New shoes for my Z4

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dl20

New member
Hi Everyone! Let me start off by saying that if my inquiry is too elementary please feel free to banish it to the newbie forum. I did a search but didn't find anything relevant to my question. So I have had a jet black 06 z4 roadster for a little over a year now and I love it. I've been itching to spice her up a bit and am considering a new set of wheels. I'm thinking black, 5 spoke mags with a chrome lip would look great. I've been looking around and see some great options ranging from 150$ a piece to 1k a piece. My question is, what am I paying more for in an expensive wheel. What qualities should I be looking for besides aesthetics? Basically what is the difference between an inexpensive wheel and one that costs 10X as much??

Also, do those of you who use aftermarket wheels always go with runflat tires??

Curious to hear some other z4 owners perspectives,
Thanks
DL
 
For some, weight of the wheel is a big concern, and is a factor in the pricing. Most that go aftermarket will get rid of the RFT's due to weight (again), cost, and performance gains.
Hope that helps a little :thumbsup:
 
Some do, some don't. I'm planning on getting Eagle F1's in the spring and will not carry a spare (that is if I don't end up getting a new //M before then). I have a cell phone and towing coverage on my insurance. Some carry a fix-a-flat bottle or two in the trunk.

Welcome to the Forum dl20, it's become tradition for our newbies to introduce themselves with a photo of their Zed in the Newbie's section. There you will get many welcomes and get to know some of us better.
 
flyboyaj said:
Some do, some don't. I'm planning on getting Eagle F1's in the spring and will not carry a spare (that is if I don't end up getting a new //M before then). I have a cell phone and towing coverage on my insurance. Some carry a fix-a-flat bottle or two in the trunk.

Welcome to the Forum dl20, it's become tradition for our newbies to introduce themselves with a photo of their Zed in the Newbie's section. There you will get many welcomes and get to know some of us better.
Click to expand...

Are they definitely still making these over there? I tried to replace one of mine a little while ago and there was only 2 in the country. The line I got from various sources is they ar phasing them out in favour of a new tread pattern... not sure if it was just the GSD3's though.... worth checking before you fork out for obsolete tyres though.
 
dl20 said:
...............My question is, what am I paying more for in an expensive wheel. What qualities should I be looking for besides aesthetics? Basically what is the difference between an inexpensive wheel and one that costs 10X as much??

Also, do those of you who use aftermarket wheels always go with runflat tires??

Curious to hear some other z4 owners perspectives,
Thanks
DL
Click to expand...
In addition to what ovrkll said...
You're also paying for R&D, quality & method of construction.
Inexpensive wheels are usually cast construction, the best (strongest/lightest) wheels are forged.

There are some good middle of the pack wheels if the budget is limited.
JMO, but I'd def stay away from the $150 specials. (unless they're a name brand on clearance.)
 
dl20 said:
Thanks ovrkill. Do those of you who use standard tires carry a spare in the trunk?

DL
Click to expand...
The ///M comes with a roadside mobility kit.
You can get a non-BMW equivalent, like this....

conticomfortkit.jpg
 
sp3ctre said:
flyboyaj said:
Some do, some don't. I'm planning on getting Eagle F1's in the spring and will not carry a spare (that is if I don't end up getting a new //M before then). I have a cell phone and towing coverage on my insurance. Some carry a fix-a-flat bottle or two in the trunk.

Welcome to the Forum dl20, it's become tradition for our newbies to introduce themselves with a photo of their Zed in the Newbie's section. There you will get many welcomes and get to know some of us better.
Click to expand...

Are they definitely still making these over there? I tried to replace one of mine a little while ago and there was only 2 in the country. The line I got from various sources is they ar phasing them out in favour of a new tread pattern... not sure if it was just the GSD3's though.... worth checking before you fork out for obsolete tyres though.
Click to expand...

Our trusty new affiliate is showing them in stock 17" GSD3's from TireRack
 
Yeah, might be worth checking if they are there to stay though.... wouldn't want you buying them only to find you cant get a replacement 6 months down the line. I will see if I can get the official line from Goodyear UK, but might be worth chasing up from your end too, just to be on the safe side.
 
No worries AJ... cracking choice of tyre if they are around to stay though, I have them on mine. Not the grippiest in the world but they "talk" to you.... very predictable and you can have fun with them.
 
I gotta tell ya, the Yokohama's that I had on my 318ti were the grippiest darn clumps of rubber I've ever experienced. I could whip the steering wheel in that car upside down at 50mph and that little car would just go where I told it to without even a squeal. It had the traction control that you couldn't turn off, but the only time I ever saw the traction light come on was in the snow. And it was awesome, cause I'd just floor it and the car would max perform itself without spinning the tires. I really loved that car! :sweetheart:
 
I have the F1's and love them over the rft's. Also, a can of fix a flat and a very small compressor that a friend found for me. Just wanted to point out that there are small compressors available.

Rosie
 
I went the cheap route and got the General Exclaim UHP's for my Z4 just like I'm currently using on my 5-series during the summer months (Winter set-up on the 525i - stock wheels with Michelin Pilot Alpins). I don't Auto-X either of my cars, just more for commuting to and from. The Generals have been GREAT (road feel, traction in the rain and on dry pavement, tread life) so I'm hoping they'll be the same on my Z4. I'm anxiously awaiting March '08 so I can install my new 19" M6 wheels and uncover the Z4.
 
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