Wheel/Tire Questions 2003 330i

[zidalim]

Hi Everyone -

I've had my pride and joy now for a little over year! I took her to the dealer b/c I needed to replace a tire (developed a bubble in the rear passenger tire which has since burst). I was told that 2 of the rims were bent and would need to be replaced.

A little background info: I don't know anything about cars other than how it feels when I'm driving one.... and this one feels GREAT!!!!! I bought the sport package (along with a bunch of other extras) which comes with 17 inch wheels.

Ok, so here goes:
1. I was thinking that maybe I should get my current rims fixed and use them as snow tire rims and just get a whole new set of rims for everyday.... (I've scratched the current ones pretty badly) - is that a good idea?
2. How do I figure out the rims' size (I know that they're different sizes from front to back)?
3. Should I get BMW wheels? Does it matter?
4. How do the tires get rotated if they're not all the same size? What kind of tires should I get?

Any thoughts, advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.... as you can probably tell, I'm very overwhelmed by the whole thing!!!!

Thanks

 

[Roadhawk]

I'm a newbie (or soon to be) BMer owner - so i wanted you to know I have no specific BMer knowledge - but I also wanted to say that i think your idea of using your current wheels as winter wheels is agood one (check into to Vredstein winter performance tires - you won't at all regret it!)...and then I might suggest going with 18's with pure summer performance tires. Wheel style - BMW or aftermarket should be based on what you like - and what you intend to do with the car (do you need max performance for the track for instance). There are many fine/rad wheels out there - so I wouldn't limit yourself to just BMW for consideration (check tire racks customizable options - nice tool - and accounts for potentuial diff in rear wheel size and you may want to consult with folks - here and elsewhere as to advisability of going all one size or differentiatiating - i know I will have this same question come November when I'll be looking - perhaps - for some winter wheels myself - and I don't know the answer - but I suspect that you have some leeway - that in most driving conditions it may not make all that much difference - but again - don't know...and yeah rotation (or lack therof) is an issue with diff size wheels front and back - and in many ways I'd rather theat they were the same - and they're not on my upcomming 330 ZHP - shame - but I supose there is a handling benefit (and would love for someone who knows to explain...beyond perhaps the obvious....)...oh and you will want wheels that have bolt pattern & offset etc that will fit your car - do pay attention to that and ensure your getting the right wheels for your vehical...

 

[Kirby]

Just look at the tire size, that will tell you what you need to know. You should see something like 225 45 17. The last number is the wheel diameter.