fox72

I ordered a 520d touring, estimated delivery 15th May. In Belgium, 520d, 525d, 523i and 525i come with 242 styling rims. I agree that 16 inch wheels are an aesthetic downside for E60 and E61 but I did not trust the 17 inch RFTs, so I ordered the car with the standard 242 styling rims. I understand from the catalogue that on the more expensive engines RFTs can be replaced by RFTs off-factory at no cost. Nobody has been able to give me a decent answer sofar why this replacement is not offered on the entry-level models.

Firstly, has anyone pictures of E61 cars with the standard 242 rims, to ease my mind and convince me that they look alright anyway, or alternatively, to convince me that they have to be avoided at any cost and I should look for an upgrade.

Secondly, I do not dislike the 244 styling rims. However, since my BMW dealer is adamant that I cannot order them with non-RFTs, should I be confident that the currently available 17 inch RFT tires have been improved and I should go for it?

Thirdly, salesafter.de sells 172Ms at 2200 euros for a set (235/35/19 on all four). Sounds interesting. However, these wheels may look a bit aggressive on a sapphire black 520d E61.

Many thanks.

gorban

I ordered my 525dT with the 242 style 16" none-RFT wheels. I can agree that 16" may be small and 17" would look better on the car. But I didn't want the RFT's. I have them on my BMW 116i and I don't like them at all.

A car with non-RFT's will be more quiet, gives more comfort, save fuel, and will not be so sensitive to bad road surfaces. As I drive on highways most of the time, I am not desperate to get the better grip I would get with let's say a 225/45 R17 wheel which I currently have on my Saab.

fox72

Thanks for your reply. I think I'll just stick to the 16 inch 242s and hope I will not be too disappointed to see the car on its arrival. The thing is, we are easily tempted by these beautiful 124, 135M, 166M and 172M rims, and no doubt they boost the aspect of the car, but when you are sitting behind the steering wheel you just appreciate the comfort and the silence of 16 inch wheels...

Ricracing

You will be disappointed!

I have my OEM 16" wheels only for the winter when it's really dark,
they just do not look nice enough for the bright times.

The best choise is non RF 17" (225/50) tyres and wheels.

fox72

The best choise is non RF 17" (225/50) tyres and wheels.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, the only way to have 225/50/17 off-factory on a 520d is to order them with RFT. I am now considering to give the dealer a call and ask him to upgrade to 244 styling before the car is on the production line. I guess I can live with 17 inch RFT rather than being disappointed because of the looks of the car with 16 inch wheels...

narvselius

Don't be too negative about the RFT's; recent tests show that both BMW has learnt to set up the car so it's more RFT-friendly and what is even more important we're into Mark IV in RFT generations. So, judging RFT's from those poor sods who had to stand the harsh ride and the noise (I among others) is not really fair - or maybe even not accurate anymore. Even though I chose non-RFT 19" for my E61, I recommend you to take a 17" RFT.

16" on the E60 really looks...

KAF

Can't agree there, I don't think the set up has made any difference.

I was in the tyre shop yesterday reading one of thier trade mags. In there was a quote from a guy at Continental who said that the only real diffence between the last and 'new' generation RFT's was that they had changed the sidewall script from'Do not repair' to 'Can be repaired by approved dealer'.

Also just picked up a 320D loaner, brand new with RFT's, they are still poor compared to the PS2's on my car.

jeffscarborough

Another option is to do as I am.

My car has 17'' rims with Goodyear NCT5 run flats on.I intend to replace them with non run flats when they wear out.

Non run flats are much cheaper than run flats.

I have purchased a 17'' space saver spare + jack & tools from my dealer.

fox72

Many thanks for this debate. I have just asked my dealer to change the order document and omit the 242 rims to replace them with 244 rims om 17 inch RFTs. I grabbed this occasion to order HUD as well. I guess I must have sounded like a little boy in a toy store who doesn't know what he wants. The dealer will let me know on Monday if changes can be made at all, as the car will be manufactured soon. If not, the car will be delivered on 16 inches and I will enjoy an even smoother ride than in my wife's new Galaxy. There are pros and cons to everything...

KAF

Order a spare wheel kit as well, for two reasons.

1. If you hate the runflats you can swap the rubber when they wear.

2. If you get a flat and cannot get it fixed straight away you can still drive the car, punctured runflats are only good for up to 30 miles with a full load.