Winter Wheel Questions

[JTremble]

Just a couple of quick questions regarding a set of wheels I am looking at for a winter set. The wheels are BMW wheels style 73 17x7 with an offset of 47mm. I think they came off a 330xi. Here are my dumb questions.

1. Any reason they wouldn't fit a 2003 330i?

2. Most of the other wheels I'm looking at are 17x8. Is there any disadvantage to going with a 7" wheel (will the narrower wheel look funny?)

3. What size tire is recommended for this size wheel? (do I just use the 225-45-17 size that are on the OEM 7.5" wheels, or are there other sizes that would work better on the narrower wheel?)

Thanks for your help.

 

[MrElussive]

1.) No. The only thing you have to worry about is the wheels fitting over the big rotors on your 330i. This is not an issue with the wheels you are using.

2.) Typically, when you get wider wheels, you get wider tires to match. No funniness involved in your case.

3.) 225/45-17 or 215/45-17, I would say go with 225 series tires.

 

[Average Jae]

iirc, all 330 brakes rotors/ calipers are the same size. (that's the only real issue to look at when deciding on wheel size: if they'll clear the rotor/ calipers. there's only one 16 inch rims that fits, that most of us know of.) offset is another one, but 47mm works w/ yours, and chances are your current fronts are 47mm offset anyway. (mine is..)

as for the tire size, if you have 7" wide rims, 225s maybe a bit too wide, but i dont' know for sure. (each size rims would genrally have a range of tire width they are compatible with.) i'd contact the local tires guy that's going to be mounting your tires, to see if they are compatible.

as for tire size: some say skinnier the better; since it "cuts" through the snow better, others say: yea, but wider is better for most of your (snowless/ iceless) winter driving, w/ little sacrifice in snow/ ice traction.. your choice, but i wouldn't get anything wider than 225s..

also: try to match the speed rating w/ your summer tires. if you are used to V-rated radials, you may find Q-rated, or even H-rated versions a bit too soft for your taste. (speed rating is sidewall stiffness, thus it doesn't affect winter traction.. so i heard anyway..)