Wheel Help!

Powered By M · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 09:00 AM

Hey guys, I have a 1999 BMW 323is Sport (E36).

I went to the BMW dealer the other day asking how big I could go for wheels. He said that I could upgrade my 15 inchers to 16's max! Unless I wanted to tinker with the suspension settings I wouldn't be able to go any higher.

Well I think this a load of bull but I wanted your expert opinons. And if I'd have to go 16's, which rims are good, but for a decent price?

Powered By M · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 10:19 AM

Ah c'mon guys! You are the BMW authority, you must know something!

Suneal · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 12:05 PM

Haha, you can easily go up to 17s,- 18s are a somewhat tough to fit, and 19s are really tough to fit.

Powered By M · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Suneal
Haha, you can easily go up to 17s,- 18s are a somewhat tough to fit, and 19s are really tough to fit.

Okay, thanks alot man. Those BMW guys don't know what they're talking about sometimes.

Bono · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Powered By M
Okay, thanks alot man. Those BMW guys don't know what they're talking about sometimes.

What do you mean "sometimes?"

Kenx007 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 02:47 PM

Thats totally bull! the hell you cant go bigger than 16!

Powered By M · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 04:05 PM

Another question, will 17x8 rims for a 5 series fit? And also will a 17x7 wheel for a Cooper S fit?

Thanks so much, you guys are really helpful.

IanBMW · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 10:25 PM

I dont belive the 5 series will fit due to the offset of the wheels. Correct me if I am wrong. And same goes with the cooper im guessing.

Suneal · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2003, 06:47 PM

Cooper S wheels are 4-Bolt, so they definately won't work in your car. And about the 5 Series wheels- that depends on the offset.

CooperSRacer · #10 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Powered By M
And also will a 17x7 wheel for a Cooper S fit?

Thanks so much, you guys are really helpful.

17x7 most definitely will provided the wheels have the right bolt patterns. I'm currently running the 17" S-Lites that come with the sport package. One word of caution, although 17" wheels and tires will give you better grip, it is not a huge difference over a 16" set, and you are more than likely going to lose a little bit of off-the line acceleration b/c more inch means more weight. I would look into spending on high quality, low weight 16"s, or 17"s if you must.

MINI2's forums have great threads about wheel options for the Cooper S.

This one, for example, lists all the factory wheels available. I have the extremely sweet looking but very porky S-Lites. http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...&threadid=3494