white, black, and blue — similar to BMW’s Roundel theme.

Initially the M3 coupe was purchased with the sunroof option, but Colin quickly discovered that not only did this feature receive little use, he longed for the lighter weight and lower center of gravity a carbon fiber panel afforded. We were only too happy to assist with another industry first, and promptly replaced the heavy existing roof panel with an OEM BMW carbon fiber E92 piece, matching the factory design precisely. Since we as enthusiasts have a difficult time changing only one thing at a time, Colin worked with us to enhance a great many other facets of his M3 as well.
Previously, we had graced this particular coupe with a sinister Eisenmann Black Series exhaust, matching Volk TE37 wheels in black under Hankook RS3 rubber, a set of KW Variant 3 coilovers to provide that purposeful stance, and a handful of minor cosmetic touches. This time, our focus would be providing more depth to the appearance, with the exception of swapping over to a set of Falken RT615K tires in 275/35/18 at the front and a monstrous 305/30/18 at the rear. To accomodate these steamrollers, we had our best bodywork specialist carefully and almost imperceptibly widen the rear fenders, as with a few previous Portfolio Projects.

Even those significant modifications melt into the background when you see the front and rear of Colin’s M3. The entire front bumper was replaced with a paint-matched LTBMW piece, dramatically altering the head-on appearance. Completing the new look is a Slek 1M lip painted a contrasting black. Similarly, the rear holds a great deal of unique alteration, as Colin wanted something very different from the usual combinations. Intrigued, we decided to take a modified Arkym upper section, paint it gloss black, and fit the infamous Varis lower diffuser in full carbon fiber to form a truly aggressive rear end. Naturally, the resulting effect is just too eye-catching for only one glance, and quickly you begin to realize what clean and vicious can look like when merged correctly.

Continuing with more contrast to offset the white paint, we added a myriad of gloss black pieces, including front and rear bumper mesh, front grilles, side grills, mirror caps, hood vents, and a carbon fiber BMW performance lip spoiler on the trunk lid. Inside, to complete the BMW Motorsport feel, a Performance steering wheel and BMW competition e-brake handle were installed. While our client was extremely pleased with the new attitude given to his E92 M3, it was no secret to us all that Colin would return again for even more work in the near future. Until then, we here at IND are not only proud to be a part of the very first E92 OEM carbon fiber roof swap, but also of the ongoing evolution Colin has planned.

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Uncharted territory- Creating IND’s first F10 M5 Portfolio Project

Published on September 4, 2012 by jesal in Automobile, BBS, BMW, Custom Painting, Eisenmann, Exhaust, KW automotive

Perhaps the effect will wear off in time, but for now seeing an F10 M5 in the flesh feels like peering into a toy store. For our client Tom, who has already brought several of his cars to us for some special touches, even a stock twin-turbo super sedan cannot be left untouched. Tom has been an ardent BMW enthusiast since medical school, jumping right into the fray with a supercharged E36 M3. Today, with his X5M having departed, we knew this new replacement would have to really turn heads.

Despite the power output of his new M5 topping even his R8 V10 right out of the box, Tom felt that both sound and output could be improved, so of course we happily obliged with the recently-introduced Eisenmann Sport rear section exhaust system for some added throatiness. This was ordered specially with the rare oval tip option, which will further distinguish this particular F10 from its peers. To make these fit properly, the exhaust was combined with the innovative Eisenmann rear diffuser painted gloss black for sharp contrast with the Alpine White body color.
Matching the rear diffuser is a gloss black Revinora front lip, which fills in the lower end of the bumper for an OEM Plus look. We added IND’s Cosmetic Package, including custom painted gloss black front grilles and side grilles in Alpine White with light LED tint. Our rear spoilers with CRT theme have gained popularity quite rapidly, and we installed a lightweight one from BMW Performance with an Alpine White stripe setting off the carbon fiber perfectly. Rather than leave the existing rear M5 trunk badge chrome, gloss black paint was applied to again bring relief against the light-colored body.

Stance and handling have always been an integral foundation of any project we undertake, and the new F10 is no exception. The factory wheels were swapped with a gorgeous set of BBS RE in 20×9.5 front and 20×10.5 rear, painted silver, which singlehandedly changed the presence and feel of the car. The proper ride height was achieved with a new Variant 3 coilover kit from KW specifically designed for the F10 M5. These come with an EDC delete module that eliminates any errors caused by disconnecting the original BMW EDC dampers.

In addition to providing many levels of damping with respect to compression and rebound, the F10 M5 coilovers supply mildly progressive springs while maintaining optimum shock travel. For compliant ride comfort, custom bump stops are used, and ride height has a wide range of adjustment to obtain the best possible stance. We never tire of the colorful purple and yellow used by KW, and the fit and finish quality is absolutely world class as always. Even more importantly, confidence is inspired by the relentless amount of testing and calibration done by the engineers at KW, from their state-of-the-art computer simulated environments and test rigs to world-renowned race circuits such as the Nurburgring and beyond.

Our client and friend Tom now has an F10 M5 that is not only set apart from any other on the road today, but also can hold its head high when parked alongside any of his other cars. Standing out next to something like an R8 is a difficult prospect for virtually any car, but we all feel proud that this new M5 has been improved well beyond OEM while staying within BMW’s amazing engineering standards. We here at IND consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to enhance such an iconic new machine!

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F10 M5 KW Suspension from IND Distribution.

Published on August 29, 2012 by jesal in Automobile, KW automotive, Suspension

KW Automotive is a name synonymous with something more than just suspension performance and excellent handling. For 20 years KW has strived for a level of excellence far beyond the norm among performance suspension manufacturers. KW engineers have consistently invested in the highest levels of training, technology, and equipment, making the company uniquely qualified to manufacture suspension parts for Porsche, AMG, Dodge, and of course the coilovers found on the amazing M3 GTS.

KW’s Fichtenburg, Germany based manufacturing, warehouse, and research facility covers 250,000 square feet of space and houses a 7 post suspension testing stand- 15 7 post test rigs exist in the world today, and are mostly used by 9 of the 12 current Formula 1 teams. KW’s in-house 7 post test rig allows dynamic simulation of road conditions as well as cornering loads, giving KW engineers the major advantage of a computer controlled environment before any real-world suspension testing begins. Additionally, all KW suspension products are also verified at the Nurburgring, Hockenheimring, and in racing events worldwide.

IND is proud to present the new suspension program for the F10 M5. Two types of KW coilover kit for the F10 are already here at IND, awaiting installation:

KW Variant 3

The Variant 3 coilover suspension allows for damping adjustment in compression and rebound for those who wish to achieve a custom tuned level of performance. The V3 coilover uses a mildly progressive rate spring and original BMW upper mounts for an excellent combination of comfortable ride and handling performance. The V3 coilover also come with an EDC delete module that eliminates any errors caused by disconnecting the original BMW EDC dampers. Helper springs are used in the rear to maintain an ideal spring length while maintaining good shock travel in droop, and custom bump stops ensure that the ride is comfortable throughout the shock’s travel in bump. Ride height is of course fully adjustable, to give each M5 the perfect unique look and stance.

KW’s ClubSport coilover are available with two and three way damping adjustment, and IND has elected to import the three way ClubSport coilovers first.

KW ClubSport

The KW ClubSport 3 way is a truly impressive product- KW’s engineers started with the goal of bringing racing shock valving technology to the road, and integrating race winning performance with an OEM-like durability. To that end, the three way adjustable ClubSports include external fluid reservoirs, high speed and low speed compression adjustment, and rebound damping adjustment for an extremely effective shock package, while maintaining the composite perches, stainless steel shock housings, and specially designed shielded spherical bearing upper mounts to maintain an OE level service life. Linear rate main springs and front and rear helper springs maintain an ideal shock travel in bump and droop, which is carefully matched to bump stops of the appropriate length.

Tags: F10 M5 KW

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Yin and Yang- Two very different E92 M3s from Singletrack and Team Plutonium

Published on August 22, 2012 by jesal in 3d Design, Akrapovic, Automobile, BMW, Brakes, Brembo, Custom Painting, Custom Parts, ESS Tuning, Exhaust, Falken, Forced Induction, iND, KW automotive, Suspension, Tires, Varis Japan, Volk, Wheels

The Yin and Yang concept of Chinese philosophy represents a balance found everywhere in life and nature. In its most simple form, it is the idea that opposite and seemingly opposing concepts cannot exist without one another. You can’t have a concept of light without knowledge of darkness; it is not possible to have a definition of hot without understanding cold. In this same way, whatever appeal either of these M3s have individually is magnified by the presence of their counterpart. We were fortunate enough to have both cars at our facility this past week, and were able to see how these radically different approaches to modification have created two great cars.

Philip (Team Plutonium on this forum) and Chris (Singletrack) are not strangers to IND’s offices. Both are great clients and great friends of the IND staff, and have completed several projects with us:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691439

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=678036

Both are avid M enthusiasts and appreciate a clean and purpose-built car, but their approaches to modifying their M3s are nearly polar opposites. Chris and Philip made their way to IND last week to take their next steps with each M3.

Chris’ M3 has always been a journey to build the perfect “OEM-plus” sports car. BMW has already created a wonderful M3, and Chris has been incredibly careful to ensure that the parts added are true enhancements to the car, and change the overall style in the most subtle possible way. Prior to his visit Chris had removed the M3 badge on the trunk for an even cleaner outside appearance, and IND had sent him a ZCP carbon fiber spoiler, painted completely in Silverstone to improve the functionality of the car without adding complexity to the rear of the car. Chris has retained the factory ride height and original 19” wheels to maintain a simple and understated appearance.

Chris has already used his M3 at several race tracks on the east coast, and during this visit planned to address the few issues the car has as a multi-purpose track and street tool, while also finishing the car cosmetically. We installed a Brembo 365/345mm GT kit with Pagid RS29 pads to add stopping power, but kept the original black finish and replaced the Brembo logo for an even simpler version in Silverstone for a very subtle appearance. The car’s power steering system was improved by adding a 3D Design power steering overflow reservoir, to prevent any boiling issues at the track, and the intake manifold, air filter cover, and Macht Schnell intake elbow were refinished in a beautiful gloss black with silver pinstripe to maintain the simple and elegant style found throughout the car’s exterior. A Stack gauge package was installed to monitor engine vitals, and finally a custom painted CRT style front lip and Euro bumper perfectly finished the front of the car without a major departure from the original BMW design.

Philip’s M3 was the opposite and counterpart to Chris’ during their trip to IND last week. This car is no stranger to IND’s shop, having been here several times before, and each time seems to have moved in a clear design direction. During this trip to IND, Philip’s car undertook some of the biggest changes of all, in contrast to Chris’ more mild transformation.

We started by upgrading the car’s already potent engine package from the ESS VT2-600 kit to the even more incredible 625, pushing the envelope even further than the standard ESS kit allows. A Varis rear diffuser was added as well- a piece so visually striking that it is absolutely impossible to miss from the rear of the car. Finally the most major change of all came in the form of Volk TE37SL wheels and Falken 275/315 width tires. The square spokes and proven design of the Volk wheels add an element of purpose to the car’s personality, while the enormous tires and pulled fenders needed to accommodate them combine perfectly with the Varis diffuser to create an impossible to miss stance. Although Philip plans to add a few finishing touches to the car over the next year, I feel that this trip to IND made the biggest impact on his M3’s overall design and personality, and to me the car is quickly approaching perfection.

The dichotomy of these two M3s was not planned or forced, but rather an extension of our two client’s unique approaches to modification. It is precisely this aspect of work at IND that gives me the greatest joy- the opportunity to help our clients express themselves and their tastes, and to see how the unique personalities of our clients transform the blank canvas of the E92 M3 into the creations that leave our facility. These two cars are truly yin to the other’s yang, and the opportunity to see both simultaneously helped all of us at IND to appreciate the style of each.
Enjoy the photos!

Motorsport24 carbon fiber dash from IND!

Published on August 7, 2012 by jesal in BMW, Body Kits, Custom Parts, iND

Part of the reason we love being the North American importer for M24 products is simply having the opportunity to see and touch a seemingly endless supply of cool race parts. This week we imported an incredibly light (4lbs!) Carbon Fiber dash for an E46 M3, to be used in a track car build by our friends at Fall Line Motorsports.

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Challenge F10 M5 Carbon Roof

Published on August 7, 2012 by jesal in Automobile, BBS, BMW, Custom Parts, Falken, iND, KW automotive, Suspension, Tires, Wheels

One of our favorite additions to the M car was the use of a carbon fiber roof, first introduced on the E63 M6. BMW had of course already used advanced composites in the construction of their M cars for many years, but the use of a bare carbon fiber roof made a unique statement that set the M brand apart forever.

Over the years IND has helped E90 M3 and 1M car owners make the same statement by developing our own carbon fiber roof panels for the cars not given this privilege from the factory.

This week IND introduces the brand new carbon fiber roof panel for the F10 M5, designed in collaboration with and manufactured by Challenge Engineering. This roof panel is available in a variety of weave styles to match OE carbon fiber or to deviate from the factory look instead. The Challenge roof panel weighs in at a featherweight 11.5lbs, removing a tremendous amount of weight from the most critical area of the car.

IND will be installing this roof panel on our own F10 M5 project car in the very near future and will update this thread with installation photos.

Tags: F10 M5 Carbon Fiber Roof replacement

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Breaking Bad – Silverstone E90 M3 Sedan

Published on August 3, 2012 by jesal in Challenge Engineering, Custom Painting, Custom Parts, Eisenmann, Exhaust, iND, KW automotive, Suspension, Volk, Wheels

Breaking Bad – Silverstone E90 M3 Sedan

We have great relationships with our local European car scene so when of our own is looking to spice things up, we start discussing the end goal right away.

With Adam’s 2009 E90 M3 we started off getting some unique wheels for him. Volk offered a special magblue color TE37 in the M3 fitment that he saw and wanted it right away. Then he was interested in lowering the car without ruining the ride quality has this is his daily driver. As i have raved about the KW Sleeve Over kit previously on my car, he also went this route and could not be happier.

Next up, making the car sound a bit more aggressive to match the looks. Since it was a daily driver and Adam must take phone calls for work, we agreed on Eisenmann Sport for his needs.

Adam wanted to break the mold and try some items from Arkym. He ordered the hood, front lip and rear diffuser in carbon fiber. He then decided to paint the rear and front lip in gloss black to give it more of a smoother look, we agree as it came out looking great! Following that, we ordered him the double sided carbon fiber Challenge bootlid and painted it bodycolor with a little carbon fiber exposed. As a finishing touch the car received the IND cosmetic package that included painted reflectors, gloss black front grilles and gloss black side grilles.