E34 Alloys

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   Hi all,
I looking at buying some replica M5 E34 wheels for my 525 sport but I'm not sure what size of wheel and tyre I can safely have without having detrimental effect on the drivability of the car. 
The shop I visited stated that you can fit 17 or 18" (18" a bit big for my tastes) without any problems either with the wheel arches or anything else,  is this true? 
What sort of an effect would having wheels larger than manufacturers spec be?

I hope you can help

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west Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 24-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 37	Topic: E34 Alloys Posted: 27-February-2003 at 16:48
	Hi all, I looking at buying some replica M5 E34 wheels for my 525 sport but I'm not sure what size of wheel and tyre I can safely have without having detrimental effect on the drivability of the car. The shop I visited stated that you can fit 17 or 18" (18" a bit big for my tastes) without any problems either with the wheel arches or anything else, is this true? What sort of an effect would having wheels larger than manufacturers spec be? I hope you can help

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Steve W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 08-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 84	Posted: 27-February-2003 at 18:09
	If you can give me your current tyre sizes I can work out what size tyres you would need on 17 or 18" rims to keep your speedo setting correct. My 540 has 16"ers on it, but the tyre inflation chart in the door pillar shows 17" as standard on some cars, and I believe with enough money spent you can squeeze up to 20" rims on them.


west Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 24-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 37	Posted: 28-February-2003 at 13:28
	Hi Steve My car currently has the standard e34 multispoke wheels with 225/60/15 tyres. Is the speedo the only thing that can be effected by increased wheel/tyres size? I visited my local alloy shop again today and the 18" schnitzer replica's they have are really starting to grow on me! Thanks for all your help

Steve W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 08-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 84	Posted: 28-February-2003 at 18:40
	The diameter of your wheel/ tyre combination is approx 650 mm. This makes the circumference 2040 mm. Tyres that come close to matching this are: 235/45/17 235/40/18 The downsides of these wheels and tyres over your current setup are much harder ride and a noticeable increase of tramlining (following road camber/ ruts). It's all down to personal choice:) This is what mine looks like with 16's on it:


Wonkydog Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 29-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 196	Posted: 28-February-2003 at 20:20
	I put some 17" M5 alloys on my 525, the speedo was unaffected as the rolling circumferance was not vastly different. I did have a problem with wheel offset though. The new wheel/tyre combination made the tyre rub on the front shock absorber (rear was fine) so had to use some hub spacers to move the wheels out closer to the wheel arch. Ride quality was slightly harsher but had more grip and handling. Plus they looked superb. Hope this helps.

west Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 24-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 37	Posted: 01-March-2003 at 09:36
	Thanks for your help Steve its really appreciated. I've just got to convince my other half that spending lots of money on some alloys this close to our wedding really is a good idea!!! Nice pic as well, the interior looks gorgeous Wonkydod, have you any pics of your 525 on the m5 alloys as I'd love to see them. Thanks again guys

Wonkydog Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member II Joined: 29-January-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 196	Posted: 01-March-2003 at 20:28
	Hi West, yes I do have a picture. Send me your Email ( by private messenger) and I will send you a photo attachment. I don't have the 525 anymore, sold it to get an M3. I was finding the car to be too long, plus everybody in work was getting a new car so i jumped on the bandwagon.