E39 Wheel sizes and compatibility
Discussion
Gents,
Does anyone have 16" wheels on their 5 series? If so, could you let me know what size tyres you have on them? I've got 15" wheels on mine, and fancy an upgrade. I've seen a set of 16" wheels and tyres in the classifieds from a 2006 3 series, and thought they might look quite good on my touring. Just want to know whether the tyre size is going to be compatible? They are 225x50x16 - will these fit as a straight exchange?
Thanks
Does anyone have 16" wheels on their 5 series? If so, could you let me know what size tyres you have on them? I've got 15" wheels on mine, and fancy an upgrade. I've seen a set of 16" wheels and tyres in the classifieds from a 2006 3 series, and thought they might look quite good on my touring. Just want to know whether the tyre size is going to be compatible? They are 225x50x16 - will these fit as a straight exchange?
Thanks
timwatsham said:
What difference would running 50 profile tyres make do you think? Guess its going to change the readings on the speedo isn't it? Wonder which way and whether it would be material?
Bugger all I'd have thought, they'll only be about a 10mm increase in overall diameter. Plus you can always put 45 profiles on when time to change??
timwatsham said:
Hmm, think I might go for them... Very cheap way of buying new tyres too - wheels and new tyres for £200...
Be careful. The E39 uses a specific bore of 74,1 mm, whereas all other BMWs are 72 mm. In addition, the offset may be different on the E39 too, so if I were you, I would first call your friendly dealer to verify.
Mine is a E39 on standard turbine alloys - the 16" ones (and as common as muck!)
Just replaced the rear tyres and they are 225/55/R16. For the 16" wheel its the same front and back. For the 17" wheel I believe they are slightly wider at the back (but they are relatively rare so I cannot confirm). It is the 18" that there is a big difference - but it is in width only.
Hope this helps.
Just replaced the rear tyres and they are 225/55/R16. For the 16" wheel its the same front and back. For the 17" wheel I believe they are slightly wider at the back (but they are relatively rare so I cannot confirm). It is the 18" that there is a big difference - but it is in width only.
Hope this helps.
The wheels are pretty much interchangeable directly from a E38 (7 series) and an E39 (5 series). Additionally, you *can* put the later 5 series wheels as well as the current 7 series on too - BUT they require either changed hubs or spacers. For example, the 20" wheel from the 7 looks great, but needs careful consideration before fitting (oh, and they are expensive).
Since there were a lot of wheel choices for the E39 then you can pretty much have anything you want. Either the early wheels or the later specials all slot directly on. Though anything bigger than 18" on low-profile tyres will need a suspension change to get them to fit correctly.
I have heard that some of the replicas are pretty good and a worthwhile spend. A common update is to put on the 18" parallels from the sport model as they look good. But personally I really like the Alpinas....
Since there were a lot of wheel choices for the E39 then you can pretty much have anything you want. Either the early wheels or the later specials all slot directly on. Though anything bigger than 18" on low-profile tyres will need a suspension change to get them to fit correctly.
I have heard that some of the replicas are pretty good and a worthwhile spend. A common update is to put on the 18" parallels from the sport model as they look good. But personally I really like the Alpinas....
Having just looked on e-bay, I've put a bid on a set of the 16" turbine style wheels and tyres off a touring... THink they will look best - don't want the racer image of a set of 18" wheels on a 520, nor do I want to make the ride any harsher than it is already (coming from a Renault Laguna it has been a big change...)
Quite fun to think how easy it is to buy and sell new wheels for the E39, almost makes me want to change each year just for the hell of it...
Quite fun to think how easy it is to buy and sell new wheels for the E39, almost makes me want to change each year just for the hell of it...
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