16 inch wheels

[markus]

anyone running 16 inch wheels? just trying to get an idea of how they are vs stock. i hcave a chance to pick up E38 baskets for $100.

[632 Regal]

I run them on the 5er in the summer, for the road conditions here in MI theres no way I would do daily driving on anaything larger. The 16" tires are also significently less expensive than 17's or 18 which allows you to step up to a better tire IMO.

[markus]

the only thing about those wheels is u need to run spacers up front and that kinda turns me away.

[Tiger]

What are you talking about?

[Tiger]

225/55R16 should not be that much different from 225/60R15 in ride comfort.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

off an E39.

running 225/55/r16 Toyo proxies.

It's a little tighter on turns and potholes are a little more noticable.

But overall a good ride.

[markus]

alright. i have a chance to get some E38 16x8 baskets for sale from my buddy for $100 for all 4. I read on E34.net that these wheels will rub slightly without a 3mm spacer up front. i dont like the idea of running spacers because they can cause vibrations and they are a PITA when trying to put a wheel on.

I hear the right size tire is key. a 225/55 R16 is the size I need because the 235/60 on the E38 is too tall.

Is anyone running 16 inch E38 wheels with the 225/55 tire? my car is lowered so im sure that increases the probability of rubbing.

[Incantation]

don't waste your money.. unless they come with rubber

[Incantation]

you shouldn't need a spacer for an e38 rim.. most likely your buddy meant a hub-centric ring

[SC David]

You don't need hubcentric rings for E38 wheels, nor will you need spacers if you run the correct tire size. The standard E38 tires will likely rub on an E34 with stock suspension, and for sure rub on a lowered car.

[Dave M]

Below is the same wheel with Kumho 712 tires in the 150 mph compound (they're also available in the 190 mph compound, but I rarely drive over 180 ;) ). I'm running the 225/55 R16, but you can apparently also run a 225/50 R16 (slighty over on your speedo). I bought them on the advice of the forum and they truely are a great driving, relatively inexpensive tire that fits well and clears the strut.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Misc/Apr182006002.jpg

Here is my old thread on the same wheels (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=12572&highlight=e38)

You'll love em,

Dave M