Larger Wheels

[john505]

Just purchased a '98 528i, it's got stock 15'' wheels. I want to go bigger. Can't decide between 17"'s or 18"'s. My question is will 18"'s ride too rough with 40 profile tires on it?

 

[Tom]

That should be a good combo, going towards 18" will be slightly rougher but still comfortable.

Which wheels have you decided on?

 

[Dinan55]

Get the 17" inch ones that the 530i sports package has.

 

[john505]

Debating between the Rondell Cross spoke #58 and the Replica brand BMW TT.

 

[codex57]

I'd go with the 17inch. Still get good performance but ride quality is quite good. I'm surprised a 528 came with 15inch stock. THoguht it'd be at least 16 inches.

 

[jnejman]

don't forget, you will have to change your suspension (lower the car) to get a good BMW sport look with new bigger wheels.
I have 2001 530i with sport's package and I know it sits about 1.5" lower than non-sport package 5 series.

 

[john505]

Are you running 17's on your 530? Also, can I lower it with just springs or do I new new shocks as well?

 

[SKycity_BMW]

you can do just springs . . . depends on how low . .

 

[lpquick]

Just purchased a '98 528i, it's got stock 15'' wheels. I want to go bigger. Can't decide between 17"'s or 18"'s. My question is will 18"'s ride too rough with 40 profile tires on it?

I had the same questions relating to buying 18" rims versus the standard 16" that came from the factory. I was also worried about a harsher ride. I do not have the performance or sport suspension. Let me tell you the ride is awesome! I love it now, it corners like a cat on steroids. no harshness what so ever. I mean I might of worried if I lowered it 1-2 inches but with the stock suspension and Dinan strut braces it's just fantastic. It's no 528 but it might be relative to your situation. Let us know how it goes after you decide.

 

[LiLRhody]

I have some advice before you buy bigger wheels, but I'm more than sure this might not apply to you, since you have a newer model. I had 16s on my 94 318i until I decided to shop for bigger wheels. All the wheels I was looking at were compatible with my car so I bought ones that I really liked. When it came time to install them, the front tires fit in nicely but the rear of the car was sagging or something because the wheels wouldn't fit. I had the car raised 2 inches in the rear just to fit them in. Aside from having to stretch my neck longer while backing up my car, I haven't noticed anything different with my baby *knock on wood* THe moral of the story..before you buy make sure it will fit.

 

[john505]

OK, I went with the 18"s. No regrets. It rides nice, a little harsher over manholes and such but nothing like I was afraid of. Looks great too. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it cleaned up.
One question: My old front tires had "cupping" on the inside. I had three different tire shops look at it. One of the better shops in town said it was out of alignment. The other two said bad struts and that alignment would wear even. Would struts (shocks) go bad after 57K miles? Any thoughts?

 

[Five40i97]

whats the max size rims you can go with the 5 series