Follow up: Just installed my Style 172 wheels
10-07-2009, 11:59 AM
#1
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Ok, so let me apologize in advance for the terrible iPhone picture and poor angle. Had to go straight to the office but will take better pics with a better camera tonight hopefully.
Overall, I absolutely love the new look of the car. It really did transform the car much more than I expected. Here are my observations on the wheels and sumitomo tires:
- Going from 124s to 172s is a no-brainer. The car looks so much more sportier an just looks right. I was worried it wouldn't look great without the m-tech kit but I honestly don't miss it.
- Getting rid of the runflats was a great move. You really dont realize how negatively they impact the character of the car until you remove them. The ride with 19s and non-RFT is much better than with 18s and RFTs. The car feels faster too. Not sure what the difference in weight is but overall the car just feels more nimble.
- Sumitomo HTR Z III tires. So much quieter and smoother than the runflat. They feel solid and handle well too. I'll reserve overall judgement until I have 500-600 miles on them but so far the car just feels much better overall.
- You can definitely tell the difference in stiffness of the sidewall. Slightly lessened steering feel but mostly I notice that when driving in a straight line you feel like you are riding on air compared to the RFTs. I have factory pressures but may need to play with them.
Overall, I would highly recommend this upgrade to anyone. I love the look of the car and hope that I have good news to report for the tires after 500 miles or so.
Temporary pic below.
Overall, I absolutely love the new look of the car. It really did transform the car much more than I expected. Here are my observations on the wheels and sumitomo tires:
- Going from 124s to 172s is a no-brainer. The car looks so much more sportier an just looks right. I was worried it wouldn't look great without the m-tech kit but I honestly don't miss it.
- Getting rid of the runflats was a great move. You really dont realize how negatively they impact the character of the car until you remove them. The ride with 19s and non-RFT is much better than with 18s and RFTs. The car feels faster too. Not sure what the difference in weight is but overall the car just feels more nimble.
- Sumitomo HTR Z III tires. So much quieter and smoother than the runflat. They feel solid and handle well too. I'll reserve overall judgement until I have 500-600 miles on them but so far the car just feels much better overall.
- You can definitely tell the difference in stiffness of the sidewall. Slightly lessened steering feel but mostly I notice that when driving in a straight line you feel like you are riding on air compared to the RFTs. I have factory pressures but may need to play with them.
Overall, I would highly recommend this upgrade to anyone. I love the look of the car and hope that I have good news to report for the tires after 500 miles or so.
Temporary pic below.
10-07-2009, 12:07 PM
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i Sport Package, Jet Black
M166 OEM Wheels
M5 Style Body kit
RPI Scoop
BMC Air Filter
Valentine One Radar Detector
35% tint all around
looks good
10-07-2009, 02:01 PM
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My Ride: 2006 Titanium Silver 550i, with all the bells and whistles!!
Very nice. Looks great!
I felt the same way when I switched form 17" all seasons to staggered 124's. It is nice to know that going to a 19" rim will not negatively impact ride quality!
I have a funny feeling that the 172's are gonna be harder to keep clean though
I felt the same way when I switched form 17" all seasons to staggered 124's. It is nice to know that going to a 19" rim will not negatively impact ride quality!
I have a funny feeling that the 172's are gonna be harder to keep clean though
10-07-2009, 02:44 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Looks nice! 
