New wheels

L

lamlp640

Member
 Swansea
I have just bougt a 2.0i SE on a 2006 plate, it has the standard 16 inch wheels on it at the moment. I am new to BMW's (I haven't actually picked the car up yet) I would really love some advice! I am thinking of buying new 18 inch wheels.

1. I have seen wheels for BMW's on e bay, will run flat tyres fit these wheels or do I have to have special wheels for run flat tyres?
2. If I do go ahead and buy the 18 inch wheels is there anything else I need to consider?

Thanks for any help!

P.S.

can't wait to pick my car up :D
 
If going OEM check that they are a staggered fitment (wider rims at the rear), I think all the 18's for the Z are.
In all cases check the offsets are suitable for the Z

Ditch the runflats.
 
RichardG said:
If going OEM check that they are a staggered fitment (wider rims at the rear), I think all the 18's for the Z are.
In all cases check the offsets are suitable for the Z

Ditch the runflats.
Click to expand...
Thanks Richard

Can I please ask a couple more questions?

Sorry, these may seem like stupid questions!!

1. What are OEM'S?

2. Why do you say, ditch the run flats?

3. If I do ditch the run flats, how do I get around the problem of no spare wheel?

Thanks again
 
1. Original Equipment of Manufacturer - basically means its made by BMW - or specifically for BMW and authorised by BMW for fitment on their cars.
2. It a widely felt fact that run flats ruin the driving experience and standard tires are much more enjoyable - AND CHEAPER!
3. Have recovery services - RAC will still cover you if you don't have a spare wheel - besides, if a runflat shreds you're in the same position as no tyre anyway (and much poorer)

I would personally buy a set of 18" and keep the 16" somewhere safe, then when you come to sell you will be able to put them back on the car and get more money by selling your 18s separately...
 
Loads of members ,myself included have swapped over to normal tyres, loads of threads on it, Falken 452's and Verdestein (I think that's how you spell it) seem to be the more popular without issue, some use different RFT's like Michelin Zp's and claim a better than the standard Bridgestones , if you do carry either a couple of cans of tyre wels or get a mobilty kit (as supplied with M cars, non-RFT's as standard) this is usually a small compressor and a bottle of sealant, keep an eye on the buy and sell section of the forum there are usually some wheels of some description on there for sale.

Check out this thread http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14819&p=230057&hilit=mobility+kit#p230057

or these items on fleabay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-FORD-S-MAX-GALAXY-CONTINENTAL-MOBILITY-KIT_W0QQitemZ250567209447QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3a56f831e7

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E36-7-8-E39-M5-M-Coupe-Roadster-Mobility-Kit-Pump_W0QQitemZ220512730936QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3357953f38

they will fit in the space next to battery.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.
 
You might want to try the ride on 16" wheels for a while before going bigger, as you will find the bigger wheels and skinnier tyres make the ride slightly more harsh - although going from runflats to non-runflats negates some of that added harshness.

The only tyre problem I've had in 14 months / 20,000 miles was a 2 inch split down the sidewall after going into a pothole right in front of a speed bump (didn't see it in the dark, and was concentrating on the speed bump in my 1 week old Z4MC). Had to wait an hour before I could get the car picked up, and even then I had to wait until the next day to get a tyre from the dealer (had tyre insurance). The tyre foam wouldn't have helped me, and I don't think I could fit a space-saver in the boot either.
 
Thanks to all the people who answered my questions. Lots of information to think about! I hope
I can return the favour at some point! Thanks again! :D
 
lamlp640 said:
Thanks to all the people who answered my questions. Lots of information to think about! I hope
I can return the favour at some point! Thanks again! :D
Click to expand...

Run flat wheels have an extra bead to hold the tyre in place if its deflated - you need to ensure that any new wheels are thus equipped if you retain RFTs. But as has been said, general wisdom is to go for the far cheaper and better riding non-RFTs with a tin or two of gunk and a tyre pump.

Us 4-pot owners are a special breed. You have to be round here. :evil:
 
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