18 Inch rims for 1992 525i

[Al Gray]

My son, Sean, is now driving my 1992 525i. He wants to put 18 inch rims and tires on the car. OE Wheels is the manufacturer of the rims with a price of $469 plus shipping for 4 rims. My concern is that the rims are too big for the car and will dent easily with pot holes, uneven road surfaces etc. Furthermore, I have read threads and articles in the past that the maximum size you should put on this car should be no more than 17 inches. Are my concerns unfounded? I am looking for some experience and advice here because my son and I differ in opinions on this matter.

Al Gray

[TC535i]

I have 18"s on my 535i, but I'm going to be selling them as the car just sits now. I run 17"s on my 540i, because I love the wheel style.

If you're in the SoCal area, I can make you a good deal on 6 - 18" wheels and 4 245/40-18 tires in almost new condition (<2,000 miles on them)...

[angrypancake]

18" wheels are fine. is the car lowered? is the suspension stock? that will make a difference in ride quality what is the bolt pattern of the wheels...and the offset? gotta make sure they will fit. if they're really crappy wheels (they shouldnt cost only 469 new) they'll bend easy no matter what the size..


the wheels in my sig pic are 18." i had tires that were too small 225/35/18 and bent one. with 245/35 it would've been alright

[angrypancake]

I have 18"s on my 535i, but I'm going to be selling them as the car just sits now. I run 17"s on my 540i, because I love the wheel style.

If you're in the SoCal area, I can make you a good deal on 6 - 18" wheels and 4 245/40-18 tires in almost new condition (<2,000 miles on them)...


what kind?!

[Al Gray]

Stock suspension and no lowering. I am concerned about the rims bending easily. I would rather see better quality rims in 17 inch. Any suggestions of rims or brands that you would consider?

Al Gray






18" wheels are fine. is the car lowered? is the suspension stock? that will make a difference in ride quality what is the bolt pattern of the wheels...and the offset? gotta make sure they will fit. if they're really crappy wheels (they shouldnt cost only 469 new) they'll bend easy no matter what the size..


the wheels in my sig pic are 18." i had tires that were too small 225/35/18 and bent one. with 245/35 it would've been alright

[TC535i]

what kind?!
MAS Italy wheels, 245/40-18 Continental ContiExtremeContact (nice long life). 2 spare wheels, minor scratches. Bought 6 total because they were discontinued, and I was concerned with future availability should something happen to a rim. The 5-spokes on the white car in my sig.

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/TC535i5/eve5.jpg

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/TC535i5/eve2.jpg

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/TC535i5/eve6.jpg

[TC535i]

... and just for fun... :)

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/TC535i3/spinning18.jpg

[Denton]

Not saying anything other than you get what you pay for. I was thinking about doing replica wheels but got used E34 M5 wheels. Much better choice.

[attack eagle]

I've got the OCwheelwurx.com (www.OCwheelwurx.com) replicas in 18x8.5 with 245/40/18 and they are fine. I've hit some NASTY potholes and asphalt lumps doing 85+ with no damage whatsoever... and that's in a heavy loaded wagon. they cost a good bit more than the cheap replicas you were looking at, but are IMO a very high quality replica.

truth be told, they probably still have more sidewall than the 17's on my previous non bimmer. 17's would cost less upfront and in tires though I'll give you that.

And the bigger the wheels the more the front suspension needs to be up to par. But if it is... they are awesome. Way more road feel than 17's

[SharkmanBMW]

Spend more on quality manufactured wheels or you will be bending, shaking and replacing regularly.
Check the tirerack.com for deals and I suggest he spend way more than 469$ or he will be sorry!

My buddy bought some BBS 17" and it cost almost that much each!

You really do get what you pay for.

[Qube]

Keep in mind that 18s on stock suspension will look ungainly compared to 17s.

[charlie]

what do you mean by ungainly?


Keep in mind that 18s on stock suspension will look ungainly compared to 17s.

[632 Regal]

Fugly
what do you mean by ungainly?

[TC535i]

Just a bit too much wheel gap with 18"s on stock suspension...