znod

Yes, sleeper is exactly the idea. My special targets are AMG C55s, Chrysler SRT8s, and Cadillac CTS-Vs, and, yes, 550i's. But, I have compromised my concept a tad because of what I ran into today at my BMW dealer. My compromise has enhanced the sleeper idea because my chosen wheels are BMW wheels (see below).

My dealer has the 19" BMW M Cross Spoke 101s, which, of course, are made by BBS, along with Michelin Pilot Sports (not PS2s), " on sale" for about $4,000 + a little (not a good deal at all). I inquired about the weights of the 101s; they weigh about 22 lb. on average. So, I compromised my concept by about 6 lbs of unsprung weight (and about 1 equivalent HP). Previously, I had been unaware that BMW offerred any light-weight wheels for the 545i--and especially not in 19s. Someone may have mentioned the 101s to me earlier, but I did not know what they were and had no idea of their weights.

The sacrifice was very small since, as others have mentioned, I should improve the looks of the car a great deal with highly attractive 19" wheels (and the wheels are BMW wheels specified for my car so no warranty issues are conceivable). I kept the rear-end ratio and car heigth intact by ordering the PS2s in 275 X 30' 19s (rear) and 245 X 35s (front)--which are specified by BMW. The wheel are of the bright silver variety, but I now think that Black Diamonds also would look great on the car. I am OK with having lower profile tires, although I would have preferred to stick with the stock profile for ride purposes.

The price was good. I buy a fair number of things from my dealer, and plan to do more Dinan through the dealer, so I always get reasonable discounts. I ended up paying about what I would have paid for the 18" RGRs with the PS2s including installation had I gone with Tire Rack (a little more than $4,000 plus installation). I am looking for a photo of the 101s and will post it if I find one.

I'll put the stock wheels and tires aside--except for trips. And, I'll sell the 101s or maybe put them on a 550i in a few years. I would have had to replace the runflats anyway before disposing of the car. I might as well have fun/enjoyment with the replacements up front--and try to buy no more than 1 set of new tires during the 3 years I expect to keep the car.

Thanks to all who replied.

znod

I think I got it right. I didn't expect to find 19's so light--and from BMW at a good price to boot. Thanks again for your posts/interest.

znod

Yes, sleeper is exactly the idea. My special targets are AMG C55s, Chrysler SRT8s, and Cadillac CTS-Vs, and, yes, 550i's. But, I have compromised my concept a tad because of what I ran into today at my BMW dealer.
I am looking for a photo of the 101s and will post it if I find one.
[/quote]
Here is the only online pic I have been able to find. Not a great photo.

znod

Yes, sleeper is exactly the idea. My special targets are AMG C55s, Chrysler SRT8s, and Cadillac CTS-Vs, and, yes, 550i's. But, I have compromised my concept a tad because of what I ran into today at my BMW dealer.
I am looking for a photo of the 101s and will post it if I find one.
[/quote]
Here is the only online pic I have been able to find. Not a great photo.
[/quote]Here is a much better photo. And, see 101 Thread Below

wolverine

I think the BBS diamond black are the best looking, and best quality wheels out there. The diamond black is really more of a 'silver grey', and not black at all. You cannot see any brake dust on the wheels whatsoever. Here is a good closeup pic of the wheel on my car:

znod

They look terrific. I definitely like them. Thanks much for posting the pics.