I have seen them in person. I just saw them again aside an M5. I find my self trying to like them just because I cannot justify spending extra $$$ on different wheel.

I just don't like the insect leg look

 

HAHAHAHAH thats a good way to put it. I cant think of a good way to describe the ugly-ness of them. "Insect Leg Look"

 

I agree with this statement. I am not real fond of them in photos. I was able to look very closely at a carbon black 550i recently. The wheels look really nice on the car. Pictures just don't do some things justice.

 

Man it's insane that people prefer the 166 to the 172s !
I hate those M5 wheels ,they remind me too much of the 18" MV2s and the majority of people who I know prefer the 172s.

The 172s look more cutting edge in my opinion. I agree that in photos the 172s look worse, but in real life they kill those M5 wheels.

I don't know ,perhaps it's a cultural thing? Here in the UK no-one buys White coloured cars as they look horrible and cheap especially on a prestige car. But they're everywhere in the US.
Maybe there's a cultural difference in taste for wheels aswell.

 

Now which looks better - #1 or #2? I just feel the 166s more. I think it looks classier but also super cool. Also, when the car is in motion the concave wheels gives off a nice effect. When I first saw the e60 M5, it literally took my breath away, I love the look of that car and wanted one immediately. I drove an M5 with 12k miles but the SMG was a piece of crap. So I went with a 08 550i sport, and the with the 166s WOW! When I saw the 172s in person I liked them, thought they were a cool wheel in and of itself, but seemed a little out of place on a 70k car. #2 all the way

 

Very well put. They are nice wheels but out of place on the 550

 

I feel the same way about 166s. To be honest if the 172s didnt exist I may have gone for 166s,but I would more likely have gone for the Alpina Dynamic. Something about the concavity of the 166's i don't like,which is exactly what attracts other people to them.



ALPINA DYNAMIC

 

I like #2... maybe because of the concave look is whats making me like them more... I dunno... forget it. I'm going to go put some #134s on my car soon. #134 > #124

 

Let me add some pictures in support of the 172's.
I am only a little biased

 

wow... if anyone in so-cal are getting replacing their 172 w/something else, please let me know if you want to sell the 172 w/tires. definitely like the 172 looks... to each his own...