Looking For E39's With 18" Wheels

[dy540i]

used I've got a 2000 540i with OEM sport suspension and I'm leaning toward some new 18" wheels (don't want a harsh ride that may come from lower profile 19's).

It would really help me if you could post some pics of your vehicles and indicate the following info in your response:

-- include photo of your wheels
1) Size of your wheels
2) Size of your tires
3) Did you have to do anything special to prevent rubbing
4) Any regrets? (i.e., what would you do differently next time)
Thanks for your help on this.

(after I decide what wheels and tires to buy, I'll be selling my stock 17" radio spoke staggered setup with Dunlop Sport tires)

[attachmentid=17176]

[FaKe_M5]

you shouldnt have to worry about doing anything if putting 18's on.

1. 20's
2. 255/35
3. Had to bend the edge of the rear quarter panel inside.
4. Should have gotten 255/30! would have looked much better.

click for large pic

[dy540i]

Originally posted by FaKe_M5@Jan 12 2005, 04:57 PM
you shouldnt have to worry about doing anything if putting 18's on.

1. 20's
2. 255/35
3. Had to bend the edge of the rear quarter panel inside.
4. Should have gotten 255/30! would have looked much better.

click for large pic

[snapback]270147[/snapback]

Thanks for the response. Wow -- 20" wheels! I was concerned that 19's might be too large - resulting in too small of a side wall leaving the wheels prone to easy damage, and too harsh of a ride.

How's the ride quality with 20's? Also, any problems with scrubbing the wheel lips?

[FaKe_M5]

The ride is just a little bumpier than on stock 17" that i had, and they do scrape the fender liners in the front a little when i turn the wheel left/right all the way... (tires too wide, 255 in front also) but other than that everything else is good, im actually thinkin cutting the front springs, lower it an inch or so.

Couple of my buddies have 2002 540's, they have 19's on and they say having 2 ppl in the back seat and driving over a little bump will rub the back tires. =\ I must have a different suspension, mine is a newer year and a sport package.

[HardStep]

Same questions here, as dy540i.
Have had e39 540i for couple of months now and would like to get new wheels.
I'm gonna get good deal on 18" M replicas.
Will M5 spec tires (245/40ZR18 front and 275/35ZR18 rear) have those rubbing probems too?
Should i better go with 235/40 front and 265/35 or 245/40 rear (and so on)?
Prefer not too bumpy ride, have stock suspension, not sport or lowered.
Thanks guys.

[Slvr e39]

I have an e39 with 18" BBS ASA Ar1's, im at school right now but pics later

[Silverstreak]

Here's a pic of my dads 540i with 19's! In the rear they are 275/30 and front 245/35

Just hit REFRESH on the page that pops up if you get a error.......
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/whatup1049/bfc/P1010047.JPG
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/whatup1049/bfc/P1010052.JPG
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/whatup1049/bfc/P1010054.JPG

Nothing special done to get them to fit at all. At first they tried 20's on it but over and small bump it rubbed. These fit like a glove and never rub!
You will have NO problem with smaller 18's.

[dy540i]

Originally posted by Silverstreak@Jan 13 2005, 07:20 PM
Here's a pic of my dads 540i with 19's! In the rear they are 275/30 and front 245/35

Just hit REFRESH on the page that pops up if you get a error.......
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/whatup1049/bfc/P1010047.JPG
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/whatup1049/bfc/P1010052.JPG
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/whatup1049/bfc/P1010054.JPG

Nothing special done to get them to fit at all. At first they tried 20's on it but over and small bump it rubbed. These fit like a glove and never rub!
You will have NO problem with smaller 18's.

[snapback]271050[/snapback]

Wow... it looks great with 19's. What size wheels and tires are on the front and rear. The tires are what appear to be the big contributor to rubbing issues.