Been tooling around on the site for a while, just bought a used 530i w/ 26K on it, 6-spd manual, metallic black.

Looking to upgrade wheels/tires to 19", and I have a few questions for the board members:

1) Is there a reputable (i.e., quality, reliability) online dealer in the US that sells OEM products? I have been looking at lake shore wheel and tire (lakeshorewheelandtire.com), and they appear to provide some good prices, and even offer wheel/tire combos in special. Has anyone used this merchant and, if so, what was their experience like? What are other suggestions for online vendors?

2) Most people appear to not have any issues (i.e., ride noise, quality) when going from 17" to 19". Is this largely true? I understand that ride quality may suffer a bit, but is it overkill to go 19"?

3) I'm liking the 166s, but I haven't been able to find them anywhere online (maybe I'm looking in the wrong place--see #1). I also like the 172s. Any suggestions/impressions of these wheels, and suggestions for others?

Thanks everyone!

 

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=18067

Try Garry for OEM rims and accessories. He gives discount to E60 members....

If you want 166's, 172's (or whatever), get them from Garry. 19" rims will be the perfect size on 245/35/19 Fronts and 275/30/19 Rears. Some will suggest you go 20" but I'd say stick with 19's.

First of all, do a search on here for "wheels." This topic is by far the most talked about issue on here.

 

[quote name='Terraformer' date='May 30 2008, 07:15 PM' post='591894']
Been tooling around on the site for a while, just bought a used 530i w/ 26K on it, 6-spd manual, metallic black.

Looking to upgrade wheels/tires to 19", and I have a few questions for the board members:

1) Is there a reputable (i.e., quality, reliability) online dealer in the US that sells OEM products? I have been looking at lake shore wheel and tire (lakeshorewheelandtire.com), and they appear to provide some good prices, and even offer wheel/tire combos in special. Has anyone used this merchant and, if so, what was their experience like? What are other suggestions for online vendors?

2) Most people appear to not have any issues (i.e., ride noise, quality) when going from 17" to 19". Is this largely true? I understand that ride quality may suffer a bit, but is it overkill to go 19"?

3) I'm liking the 166s, but I haven't been able to find them anywhere online (maybe I'm looking in the wrong place--see #1). I also like the 172s. Any suggestions/impressions of these wheels, and suggestions for others?

Thanks everyone!
[/quote ]


Easy Peasy ! Garry Romani at BMW of Newport, check out the Parts and Acc. section he has a sticky there, all OEM parts are 25% off for members here. I got my 166's there, $1495 + shipping , I've never seen a better price and Garry is a gentleman to deal with............ next time ask us a tougher question Welcome and Good Luck !

 

+1 I look everywhere for my wheels and finally gave in and bought them from Garry. He had the best deal for them by far and they're OEM from BMW. Lake Shore has a big selection, but they're all REFURBISHED.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Yes, I have searched the forum on this issue but I've seen mixed opinions.

I have sent an email off to Garry for some quotes on various wheel styles.

Any suggestions for tires? I understand the General UHPs are good, and others prefer Falkens. Thanks again!

 

At least in the past Lakeshore was selling replicas, not refurbished OEM. Some people have had real problems with replicas -- search for monacobmw's problems with 166 replicas that I believe were from Lakeshore.

The E60 needs big wheels to have any chance of filling up the wheelwells. Many say you need 20's. Even with 19's it is better to lower the car to eliminate the gap above the tire.

I would also recommend Gary at Newport for OE products or look for used in the classified. I love my 166's. I never liked 172's, but have to admit that they are starting to grow on me lately as I see more of them.

Good luck.

 

Some Falken's run more narrow than others and in those cases, the rim sticks out slightly passed the tire and look funky. I've got UHP's and don't have a problem with them. OEM 166's are a great choice!

 

+1 for the 166's and +100 for Garry He definitely knows how to take care of his customers, honest and courtious.