2008Msport

At least on the rear, I am running 20mm spacers with no issues on the 18' et43 wheels. I am thinking I may get a set or 12 or 15mm for the front.

In my mind, that means you would be fine up to et 23 in the rear. sorry for the upside down pics, new phone.

You can also check out more at:

BMW 535xit Photos by blairwershler | Photobucket

Lotus99

Thx for the note. Nice ride!

You look like you're local, where are you?

Also, is that a 2" hitch you have or a 1 1/4"?

2008Msport

Haha, almost local

I'm in Victoria BC.

The hitch is a curt 1 1/4, bought it off ebay and it fits great. I use it for the bike rack.

thanks!

Lotus99

I was toying with getting a hitch, but the tongue weight on the 1 1/4 I thought was only 100 pounds, and couldn't support a bike rack with two bikes on it.

2008Msport

Mine had an optional piece to connect the hitch to some bolts under the spare tire well, and I am pretty sure the two pieces combined yeild a tongue weight of 200lbs.

Regardless, if your rack and bikes weigh more then 100lbs, time to pony up for some new bikes!

tttxgreg

Hi folks. New owner of 2006 530xi. Love it! This is just playing, but since I have a few different sets of staggered wheels for my 850s'- decided to try this! I am running a set of BBS/BMW Style 5's 17x8 and 17x10. I have to look what the offsets and tire size are.



I also have a set of 18x9 and 18x11 Rondell that we're a bit too radical!




They all "fit" sort of....! Poke out a little too much. The 17" have not/do not rub at extremes but it's close. The 18's, tire and offset, would not be good, ran them for a day or two just to see. Not sure I will leave these on. Although it looks pretty neat IMO, staggered do not compliment the xdrive. Need a set of 9"x17" with correct offsets if they even make them. From experience and great expense I prefer 17's for the additional rubber between the rim and pavement, and smoother ride. 18" and up for a "road car"- meaning cross country travel, is a nerve racking drive. Too much highway debris and varying road conditions/quality. As far as running around town or the commuter, the larger wheels sure look better. Last time I took the 850 on a typical 1500+ mile trip, I came home with a bent 18"- and it didn't take much. Remember, these 5's are heavy, just like the 8 I'm used to at 4200gvwr. I am really liking the 530xi. What a machine.

Always remember one thing- BMW spends lots of money on r&d and design. Experience with the E31 (where most of the technology in these later cars came from!) is if you play with the tires/wheels, consider the impact on the entire "system" and compensate if needed, ie- suspension upgrades.

Here's the real toys!

530hp 610tq. One of 30 twin turbo E31's produced by Dinan. 1991 72k miles.