Here are some pics of my new 8.5/10x19 BBS CH. The rear arches need some work to make them fit without fouling. They're fitted with Michelin Pilot Sports, 245/35 and 275/30.

PS big thanks to Miles who helped me link the pics

Thats one sexy looking M5 and the wheels are the same ones i looked at buying but in 18 inch format as i didnt want to have to roll the arches. Although i am also looking at the 18 inch http://www.emray.com/PicsStyling/E34%20E32%2018in%20Split%20Rim%20850.JPG - split rim bbs wheels. Another option which im leaning more towards are the 17 inch http://www.emray.com/PicsStyling/E34rondalx.jpg - Rondell X wheels.

Out of curiosity what is the ride like with 19's I imagine its pretty harsh over long distances?

Russ

Like you, I couldn't decide on which rims to go for. I had Hamann HM2 in mind for ages, followed by Rondell x, Racing Dynamics etc. In the end I was looking for BBX RX in 18, but the shop were out of stock and sent me a pic of the CH in 19 with a great price and I was hooked.

Those Rondell in 17 look very deep. Are you sure they'll fit without modifying the arches? They do look much more modern than the BBS splits though.

Ride is still suprisingly good, not much different to the standard 17s.

The rondell/rondal X are 17 x 10 at the rear and 17 x 8.5 at the front i am told that the offset is 20mm (I am sceptical) which is perfect for the car. I am going to take a trip down to Emray to try these on the car to see if they rub or need any work to the bodywork (i really dont want to roll the arches if i can help it).

Other wheels that i have looked at are the wolfrace shadow chrome http://shop.carnoisseur.com/shop/products/Wheels/WolfraceWheels/1346682001/viewProductCollection - matrix & http://shop.carnoisseur.com/shop/products/Wheels/WolfraceWheels/1346689000/viewProductCollection - hybrid as well as the Fox http://shop.carnoisseur.com/shop/products/Wheels/Fox/1307145001/viewProductCollection - RS3  & http://shop.carnoisseur.com/shop/products/Wheels/Fox/1301747000/viewProductCollection - RS6  these are more if i want to go with a modern look.

Russ

they do look quite deep from the picture so i would be uncertain if they fit, still wont know until i try them.

Russ

yeah I have looked at them over and over and they do look the business.

Russ

Checked my BBS offsets and they are ET20 for both 8.5" and 10"

Where are Fox alloys made? They sound like the cheap wheels from Asia. I once asked about some ACE alloys for my M5 and the guy said they don't deserve to be fitted on a M5.

I dont know where they are made but have seen the RS3 in the flesh and they dont look like cheap wheels there is alot of attention to detail and the structure looks solid. Obviously without a chemical analysis of the wheel itself i have no idea if its hard or soft but they look good :)

I dont plan on using the car much now that the wife has another car and i use the rover for most of the town running around. As i work off shore for 3 weeks at a time it wont be putting on the miles and therefore i can spend time finishing off what i want to do to it.

List remaining:

Alloy Wheels, Angel Eye & HID headlamps, New suspension all round & lowered, fit rear window spoiler, complete external respray, electric leather recaros, rear electric blind, new exhaust headers, stainless steel freeflow exhaust, uprated discs/calipers/pads, m-tech steering wheel and carbon fibre trim (this is not everyones taste but it beats wood trim and breaks up the amount of black inside).

That should keep me busy for a while.

Russ

Cheers Andy.

Saw a Dakar Yellow one for sale in the BMW mags. Seemed like it was on sale for ages and the price reduced quite a bit too. I guess the colour is unusual for a 5 series, but it does grow on you.

I was sorely tempted to go and look at the dakar yellow one but seeing the time it was up for sale for and the numerous drops in price from the original 12k down to 9k seemed a little suspicious. There were equally a number of good condition 94 M5's around and even up to 96 with lower mileage and just as many factory options for a lesser price (more reasonable price). Granted the dakar yellow colour is very rare if not unique but if the person has had this much trouble trying to sell it how is anyone else going to be able to sell it if they need to in a hurry.

Russ