[Saarth]

Hi guys!

This is my first post here!

So a little background, a year back my father gifted me an alpine white BMW 320i, as its an '09 model its the face-lifted version with the LCI LED lights. Now I'm currently running this car on the stock 16" rims, but I'm looking for an upgrade, and there are only two ways to this that I can see.

First, and upgrade from BMW itself. Which would mean I contact my dealer and upgrade to 17 or 18" rims + tyres. The pros of this would be that it wouldn't void the warranty, plus BMW would be responsible fro any problems. The cons however, are that BMW offers run-flats, meaning the already not-so-comfy ride will be even harder on the Mumbai roads. Also, I'm not sure whether BMW India offers this service as on their website it doesn't state anything specifically about rims, and I have not been able to get in touch with anyone at Navnit Motors BMW (My dealer) the whole day.

The second option is of course, After-Market rims and tyres. I have been looking at a few Konig rims and sure do like them, the only issue is, I contacted PAL Tyres in Lamington Road in South Bombay, and he told me that they did not have any available for a BMW but only for "local cars". I'm also not sure where else (eg. Milan Subway etc.) I would be able to find Konig Rims. So any help about this would be appreciated.

So you guys are my best resource, what should I do? And also, how bumpy would an upgrade to 18-19" really be?

Thank you.

[Epic]

Originally Posted by Saarth

Hi guys!

This is my first post here!

So a little background, a year back my father gifted me an alpine white BMW 320i, as its an '09 model its the face-lifted version with the LCI LED lights. Now I'm currently running this car on the stock 16" rims, but I'm looking for an upgrade, and there are only two ways to this that I can see.

First, and upgrade from BMW itself. Which would mean I contact my dealer and upgrade to 17 or 18" rims + tyres. The pros of this would be that it wouldn't void the warranty, plus BMW would be responsible fro any problems. The cons however, are that BMW offers run-flats, meaning the already not-so-comfy ride will be even harder on the Mumbai roads. Also, I'm not sure whether BMW India offers this service as on their website it doesn't state anything specifically about rims, and I have not been able to get in touch with anyone at Navnit Motors BMW (My dealer) the whole day.

The second option is of course, After-Market rims and tyres. I have been looking at a few Konig rims and sure do like them, the only issue is, I contacted PAL Tyres in Lamington Road in South Bombay, and he told me that they did not have any available for a BMW but only for "local cars". I'm also not sure where else (eg. Milan Subway etc.) I would be able to find Konig Rims. So any help about this would be appreciated.

So you guys are my best resource, what should I do? And also, how bumpy would an upgrade to 18-19" really be?

Thank you.

Hi Saarth,

Why do you want to upsize the wheels? Is it for better performance or just looks? If performance, you can even stick to the stock rims size and just upgrade the tire size to 205/50/R16.

I believe the 320i comes with 205/55/R16 tires. Well, taking into account that this is a BMW we are talking about here, the safest bet would be to get your wheel and tire upgraded from Navnit Motors or Infinity Motors which are the authorised dealers and which would not void warranty and would not be your responsibility incase of issues with suspension, etc. Yes, they do offer the service of choosing a different alloy wheel design but not sure if they offer an upsize. Either ways, the drawback here is that you will be offered a very limited selection of alloy wheel designs.

As mentioned by you, yes, your ride quality will further deteriorate due to the upsize and run flat tires. You can however ask them if you can change to regular tubeless tires instead of run flats without voiding warranty. I do not think that would be an issue.

If you still decide to go for after market rims, I suggest you invest in a good high end brand like OZ Racing, BBS, MOMO, Enkei, etc. I dont suggest you compromise here.

I do not suggest going anything above 17" rims. Ride quality will anyway be harsh so 18" & 19" should out of the question!! Please remember that you will be driving on Mumbai roads and this will not only destroy your tires but your rims too. Suggested tires sizes can be 205/50/R17 OR 215/45/R17.

Hope this helps.

[GTO]

Saarth,

Best for you to retain the 16 inch wheel size. Primary reason being, the Bimmer already has a pretty stiff ride. I've driven 325s with 18 inchers and the ride was harsh. Max I'd extend to is 17 inch wheels.

What I would ideally upgrade to:

- 225/50 R16 Michelin Pilot Sport 3. I'm running the previous gen of this tyre - Michelin PP2 - and am an extremely satisfied customer. This, after nearly 30,000 kms and counting on those tyres.

Get rid of the runflats. The PS3's will be a giant step ahead and provide you more than enough grip for the 320s capabilities.

For wheels, get in touch with BHPian S600BENZ or fireblader85

[Saarth]

Thanks alot for the replies guys. I've decided to go for Black OZ Ultraleggeras 17". Since it's a white car, I've always wanted to go for black rims, also Ultraleggeras are the lightest production wheel in street use. Will that have any effect of ride quality?

[Epic]

Originally Posted by Saarth

Thanks alot for the replies guys. I've decided to go for Black OZ Ultraleggeras 17". Since it's a white car, I've always wanted to go for black rims, also Ultraleggeras are the lightest production wheel in street use. Will that have any effect of ride quality?

Hi Saarth,

I believe the ride would be harsh for sure as the applicable tire size would be 225/45/R17. Again that is very low profile tires for Mumbai roads which could end up damagind your tires and rims.

[Saarth]

How much more of a threat is that compared to the upsize to 205/50/R17 OR 215/45/R17? Will there be a massive difference?

[Nikhilb2008]

You would be downsizing. It isnt recommended.
From stock size of 225 to 205 or 215.

Why are you so desperate for 17"? It is completely pointless.

[Saarth]

Stock size isn't 225, it's 205.

And 17" because;
1) The car is white, which makes it look bigger than it really is, in turn making the rims look small.
2) I'm not too fond of the stock rims and want to get rid of them.

[Saarth]

That's great! Where is this customer based though? Because 18" might be a bit overkill for Mumbai roads, as we know, they aren't really some of the best.

[GTO]

Spotted these unbelievably hot legs on a 3 series last night. The fat, chunky tyres greatly improved the 3's already planted stance. They looked good enough to eat, honestly.

[cityvic]

Originally Posted by GTO

Spotted these unbelievably hot legs on a 3 series last night. The fat, chunky tyres greatly improved the 3's already planted stance. They looked good enough to eat, honestly.

Those are the BMW 520D E60 Alloys.