Can anyone say what is the best non OEM RIMs out there? I am looking at changing the stock 16" on my E60 and want to upgrade to 19", but can't decide which manufacturer i should buy from (my assumption here is that the BMW 19" is outside my budget!). I have the basic 525i 2005. I am looking to add the M-Tech kit along with the rims to give the car some spice. My budget is between < US$1,500 for the RIMS. Any thoughts?

 

Forgestar F14 is right at your budget. They're also lightweight and strong, best of both worlds...and affordable!

 

Your budget of $1500 will give you options to buy used 19" OEM wheels. Keep an eye out in classified sections of BMW forums and Ebay.

 

Thanks much...i will look at that option

 

I have seen a few on e-bay so far, but they are not that high quality, will continue looking and post if i am successful. Thanks much

 

WARNING. (And I am serious for once.) Do a search on various tire retailer/seller web sites. There is a limited number of 19 inch tires available. On the other hand, you will locate perhaps hundreds of 18 inch tires. Additionally, high quality 19 inch tires sell for about $100 (per tire) more than 18s. Also, if you can locate any used 19s, you will be lucky. Very few used 19s available.

Do what you want. Spend what you want. Just do your homework first.

I know nothing about rims. Keep in mind, however, that you will replace tires regularly. Also, rims are relatively cheap--any size for the most part--because they and doors are the hardest parts (to sell) from any vehicle.

I recently purchased the following new car take-offs (THESE ARE NOT FOR SALE):

18 inch Escalade polished alum tires and wheels. OEM. No miles; no brake dust. Cat hairs all over surface of tires. $420 for set of 4.

18 inch STS polished alum rims with new Michelins for $150 for complete set. They were not hot--as a cop was with me.

17 inch Ford wheels and tires. $320 for complete set of 4.

19 inch Land Rover wheels and tires. $420, 4 wheels and tires. Again, new; no miles. Zero miles.

16 inch Buick rims and tires for $250 for four.

16 inch Cadillac wheels for $80 for 4.

15 inch Ford rims/no tires. $80 for set. Nicest I have ever seen. (Aftermarket--Koenig)

Set of 4 Chrome E60 wheels for $340 delivered. No tires.

Set of 4 E60 wheels and tires. $620 delivered. 4,000 miles.

I AM NOT SELLING THESE WHEELS. JUST AN EXAMPLE OF BARGAINS OUT THERE IF YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Advice:

1. early bird get the snake, er worm.
2. take cash.
3. Do not buy without checking out brand, size, offset, lug nut pattern, appearance, potential damage, prior damage, curb rash, etc. ALSO, put your hands on any wheels before offering cash.
4. Closely check out the lug nut patterns. Sellers will tell you 'they are universal.' Bulloney. e.g., 120 is not always 120 mm. One manufact uses 120; another uses 120.6. They will fit, but they will eventually snap your lugs. 114.3 and 115 are described as "same." Bulloney again.
5. meet seller at a reputable tire shop, and have them spin the wheels for "straight and true."

BTW, I ain't even gonna charge you for the above advice.

 

WSP Italy produce good quality replicas of the 19" OEM 172M rims with OEM offsets ,i.e. 18mm front and 32mm rear.They also do the 19" OEM 167M as fitted to the M5 and M6 with more aggressive offsets ,i.e. 16mm front and 20 mm rear.

See :-

http://www.wspitaly.com/

 

Hoooah bigbird !

 

Mira 111 - popular here, concave and sexy.

 

I'm gonna put a vote in for the forgestar f14's. But seriously dude you gotta search, there are tons of different wheels that our vendors offer for that price range, and wheels are such a personal choice. You may want to contact Michael and acute performance (forum vendor) he will be able to provide you with some great options and some of the best pricing and service around.