[GrimJaw]

If so what are you running? Why?

[BEM-S4]

I had BBS SRs when I was running 17" - not a lot of 17" options that will clear the blue brakes. I loved them, have them on GF car now actually. Those work, SX is a different style that works as well. Enkei makes a few options.

I loved the 17" Sportstick will chime in as well. Very little compromise in terms of handling, huge upside in durability and cost.

Only went back to 18" through a long saga of related changes. Got dad Apex Arc8 for his E46 then wanted the F23 to look similar but updated and the EC7 that I chose 18" was only option. Added benefit is they clear the BBK so I can use that on F23 then transfer stock brakes to F31.

[Sportstick]

Agree to pros/cons. 17" is far more compatible with the "lunar surface" roads we have in Moonchigan. If well chosen, a 17" wheel is also lighter, directionally improving acceleration, braking, ride comfort, etc., all the benefits of a lower rotating mass. Aesthetics are personal, but BBS SR certainly brings a lot of style to a 17" wheel while also clearing the blue MSport calipers. I've never found anyone near my car with a tape measure checking my wheel diameter!

[BEM-S4]

Pics...

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

If so what are you running? Why?

BBS SR 17X7½ ET35 in Bright Silver with 225/45-17 Michelin X-Ice Xi3.

I needed a winter set for my monthly winter outing and found this forum member's set in the classifieds for $750. The price was right and he was within driving distance.

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Agree to pros/cons. 17" is far more compatible with the "lunar surface" roads we have in Moonchigan. If well chosen, a 17" wheel is also lighter, directionally improving acceleration, braking, ride comfort, etc., all the benefits of a lower rotating mass. Aesthetics are personal, but BBS SR certainly brings a lot of style to a 17" wheel while also clearing the blue MSport calipers. I've never found anyone near my car with a tape measure checking my wheel diameter!

Sportstick, since you're the engineer, I'd like to understand this a bit better if you don't mind. Of course the 17" wheel will be lighter but the higher profile of the tire would make the tire weigh more than the 18" tire so wouldn't overall weight of wheel/tire combo be roughly the same? Or does it have more to do with the weight closer to the hub being lower? I'm thinking about picking up a set of 17's to throw snow tires on.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by hwntime

Sportstick, since you're the engineer, I'd like to understand this a bit better if you don't mind. Of course the 17" wheel will be lighter but the higher profile of the tire would make the tire weigh more than the 18" tire so wouldn't overall weight of wheel/tire combo be roughly the same? Or does it have more to do with the weight closer to the hub being lower? I'm thinking about picking up a set of 17's to throw snow tires on.

Actually, retired vehicle product planner who worked with engineering teams for a few decades, so I picked up much of what I learned through the informal training of colleagues. The answer to your question is that the weight reduction of the wheel can be greater than the weight increase of the added thiner part of tire - more sidewall - depending on the wheel chosen, so the net change is a mass reduction. One of my favorite sayings I learned back then was, "Designers love big wheels. Engineers don't!" I heard that one when I got shot down for a larger quite good-looking wheel I wanted to add to a vehicle line I was managing. The added option margin didn't outweigh the detriment to the CAFE loss from reduced fuel economy.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by hwntime

the higher profile of the tire would make the tire weigh more than the 18" tire

FWIW, Tire Rack shows 225/45-17 & 225/40-18 PS4 & DWS06 all weighing 21#. No doubt there are differences that don't show up when the weights are rounded to the nearest pound (which is what I assume the tire manufacturers do).

I can't recall where I read it, but somewhere I came across info stating that relatively more steel is required to maintain the shape of a lower profile tire, thereby adding back some or all of the weight that was lost when the amount of rubber, etc. was reduced.

[GrimJaw]

I've been wanting these bbs wheels. Yet, I guess they are a more stable quality rather than performance. I'm honestly looking for a wheel that is durable, but still provides at least stock performance. Would these wheels be suitable? Or are they too heavy compared to oem wheels. If I bought these bbs wheels I'd be switch to Michelin's rather than keep the run flats. That would also mean the added weight of a spare in the trunk. (Pics below)

[ggggbmw]

I actually have two sets of 17" wheels, in addition to the stock 18" staggered summers the car came with.

Like many, I have 17's for my winter tire set. Cheaper, and the fatter sidewall for rougher winter roads were the key things.

I also have a set of cheap 17's with Hankook RS4 for track use. For the track I went 17" because the combination wheel/tire was about 2 lb. lighter than any cheapish 18". Fancy forged 18" wheels could go lighter, but I wasn't going to spend $400+/wheel. Also, the 17" tires are cheaper than the 18" (by about $30 each), so when I use up the track tires it's cheaper to replace them.

[Shovelman]

When you see a giant SUV with about 2" of rubber between the rim and the road, just laugh. These are almost always black, all for show

Applaud the enthusiasm but decry the lack of automotive savvy

I am an engineer agree with Sportstick and dradernh

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

I've been wanting these bbs wheels. Yet, I guess they are a more stable quality rather than performance. I'm honestly looking for a wheel that is durable, but still provides at least stock performance. Would these wheels be suitable? Or are they too heavy compared to oem wheels. If I bought these bbs wheels I'd be switch to Michelin's rather than keep the run flats. That would also mean the added weight of a spare in the trunk. (Pics below)

BBS makes high-quality wheels, and if the SX's weigh more than the OEM units it's not by much. At that size and weight, and with them being manufactured in Germany, they'll certainly be as durable as you can ask for.

[sethwas]

Originally Posted by GrimJaw

If so what are you running? Why?

OEM - because I like the BBS mesh look. I like the style of meaty tires, and the ride is better/quieter.
I'm sure there's some weight benefit that aids in handling, accelerating, braking, etc. but that's mostly meaningless in commuting.
Also, I didn't want to upgrade the brakes and getting larger rims sort of requires larger brakes too in order to fill the extra air space - purely aesthetic of course (which is the point of larger rims right )

Seth

[M235i 2016]

I'm thinking of running 17's for daily, anyone have any feedback on the MT6 Vita specifically the 17x7.5 40mm offset. Will it clear the Msport brakes?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by dradernh

BBS makes high-quality wheels, and if the SX's weigh more than the OEM units it's not by much. At that size and weight, and with them being manufactured in Germany, they'll certainly be as durable as you can ask for.

I ran over a snow covered curb once, completely destroying my Blizzak but the BBS wheel was unharmed. They can definitely take a beating.

[GrimJaw]

I forgot about this possibly lowering ride height

[ggggbmw]

Originally Posted by M235i 2016

I'm thinking of running 17's for daily, anyone have any feedback on the MT6 Vita specifically the 17x7.5 40mm offset. Will it clear the Msport brakes?

The MT6 Vita in that size are the wheels I have for my track tires. Work perfectly, and look pretty good too.



Way better fit and visuals than the MSW 55 17's I use for my winters.

[nca75]

I'd absolutely run 17"s for snows, it allows you to go narrower for better traction, and gives you a better chance of surviving potholes without killing your tires and wheels.

[msej449]

7.5Jx17 all-'round for my winter setup, from my local tire/wheel independent. Model is the Alutec Drive from Wolfrace:



Upside (vs wider stock summers) is more resistant to aquaplaning, somewhat better snow traction and better with potholes, softer ride. Downside is less traction in warm/dry, less precise handling. All this is independent of the tyres, which as always, adds a separate dimension to the +/- aspects.

If you do go for new wheels, ideally also look for something easier to clean than the stock BMW summers. For example, these above don't have that annoying groove all 'round the inside behind the spokes that you get on the stocks, which makes them a pain to clean. Oh, and if you're moving from the gunmetal BMWs to brighter alloys, you may well want to get a brighter set of lug nuts to match (not a bad idea anyway). And if you're totally self-absorbed like me, you can convince yourself that the BMW Spinning Roundels ('Floating Hub Caps') are worth it too:

[MerlinMc]

I have run both 17s and 18s on my 135i, M235i and now my M240i with both summer and winter tires. I have the equipment in my garage to change out the wheels in a matter of minutes. Here are a few thoughts:

Handling. The 17s are at least as good as the 18s even on the track. No perceptible difference.

Ride Quality. 17s are a more comfortable ride.

Noise. 17s are a little quieter.

Venerability. The 17s are less vulnerable to damage --either curbing or bends from potholes.

Tire Choices & Cost. The choices for 17s are plentiful and the cost is cheaper.

Weight. The weight of a 17" wheel + tire is usually (at least a little) < than the weight of an 18"+ combination.

Aesthetics. This is subjective. The 18s are probably the sweet spot, but I like the way 17s look better than 19s.

Square. I prefer a square set up over staggered. Probably another whole topic by itself.

Brands. I have run BMW, OZ, BBS (forged and cast), Alutec and others (forged and cast).

Forged. I have had BBS and now Signature forged wheels. Forged is the way to go if you can spend the money. Much lighter and much stronger.

Posters. Lots of great posters on this forum such as BEM-S4, Sportstick, Xutvjet, and more.

I am a function over form guy -- How it works is more important than how it looks.

[230iZTR]

I ordered a set of Apex's new forged Arc8-R's in a square 17x9et42 configuration for my track wheels. They'll be a super aggressive fitment, but I think they'll work with camber plates and a spacer up front. I'll definitely post pictures when they come in.

[MerlinMc]

Originally Posted by 230iZTR

I ordered a set of Apex's new forged Arc8-R's in a square 17x9et42 configuration for my track wheels. They'll be a super aggressive fitment, but I think they'll work with camber plates and a spacer up front. I'll definitely post pictures when they come in.

On my latest forged wheels, everything was custom. A 9" width will work in back, but very problematic up front. I went with 8" width all around as I like square set ups.