attila316

Considering the size of E60, what's the optimal rim size in terms of look and practicality for E60? Will 20 looks too big and gansta? I think Alpina went from 19 to 20 post-LCI so I'm curious what would prompt this change and whether 20 looks better than 19 on E60.

I don't want anything to look out of place on my car so not going to bigger is better approach but I never had big rims on cars so wondering what you who has bigger rims than stock (17 or 18) think.

thanks

pjinca

20's look fine, I run 20's with no issues AND I'm lowered just please - no chrome

healthservices

You may also want to look at it with performance in mind. 20 inch has almost no performance value yet is still put on many E60s

attila316

Oh, interesting, does 19 have performance value? Or even 19 doesn't have performance value?

healthservices

Originally the wheel sizes went up due to 2 concerns:

Tire flex- Stiffer sidewalls used to mean better handling, bigger wheel meant less sidewall for the same height tire.

Brake size- Bigger brakes for stopping, so we had to have bigger wheels to clear them.

2010 and 2011 performance cars from the factory have been going to 19. Is it because of brake size or looks? Look at Porsche and Corvette. The problem with large diameter wheels is they are harder hard to launch when trying to do acceleration runs. Luckily we have traction control on cars now, but the tires do not help use when we shut the traction control off.

Weight is also a factor when big wheels are concern. Harder for shocks to control a heavy wheel/tire combo.

healthservices

And yes bigger diameter wheels means less protection for wheels in general. Even some of the factory 18 inch wheels are having problems not cracking under heavy street use. Look at some of the posts we get from those who live in New York area.

I am starting to like the way the 20s look though and pjinca wheels look really nice.

However other than looks there is no practical reason for having 20s

info@trinityautosport

most e60 owners who change their wheels go for 19s or 20s. looks-wise, Id recommend going with 19s if you are planning on wheels without a lip, and 20s if the wheels would have a lip. the reason is because a lip would make the face of the wheel look smaller.

TEAM M

wow ur car looks different from the last time I seen pic of it on here. Before was modest and now looks modded

attila316

I see. Thanks for the replies. So maybe that's why the quality wheels are so expensive (the ones I care about (I like Alpina the most but BBS are not bad either) seems to be about 4-5k for 4 wheels + tires).

I read from a different site that 19 and 20s RUB. Is that true of all 19 and 20s or just some particular ones? Is there any cons for choosing 19 over 20? The reason I'm asking is because post-LCI Alpina went from 19 to 20 on B5 and they are well known for being considerate of ride quality so I'm a little confused why they would've made that move.

R1100S

Also, don't forget about unsprung mass. The heavier your wheels become, the more force it takes to start and stop that rotational mass.

From my experience with motorcycles, it is generally accepted that 1 lb. of sprung mass = 6 lb of unsprung mass. That means if you lose 10 lbs by using light weight wheels, you would lose the equivelent sprung weight of 60 lbs.

I have no idea how these number equate from my BMW R1100S motorcycle to our E60's.

I'm really just throwing this out there.

But I do know that my Toyota Tacoma feels significantly slower 0-60, and takes considerably longer to stop with my heavy 20" Enkei's than it did with my 16" stockers.

Personally, I prefer the BMW Type 166 (19" M5) with an M6 offset. If someone could make those in an aftermarket lightweight version, I'd be the first in line.