Being sent some new shoes, need advice....

[Dave M]

I'm being sent a set of 16" e38 (style 5s?) as a wedding gift, lucky me. As a 16x8, I'm unsure what rubber to purchase. Will these babies have a noticable lip to them? Below is some advice from the friend thats sending the wheels. He owns an e28 and the 6 series in the pic.

e38 16x8's....

The only thing with these 8" ET23 is that you have to be careful which 225 tire you put on the front. I have to run 5mm SPACERS and YOU DO not want that HASSLE I cannot get them to balance/roll smooth. I am thinking of getting 215 or 205's for up front.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Misc/Brent6er.jpg

Thanks guys,

Dave M

[Kalevera]

Dave...

Here's what they are:

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/lowell/bbs1.jpg

I used to have the pictured set that I bought with the intention of running on the car. The E38 runs them with 235/60, which is too big for the E34.

best, whit

[Dave M]

Thanks whit,

I wonder what 225 or 215 I can mount. Whats a common 16' tire size on the e34?

Dave M

[Ted K]

I have them on my 90 535. I am running 225/50zr16 all the way around and love the look and feel.

[Qsilver7]

your friend is correct...you have to be careful of the brand as well as the size tire you purchase. The 23mm offset with an 8" width ... is putting the front tires really close to the front struts.

I have 225/55/16 Michelin Arctic Alpins (dedicatd snow tires) mounted to a set of Style 5s and I'm cutting it real close...but no rubbing. Lowell is correct, the 235/60/16 tires that came originally mounted (to the e38) are too wide...you will have to go with a 225/55/16 or a 215/55/16 or what ever 205 tires that is comparable. When choosing tires for these wheels...try to get their actual width measurement from the Tire manufacturer (their web site will probably do or maybe www.tirerack.com). If you want to go with 225/55/16 tires...choose a brand that doesn't have the widest width measurement. I know this sound off...but not all 225 width tires have the same width. :p

Good luck, and congrats on getting hitched.

(it's a Touring, but you can get the concept of how the Style 5s look on an e34)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_41_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_44_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_43_full.jpg

[Kalevera]

Sure thing, Dave.

As Q implied, my intention was to run 225/55s on them, from an undetermined manufacturer. I haven't done the numbers on it, but I think you will want to get one of the two options listed by Q if speedometer/odometer accuracy is an important factor. Having a lower profile tire (50, 45...yeah) may get you off the line quicker, but you'll pay for it in higher RPMs at (what you think are) highway speeds :D

Someone correct me if my logic is mistaken...As of late I've been indirectly sniffing too much PB & CRC Brakleen to form a cogent argument.


best, whit

[Dave M]

Thank you gentlemen,
I've 're-located' a tire size calculator and will inquire as to the actual width of tires before deciding. It sounds like a 225/50, 225/55 or 215/55 are reasonable choices.

I'll be sure to post pics when they are mounted. I've also just built a garage and finally brought my rebuilt short block inside for the first time, so more pis are inevitable.

Things are coming together,

Dave M

[uscharalph]

This may be a dumb question, but where's that picture taken Dave?

[Gayle]

What a cool wedding present! Is your bride to be enthusiatic about the present? Did she put that on a bridal registry somewhere? Please share the secret of getting a gift of style 5s.

[winfred]

i am running 225/55 kumho 712s in the 150 mph compound not the 190 mph they fit good and clear the strut, seen some come through the shop that rubbed through to the belts on the sidewall of the "same size"
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/e38%20750%20wheel%203