Hi, my 19" staggered replica M5 wheels just arrived for my new 2007 530i. Very excited. They came with General Exclaim tires which were balanced (with a computer printout showing the balance), but they also came with black plastic stem valves rather than metal valves. Not classy for M5 rims.
As you know, it costs about $120-150 to balance four 19" tires (they cost more for 30s and 35s).

First, do I need to have the tires removed and rebalanced to replace the stem valves with metal valves?

Second, what about the tire pressure sensors that come on the new 2007s? Are the sensors built into the wheels, or am I fine just replacing the wheels without worrying about the sensors? Do I have to use the dealer only to replace the wheels or will any tire store understand what to do?

Thanks.
Richard

I wouldn't replace the stems if all the tires and wheels had to be undone. Just buy some BMW valve caps and they should look fine.

Someone here mentioned before that the tire pressure sensors are not built into the wheels. So all you need to do is resetting the tire pressure monitor in the iDrive menu.

how do you like your replicas? good deal? how do you feel the car now? I am thinking about them. for the price! How much did you pay? where?

I am getting a factory set of 166's today. I was told by the dealer that without the tire pressure sensors it would should as low tire pressure warning inside the car. I opted for 4 new sensors as I don't want to break down the factory wheels and tires. They cost about $40.00 US each.

As I understand the sensor is on the back of the valve stem.

Good luck with your set up. 166's are awesome wheels. Post pics.........

Richard,
I'm interested to know where you acquired your replica M5 wheels from. I own a 05' 530i and really like the way way the new M5 wheels look! If I could I would order the 07' 550i!

Ron

You can buy metal stems which goes over the rubber.

Hi all,
I bought the replicas at Lakeshore wheel and tire. The 19" staggered are $850 for the set. They put on some General Exclaim tires and balanced everything for $1596 (delivery included). I probably could have done a little better getting the tires separately from TireRack (Lakeshore does not specialize in tires), but having everything balanced ahead of time will save time in the dealership. Those General Exclaims are a good alternative for 19" wheels ($126 front, $150 rear at Tirerack) compared to the $300 tires.
I freaked out yesterday because UPS delivered 3 of my 4 boxes on Wednesday without signature, and then told me that I needed to be there to sign for the last one. I told them that I would pick the 4th box up this weekend, but then found that they are not open on Saturdays. Now, I have to wait until Monday to install the things.
Thanks for the advice on the tire sensors and the metal valve stem issue.
Richard

Attachment 20914Here are some pics of the unmounted tires:

Attachment 20915Here are some pics of the unmounted tires:

Attachment 20916Here are some pics of the unmounted tires: