October 28 2008   Source: MWerks Staff

MWerks Project 135i Gets Ready for SEMA Show- Part 2

Last week we showed a teaser of our Project 135i as we get it ready to show at SEMA. If it wasn't obvious, we installed BMW's Performance Exhaust System and Performance Rotors for the front brakes. Along with those changes, we also installed the trick Performance Steering Wheel, which features built-in lap-timer, stopwatch, 1/4-mile timer, G-meter, and additional temperature gauge. Not only were we totally thrilled that it worked after installing it ourselves, we were also blown away by the look of the white-stitched, black-leather-and-Alcantara trimming of this clever little device.

After looking at the interior with the new wheel installed, we decided we needed a bit more of the suedey stuff in the cockpit, so we decided to retrim the aluminum accents, which now suddenly looked out of place. So we set about lining up some material, which we found at a local upholstery shop, got busy retrimming.

The process was remarkably simple. We removed the dash and door panel accents, then the shifter base. Next, we unbolted the entire center console assembly to unbolt the ashtray bezel and lid. With the aluminum trim out, the task of wrapping the metal in Alcantara was straightforward, carried out by applying high-strength spray adhesive to both panels, then stretching the fabric over the parts and trimming accordingly. The total job from start to finish took about five hours, and because the fabric was a remnant, we had less than $30 in materials into the job.

The finished product is subtle, to say the least; but it ties the steering wheel and the rest of the interior together. When we're not so rushed for time, we'll likely come back and re-trim the door panel inserts to match.