would anyone kow any local dealers here in the US for Hartge Wheels?

check this link out:

http://www.hartge.de/html/e60specialuk.html

i emailed hartge and they responded back with a dealer in california - dazzmotorsports, so i call them up and referred me to a dealer here in the east coast. this dealer gave me a price on the following:

Hartge Classic - Silver
Front 19 x 8.5 with Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico 245/35/19
Rear 19 x 9.5 with Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico 275/30/19
All lug bolts included
For $3415 + Va Sales tax of 4.5%

I researched some more and went to a local aftermarket wheel dealer - same setup for $3600 + Va Sales tax

Finally, I found wickedbodies.net - same setup $3401, no tax, a little savings there, they're based up in New Jersey. Sales rep I spoke with is Joe, very professional to deal with. The order is being processed, of course it's too early to determine total customer satisfaction - so I will post when I get the wheels.

I've asked questions about offset, run flat tire monitor, lug bolts, etc. I guess I'll have to turn off the FTM in the I-drive since I won't be using the stock dunlops anymore.

To be honest, I'm really excited, however, the amount is quite a lot! I'm sure it's all worth it! I tried to hide the purchase from the old lady...big mistake! She overheard my phone conversation with Joe and now she's asking for a new laptop!
Guess what, got a new laptop on the way too!

To all readers - should I hang on to the stock run-flat's and wheels or sell them? I know they cost a lot! Please post. Thanks.

I believe the tyre pressure surveillance-system is operable no matter what kind of tyre is fitted. The system is operable on our winter tyres that doesn't have the run flat technology - at least is seems so from the display, however, they havent reported any abnormal drop of pressure :P

To my knowledge, the system uses the ABS-sensors to measure the circumference or rotation of the wheels in order to determine any deviation in pressure - in which is operating no matter what kind of wheels are used.


-paasan

with the install of the 19" hartge, i already have the sport package, would anyone know if i still need to lower the car to fill the wheel well properly? thanks.

The sports package is only 0.6 inches lower than the no sport, but both sit pretty low already. I don't think you will need to lower it any more that it already is, and the 19's will do a good job. The 18s do pretty good as they are, so the 19's will just bring out that muscular look even more.

Also, as for the tire monitor, it is based on the rotation of the wheels and the rotation for all four tires being the same over a certain period of time. Short spin outs and traction events aside, the tire monitor feature is all software that utilizes the wheelspeed sensors which are on all vehicles. So, if you have a problem once you install the wheels, just reset the tire monitoring system, and you should be good to go.

Lastly, you MUST post pics when you get them put on. When do you expect them? If you are in the east, I would assume it will be a while before you put them on. The price of $3,401 does sound good. Let us know how everything goes.

Congrats and good luck!

Aaron:

Thanks for the very informative response! I'm expecting them NLT than Monday, 1/12. I'm having it shipped to this "favorite" body shop of mine to ensure that it gets here and doesn't get stolen. UPS will probably just leave it at my front door - since they can't guarantee delivery time to the hour.

In any case, I WILL definitely post pictures as soon as I get them installed. Hopefully all turns out well! Happy driving!

gonzo

You're welcome. I will patiently await the pictures. I am planning on ordering my 530i, 6-speed as soon as the 2005s can be ordered.

Here are my plans:
White
Auburn Interior
Sport Package or Premium (Haven't decided yet)
Nav
Bluetooth
Active Xenon
Cold Weather
Sun Shades

Wheels - 19" HRE 441Rs

I had 18" Hartge Classics on my 318i a couple of years ago. Loved them. They really complemented the car perfectly. I am sure you will enjoy them on your E60.

Congrats again

Sport OR Premium? Get both!

You sure bluetooth will be ready by 2005? 06? 07? <_<

i'd definitely recommend sport and premium packages! don't short-changed yourself. i coud have waited myself, but the itch was so much that i had to get one. not sure if you read my post somewhere else, but i ended up buying in illinois, about 1000 miles from virginia, because the local dealer didn't have them and the fact that they wouldn't negotiate other than msrp, i saved about $1500.

a few more days and hopefully all turns out well.

Will probably get both, but I am trying to limit the monthly payment. But, if dealer gives money off as promised, then I will go for both. Gonzo, I am with you on travelling to the dealer. The dealership here (El Paso) just has not impressed me, and I will probably end up driving 1000 round trip to Albuquerque because the I really liked their new dealership and the sales guy took his time with me and was really patient and helpful.

As for the bluetooth, you are right...who knows? I just read on the E65 Roadfly messag board that they still don't have it for the 7 and it is going on three years of production. I used to think it was a US cell phone issue, but if it is available on the E39 and other automakers, BMW should be able to step it up. I need some kind of handsfree option. But, if it is not available, I will still get the car. I actually don't like talking on the phone while I am driving, but in emergencies and with work, it would be nice to have the handsfree option integrated into the radio, stereo, etc. Even if it is not bluetooth if something else is available that is fine with me.

here it is:

19 x 8.5 245/35/19 - Front
19 x 9.5 275/30/19 - Rear

Hartge Classic w/ Pirelli P-Zero

hartge wheels

anotehr view

They look beautiful, very similar to my wheels, but mine are 18's. I have 245-40-18x8.5 front and 275-35-18x9.5 on the rear. Here is my pic, what do you think?
http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/4108E605301.JPG :D

don juan, what brand are yours and how much did you pay?

Gonzo/Don Juan

Thanks for the pics. Greatly appreciated. I like the 19's. They don't even look extremely big on the car. The 18's I can tell are smaller, and before I read the caption, I thought they were the same car and I said to myself, those wheels look smaller.

Don Juan, why did you go with the 18's. Whey didn't either of you give the 20s a shot. I know they cost more, but I was consider 19s because I didn't want to go lower than 30(275/30) on the rear wheels. I would like to be able to hit a small bump and not bend or break anything. But after seeing the pics, I just might want to give 20s a shot.

Gonzo, if you can, please get a full shot of your car from the side, rear angle, and front angle.

Thanks and congratulations on your cars!!!

very nice setup indeed..... i think 19s already look pretty big on this car tho...since the standard equipped for non sport is only 17s..... great turn out...more pix pls!!!

i'll post some more later today...it was rather dark when i got done last night

here's another one

These wheels look terrific on the E60.

I?m dying to get my car. 545iA TiSi black and it will have 19" RH split on for the summer. 8.5x19 245/35 in front and 9.5x19 275/30 at rear! :D

i studied, debated for a good while...about a day, on whether or not to go 19" or 20", i figured 19's would be the way to go without sacrificing rubber. i think it handles a little bit better from the factory wheels. with the car parked, there's still a considerable gap in the wheel well, prompting me to install lowering springs...H&R has them, problem is, who can install them. although i've done spring jobs before, i'm quite hesitant on this one not knowing any intricacies that may get damaged.

in any case, i'll probably have my wife drive it, with me follwing along side to see if the car sits lower when it's running.

happy driving to all!

Wow, very nice indeed! Congrats!

Gonzo,

Car looks great. I think if you go with 20s, the wheel will look bigger on the car and it might make the gap "seem smaller, but if the ratio stays the same or similar, the gap will be there even with the 20s. The 19s look good there to me. I think in the end, for those that want that "look" we may have to lower, but that could be years down the line. I am not planning on ordering the sports package, so mine will sit 0.6" higher. I am still in between 19s and 20s because I will only be running these wheels in the summer. -Well, actually all year round this year and next because I am on special assignment in El Paso, TX and the whether is great here all year round. When I go back to Indiana, I will only run them in the Summer- When I had the Hartge's on my E36, I felt that the 19s would have looked great, but the 18s looked good to me, and I was happy with my purchase.

Today, when I look at the E46 M3, Everyone has 19" wheels and the M3 body is considerably smaller than the E60, and I am thinking that th 20s will look perfect, but I won't really know until I see that perfect picture or I see them in person.

Sorry for the long reply. Please continue to post more pics. Can't get enough of the E60, especially with the custom wheels. Good wheel choice, goes well with the color of the car. Enjoy!

aaron:

thanks, it wouldn't make much difference whether or not 19's or 20's are installed. since the vehicle's stock height did not change, the gap is still there. so 0.6 inches on a non-sport package, i think would be more pronouced. i guess, as the saying goes, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

the fender flares on the m3 are more near the tires - i think, making it look a lot better as far as filling in the wheel well.

good luck on your purchase! i'll try to post more pictures some time.

gonzo

ps my old lady asked me if there still any "upgrades" to the car - of course i said no more, that's it!

My wheels are my by RH (germany) and only comes in 18s. Only the 3 piece wheels were 19s and cost double. :o As it was before, the stock rims have a firm ride and did not wanted to sacrifice the ride. the 18s seems a bit smaller for the size of car but the ride firm enough for me but pleasant. I love the looks of the 19s and I think it would have been a nicer look for the size of the car.
Congratulations Gonzo , your car looks terrific

thanks for the kudos, here's another pix.

Gonzo,

I am with you, the gap will be the same. I don't think the 20s will take care of that issue, and I will just have to lower it at a later date. By the way, you gave your wife the right answer. I have spoken to my wife about getting custom wheels as soon as I get the car. So far she is behind me (I sold my BMW so we could save money for our wedding, so she owes me one :)

By the way, keep sending the pics. The more I see your car, the more I like the look of those wheels, especially with your color (Titanium Silver right).

One last thing, in that last picture, it looks like the front left wheel is missing a lug. Is this the case or is the camera playing tricks on me?

Congrats, it's looking great.

Gonzo,

One more thing. Where did you order the wheels and tires from. I like the red P Zero on the wheels. It is a small touch, but I like the little details.

car just looks amazing...great choice and IMO they 19s looks just right.... perhaps u can really think about some lowering springs later...
i m sure any performance shop can do the install if u r not sure about DIY.....
good lookin car congrats....

:D WOW, it looks sooo good!

?s I said before I?m gonna have the same setup on my car.

Have the picture on my desktop now, just so I can dream of my car. Only one week more........!

What about the ride. Do you feel nay difference from the OEM wheels?
Which offsets do you have?

thanks for the kudos! driving around town, it gets the looks, other drivers giving me the thumbs up sign or a nod for acknowledging beauty.

the set came with the lug bolts and locks (in silver), however, the lock's shank's a little bit wider than what is required, so i ended up using the factory locks, which happens to be black, it does look like an eye sore but also can be a deterrent for anyone thinking about stealing them...by the way, the wheel and tire package came in individual boxes! unlike tire rack or discount tire that they're just banded together.

here's the specs:
37 31 0395 J (part number)
HARTGE wheel set
8.5 x 19" offset 15 with 245 / 35 ZR 19 front
9.5 x 19" offset 22 with 275 / 30 ZR 19 rear

got them from wickedbodies.net 908-925-5500, located at New Jersey, ask for Joe, very nice guy to deal with, although he still needs to send me a replacement set of locks. i've shopped around and they had the best price. tell him i referred you.

as far as the handling and ride, i think it's a little better, more road feel, a little more but not much, kindda hard to describe, on corners and winding roads, about the same.

silverrush - i agree, the 19's sets it off as a mild upgrade without sacrificing rubber. i believe h&r has the srpings for like $369, i have to shop around on who can do that for me around here, i still would like to have my wife drive it so i can drive another car and watch it from a distance on how the car really sits when in motion.

having upgraded from a Titanium Silver 330i, i've decided to get the same color for simplicity, beauty and ease of maintenance, to me Titanium Silver embodies all those factors.

if you haven't seen it yet, there's this rear deck spoiler that bmw has, around $400, i think instead of that, a rear lip spoiler would be just right, if and when it becomes available (similar to M3's). the hamman spoiler is a little bit overkill and so is the factory one, check out bavauto they have pictures there.

by the way, i looked into the front and rear air dam, about $800 for both made be hartge as well.

Can anyone tell me how the wheels on the new 545iA E60 compare to the 540iA E39. I am waiting for my 545iA non sport and would like to get 18"x8 front and 18"X9 back wheels. How do they compare as far as bolt pattern? Dose the offset depend the wheel manufacturer? I like the look of the 18? I have seen before here. Where can I get these?

Gonzo,

Thanks for the info and pics. I will look into that website. I won't be buying for some months, but if I get them from there, I will definitely refer you . Does he know you by Gonzo or another name? Again, the car is looking good. I hope you enjoy it. I like the thought of the spoiler lip, but not deck. I will probably upgrade my car gradually(one or two things per year) so that I don't get bored, or so that my wife doesn't kick me out of the house! Wheels first, maybe coils/springs, then who knows, I will take it slow. What's your next mod?

tdocz,
The brochure says that the regular wheels that come with the 545 are 17x7.5. If you get the sports package, then you get 18x8 front, 18x9 rear (245/40, 275/35 respectively). The 540iA wheels are not the same, and I don't know if the wheels from the 540 can be put on the 545.

aaron:

thanks for your note, joe knows me by gonzo. i'll probably take it easy on the mods as there isn't really a whole lot out there that attracts me other than the h&r springs. like i mentioned, if a rear lip becomes available, i'll certainly look into it.
the bluetooth thing does not attract me, the nav system, my car's not upgradable so i'm stuck where i'm at. i'm really pleased with it's current setup. so i'll leave it like that for now.

good luck with your purchase.

Gonzo,

Thanks for posting the pictures! Your car really looks good with the 19" rims and the profile of the car looks better. My car is should arrive during the end of March; however, my wife and I are having a diffcult time deciding which rims to purchase (hartge 19" or Maya DTM 19"). Our car is the same as your with all of the options (fully loaded). We are going to replace the front spoiler with a Schnitzer spoiler before we pick-up the car. My biggest problem is knowing which rims are deeper. I also feel that the 19" inch rims are probably less problems in the long run, verses 20".


Does anyone have a E60 530 with Maya DTM 19", and if so can you post pictures.

Thanks.

:rolleyes:

thanks for your note and congratulations, it's well worth the wait...here's the specs of the hartge wheels, on your query which wheels are deeper:

37 31 0395 J
HARTGE wheel set
8.5 x 19" offset 15 with 245 / 35 ZR 19 front
9.5 x 19" offset 22 with 275 / 30 ZR 19 rear

37 60 0430 J
HARTGE wheel set
9 x 20" offset 18 with 245 / 30 ZR 20 front
10 x 20" offset 22 with 285 / 25 ZR 20 rear

it may be a matter of personal preference, as for me, i chose the 19's so that there's still enough rubber to protect the wheels (mind you, they are not cheap). the schnitzer body kit is a nice add-on. not sure about the maya dtm, i'd rather haver silver polished or painted rather than chrome. i've read an earlier post on this board quite some time ago stating that he's installed the maya wheels, not sure if he ever posted pics.

good luck.

E60 versus E39 wheels.

The bolt pattern are the same but the center hole is smaller on the E60 ( 72.5 mm ) than on the E39 ( 74.1 mm ).

You easliy solve this with a distance ring ( to get the wheel accurately centered ) if you want to put E39 wheels on the E60.
Just watch the offset to be as close as possible to the OEM wheels.
Otherwise you will change the wheel geometry = bad handling!

So I started researching n those wheels, The best prices I got delivered to my door (no sales tax) are :

37 31 0395 J
HARTGE wheel set
8.5 x 19" offset 15 with 245 / 35 ZR 19 front
9.5 x 19" offset 22 with 275 / 30 ZR 19 rear
with
C0ntis contac2 3240
Dunlops sp9000 3130
Pirelli Pzero assim 3262


Do you think these prices are it? :huh:

In addition, I hear the Contis contac2 are better than Pirelli Pzero? anyone here have any experiences

Thanks in advance guys

anyone out there :(

I thought Gonzo best price was $3400 and I think that included wheels locks, right Gonzo? I think $3260 is the lowest you can get. Post pictures...