New wheels - How to Choose - 540/6

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mrgrant

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I have started researching new wheels for my 540/6. There is so much to choose from. I think I am leaning more toward performance than looks. It seems the performance wheels weigh in about 18 - 22 lbs and wheels with great looks 28 - 32 lbs.

I currently have factory 17' stagged wheels with Dunlop SP Sport E 235x45x17 all around. I have tried to find the 18' parallel spoke M5 factory wheels on eBay but they are rare and tend to have more curb rash than I care for. Besides the price for used is around 2k. I have looked into reproductions and have found a few that are priced around $700 that weigh in at 25 lbs and have the correct offset for front and rear. If I go for a compromise of both looks and performance the reproductions seem okay.

How much of a perfomance difference is there in wheels based on weight? I aslo have seen 2 and 3 part wheels that claim greater strength. These wheels also have 2 and 3 times the price and tend to weigh in 28 - 32 lbs. I am confused on how to select wheels for my needs.

Any suggestions weight, strength and price and how it relates to perfomance?

My second choice is a black wheel.
 
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adrean8j

adrean8j

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Well a black wheel all depends on the color of your car...they would work for my car but i dont think too many other colors are good for black wheels. According to my sources the general rule of thumb is that the larger wheels 17" vs. 18" will take a little off of your top speed....but since you are in the states that isnt a problem....the difference in weight between 25 to 32 pounds shouldnt be that big an issue unless you are racing it on a track...the extra couple of pounds will not be that noticeable...now having greater strength wheels would be better for handling is my guess....the less the wheel flexes then the greater the stability, hence more control of the car....
 
dboy11

dboy11

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I just when threw this on my 99- 540 and I went with Bryern rims 18's 8.5 fronts and 9.5 rears....this company makes two rims style ony and both are made only for BMW...as for preformce I was not after that as much I wanted rims that fit the car and would not cause me ANY rubbing or balance problems...these are sweet on the car. I'm going to lower the car a bit when I do the struts and shocks in the next few months.
 

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hosagod

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I just put 19" Visions on my car (each is 30+ lbs) and I have not noticed that much of a drop in performance at all. I prefer the more elegant/heavier wheels over the lighter/sportier wheels. They just look more substantial and really fill out a BMW.

Plus, now I get better handling, turning, and stability at high speeds.

I upgraded from 18" Style 71 BMW rims.
 
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