Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

[jerte3]

Hi guys

im driving a 523i (E60) with a 17" normal rims (about 1 yr old). thinking of upgrading to a new set of maybe 19". any suggestions or recommendations on rims, tyres, workshops etc. ?:juggle:

RIMS
NB: im comptemplating BMW Model 167 (for M6 series), Model 166 (for M5 series) or the AC Schnitzer Racing Type 4. looking interesting include Breyton Magic or Spirit? how about Hamann Anniversary I?

also, i understand there are original and replicas (cheapest Taiwan made and also got Italy made). example i understand say the original AC Schnitzer Type 4costs about $1600 per rim while a Taiwan replica costs like $300+ per rim. Any views or suggestions for the newbie (i heard potential problems like vibrations, noise, cracks? )?

TYRES
I also understand there are no 19" run flat tyres available. Any good 19" tyres to recommend for value for money. Im being recommended Dunlop/ Bridgestone 19" costing about $400 each? suggesions? i went to AC Schintzer website and they are recommending Continental and Michelin.

WORKSHOP
I only heard about KBS Motorsport at Sin Ming - any feedbacks or other recommendations

Truly appreciate any feedbacks and Gong Xi Fa Chai
jerte3

 

[TripleM]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Welcome and Gong Xi Fa Cai

Rims:
Those tuner rims like Hamann, ACS, Breyton are expensive rims indeed. They are OEM to OZ or BBS in general.
KBS and Benzline both bring in Hamann products. For Breyton, u can try AutoVox or Juzz4Cars. For ACS, PML for sure and sometimes Stamford tires.

You can find some replicas too esp in the ACS range like Type IV Racing which is very popular. This rim is increasingly available in sizes n specs for Japanese cars too.

For 5-er, I personally like the M5 rims. I think they look great. The spokes are deep and stretched out to the edges, making the rim look big and sporty. There are replica ones for this type of rim too. They work just fine. Some are made in Taiwan some are in Italy, the latter one seems to be better in quality.
Similar story with the M6 rims.

I reckon you can try your luck at AutoVox, RayS, Hurry Tires and the tire shop along Killiney Rd can't remember the name. Else, Stamford Tires mega mart and Leong Seng are also some good places to visit...U will see some wheels there that might change your mind

Tires
Yes there are RFT for 19..BMW uses Bridgestone Potenza RE-50 I believe.
They are extremely heavy and very expensive but they offer good benefits as suggested by the name RFT.

Different tuners recommend different tires so u dont hv to listen to them.
Hamann recommends Hankook too fyi.

For 19in, a good value for money is the Federal 595 ( Taiwan made ). I think the price for 235/40/19 should be low 300bux. Michelin, Continental, Pirelli are expensive european tires. Their counterparts like Bridgestones, Dunlop, Yokohama make great tires for good economic value. So the choices are broad. Know what you are after and proceed from there.

Cheers

 

[jerte3]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Hi Triple M

first of all, let me just say i am indeed amazed at the kind of swift, sophiscated response i got within just hours of making my first post. You guys not only know your stuff, but is kdind enough to willing to share, which is so crucial to newbie like us. THANK YOU!!!

allow me to clarify a little more:-

1. do you know of any associated problems of using replica rims be they from Taiwan or Italy?I'm just worried if it is too good a deal - any potential vibrations, noise, misalignment, skidding, warranty voiding issues you came across?

2. Assuming i do get the M5 rims - there are original (about $900+ ea at PML and $800+ at other workshops) and italy replica (about $500ea) (i understand there is no more taiwan one - maybe out of stock or something. Is there a need to do the change at PML i.e. will they offer like warranty, more service, safefty or anything more that the o/s workshops like KBS can't? because say for the original M5 rims, if i do at PML, i have to pay about$100 more for each rim as well as $100+ installation fee. If you think there is no need to do at PML, do you have any particular workshop to recommend? and will you go for the orignal, Italy replica personally, since the taiwan one is presumed to be unavailable?

3. just curious, are you in the car trade? u seems so knowledgable!

many thanks in advance
jerte3

 

[Orh LuLu]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

2. Assuming i do get the M5 rims - there are original (about $900+ ea at PML and $800+ at other workshops) and italy replica (about $500ea) (i understand there is no more taiwan one - maybe out of stock or something. Is there a need to do the change at PML i.e. will they offer like warranty, more service, safefty or anything more that the o/s workshops like KBS can't? because say for the original M5 rims, if i do at PML, i have to pay about$100 more for each rim as well as $100+ installation fee. If you think there is no need to do at PML, do you have any particular workshop to recommend?
3. just curious, are you in the car trade? u seems so knowledgable!


jerte3

Save the $100 per rim.. go aftermarket workshop.. What PML can offer, aftermarket can offer better! PML aftersales service SUKS!! the only extra warranty PML gives is "they warranty you once go back to them for a problem, u will go back another time to solve the same first problem".....

TripleM has given u some workshop names.. they handle lots of BMW.. go for them will nv go wrong. I had my 22" DPE rims fitted at Hurry tires...

TripleM is nt a car trader.. He is Dr Mod Virus... and he is oso Top Poster here.. and oso Hamann Whore.. and Oso knowledgable in Viet Cuisine, sme times Nasir Lamak.. recently lost his Armani... He is Khac bher (irrelavant)..

 

[chickenbackside]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

1. do you know of any associated problems of using replica rims be they from Taiwan or Italy?I'm just worried if it is too good a deal - any potential vibrations, noise, misalignment, skidding, warranty voiding issues you came across?

Plenty of people are running replicas here without any problems. My own experience with them have been problem-free, although I no longer have them.

2. Assuming i do get the M5 rims - there are original (about $900+ ea at PML and $800+ at other workshops) and italy replica (about $500ea) (i understand there is no more taiwan one - maybe out of stock or something. Is there a need to do the change at PML i.e. will they offer like warranty, more service, safefty or anything more that the o/s workshops like KBS can't? because say for the original M5 rims, if i do at PML, i have to pay about$100 more for each rim as well as $100+ installation fee. If you think there is no need to do at PML, do you have any particular workshop to recommend? and will you go for the orignal, Italy replica personally, since the taiwan one is presumed to be unavailable?

There is absolutely ZERO need to go to PML to change rims and tyres unless you enjoy throwing money away. Yes PML will probably offer a warranty on the M5 rims if you get it from them, but it is unlikely that you will need it unless you like to drive your car up kerbs violently.

In any case, the replica M5 rims are not of bad quality. Wilman2772 uses them exclusively for track days (meaning exclusively for thrashing) and has not had any problems. The are plenty other people on M5 replicas too and I've not come across a single complaint on this forum about them.

One thing I would like to bring to your attention is that you can run either the same size rim all round or run a staggered setup (rear rim size bigger than front). Each has their own pros and cons. A same-size-all-round setup is cheaper and you can easily rotate tyres if you choose to run assymetrical tyres. A staggered set is more expensive and you can't rotate the tyres as they're of different sizes, but they look a lot better. Your 523i will not warrant a staggered setup with it's power output, so if you do it, it will be for cosmetic purposes only.

But there is a huge difference in the way a car looks with a staggered setup. Also, you will get a very nice abd aggressive curvature to your rear rims if you go staggered; something you can't get with a all same size setup.

Any of the workshops that TripleM listed are more than capable to do the job.

3. just curious, are you in the car trade? u seems so knowledgable!

TripleM is our regular make-you-part-with-lots-of-money-guy around here.

 

[jerte3]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Guys

What can i say. I came across this website after googling at 9plus on sat nite. sun morning 2-3am plus i register a free member. then i post a question on this thread. and before i know it - Triple M, chickenbackside and orh lulu have kindly feedbacked such useful insights within the next few hours. A few hours of work on this forum has probably saved me probably thousands of unneccessary dollars, time (at least days if not weeks) to search blindly around, headaches and confusion. This is the best thing i hv done. Hopefully, i can gain enough knowledge along the way to contribute as well.

so can i conclude:-

1. Rims
Replicas should generally work just as well, hence we could save on a few thousands. Shuld we care if it is Taiwan or Italy - because i understanf that Italy ones are on avg about $200 more $x per rim i.e. $500 vs $300 per rim? Also i understand that for the M5 replica, there are no more Taiwan ones available - based on the one workshop i checked and he assured me that all the fellow workshops use the same supplier i,e, if he don't have, other competitve workshops will not have as well. true?

2. Tyres
Need not go for branded european brands. japanese ones line Dunlop or Bridgestone should suffice. or as TripleM surmise Federal looks good bang for the buck.

3. Workshops
Generally, need not go back PML - the other afternarket ones like Hurry, KBS etc are ok, if not better in terms of px and svc. But is there one or 2 particular workshops one will like to strongly recommend, based on your experience?

 

[TripleM]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

1. Rims
Replicas should generally work just as well, hence we could save on a few thousands. Shuld we care if it is Taiwan or Italy - because i understanf that Italy ones are on avg about $200 more $x per rim i.e. $500 vs $300 per rim? Also i understand that for the M5 replica, there are no more Taiwan ones available - based on the one workshop i checked and he assured me that all the fellow workshops use the same supplier i,e, if he don't have, other competitve workshops will not have as well. true?

I am not surprised at all that some shops actually get the same replica rims from the same source. After all, it's all part of distribution channels. If I were to go with the replica ones, I'd personally be more comfortable with the Italy made ones coz they are more tua kee kekeke...
seriously, just a better build. U know the Italians , Germans and the Japanese are up there!

2. Well concluded.

3. I patronize both Leong Seng Tires and South East Tires. Been with them for years.

Others prefer to go to Hurry Tires. They hv got customers from Cherry QQ to Lamborghini. Very reputable amongst those residents who live in Orchard/Bt Timah/Holland area.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Oh yes, I am not a car trader nor do I have any vested interests in any of the names I mentioned above. I m just a freak and car is like my religion, well sort of.

 

[Kiddy M]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

hi Jerte3.. Gong xi fa cai.. welcome to the forum...

As per TripleM said, when u do visit some of the shops he listed, u might add a few more brands into ur selections. Mainly Jap rims, which are lighter than the European ones..
If u want bling.. u can try Riverside, super deep dish rims...

As for tires, i have a set of 19inch ADVAN Sports, if u are interested.. with 80% thread remaining.. PM me for the price...

 

[jerte3]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

hi kiddym

thnks. i am still considering and will keep ur offer in mind. cheers.

 

[jerte3]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Thanks TripleM. U are truly a great help for newbies like me. Cheers.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

No worries dude
I will share what I know only...
Happy modding.

 

[Hubba]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Btw, what's the recommended Offset & Center Bore for the e60?

Are rims for the e60 interchangeble with the e90?

Tks for the info.... :juggle:

 

[TripleM]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

The 5-er center bore is slightly larger than the 3er
I think it's ard 75mm vs 72.5mm there about
So they are not interchangeable in that sense plus the offsets are very different too.

From OEM point of view, the offset ranges are:
Front +12 to +18 For 8.5JJ
Rear +28 to +32 For 9.5JJ
18 or 19inch dont matter.

To give u an example, the most aggressive offsets in 5 er rims from OEM is the M5/M6 wheels and they are +12 front and +28 rear and since they are suitable for non-M then u can't go wrong with those too if u are going for after mkt ones

 

[Hubba]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Thanks for the info .

 

[jerte3]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Hi TripleM and fellow helpful forumers

After some considerations, i think i am ready to go for the rims & tyres upgrades for my
E60 523i.

For rims, i am likely to go for the 19" M6 Italy made replica rims.
Queries:-
1. While i know rims choices are individual preference, but just wonder does having a M6 rims on a 5 series looks 'ok'?
2. The workshop i went to quote me a supposedly good price of about $2250 a set. Is this a reasonable price?
3. How do i know i am purchasing Italy made replica as opposed to Taiwan made one? e.g. is there like a Made in Italy mark somewhere to indicate?
4. They also allow me to trade in my 17' Original 523i (10mths old) rims+tyres for about $650 (initially only quote me $400...) - reasonable?
5. it seems that only staggered rims are available but at no extra cost i.e. no tyres rotation in future - ok?

With regards to 19" rims - i heard there are these possible problems:
1. less fuel efficiency
2. slow start/stop
3. more hard and uncomfortable ride
4. rims more prone to damage especially when ride over humps etc as tyres are 'thinner'
Comments

Lastly, on tyres
For a budget of about $400+/-, the workshop discourages Korean and Taiwan brands like Federal. Instead he recommend Jap brands like Goodyear, Yokohama. For this budget, any particular brands or models to suggest? i think i prefer more comfortable and quiet ride if possible.

many thnks in advance

 

[hetraa]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

For rims, i am likely to go for the 19" M6 Italy made replica rims.
Queries:-
1. While i know rims choices are individual preference, but just wonder does having a M6 rims on a 5 series looks 'ok'?

i think it looks weird ,cos the m6 wheels look empty cos of its thin spokes, more suited to a lower car stance like the 6ser. on the 5ser , it looks heavy on top and skinny below.
asethetic point of view..

2. The workshop i went to quote me a supposedly good price of about $2250 a set. Is this a reasonable price?

POH heng rite? seems very good price for 19....


3. How do i know i am purchasing Italy made replica as opposed to Taiwan made one? e.g. is there like a Made in Italy mark somewhere to indicate?

Not sure about these.

4. They also allow me to trade in my 17' Original 523i (10mths old) rims+tyres for about $650 (initially only quote me $400...) - reasonable?

650 is a good price. i got $500 for my 3ser 16 inch stock rim last time.
Stock rims hard to sell anyway..nobody seems to want them...

5. it seems that only staggered rims are available but at no extra cost i.e. no tyres rotation in future - ok?

Rotation is good, cos it makes for even tread wear. But staggered looks good. better traction at the rear thats if u got strong power!

With regards to 19" rims - i heard there are these possible problems:
1. less fuel efficiency - Nope. i think the 19inch rims will still be lighter than your RF and stock heavy rims. depends on the design, less spokes =lighter.
2. slow start/stop -true, but slightly only, its already a heavy car . effect more pronounced on Jap cars.
3. more hard and uncomfortable ride - true cos thinner and less bounce
4. rims more prone to damage especially when ride over humps etc as tyres are 'thinner' - not really.

 

[jerte3]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

Hi guys

Just want to say thank you for all the suggestions. really make my rims/tyres selection easier. today, i have finally took the step to 'upgrade' my 17" rims to the 19" M6 Replica staggered rims, with Dunlop Sportmaxx (as recommended by TripleM) and i am glad to say i am very pleased with the results. The exterior of the car has changed dramatically (at least this is how me and my spouse feel) and cuts a more impressive figure. The 19" rims is imposing. Also, i managed to secure a good(i think) trade in px for my old 17" 11mths old rims for sgd500. In fact, just by comparing and negotating between the 3 strongly workshops of killiney rd one, hurry and leong seng, i managed to save at least sgd500 if i have just took the first available quotation from one 1 workshop.

The only problems are that the replica rims have minor flaws on 3 of the rims like some watermark stain, slight dent, slight chop at rim cirumference. but the workshop has promised to intent a new set and i will change for the new ones hopefully on monday.

Also, i am thinking of making the brake callipers more striking w/o looking 'cheap' or beng. i am advised to consider placing a plastic cover over them or spray paint them, probably red. any suggestions. my car body is amythest colour (brown). juzzcar is the suggested workshop?

any is it neccessary to do wheel alignment after this rim change? i am advised to. but can i go back PML for a free service?

thanks

 

[kurqa]

Re: Rims and Tyres recommendations for 5 series (E60) ?

wheel alignment is a good idea...but maybe you should wait for the new set of rims the workshop promised you 1st...

personally i feel kian teong auto does good wheel alignment. damage is 60 bucks and they are at sin ming autocare, and i must disclaim that i am not related to them in any way.

a word of advice though...don't do anything related to caliper covers if you are not changing to bigger brakes...the change will be obvious and sort of make the brakes look smaller, especially if you are running m6 rims which tend to make the brakes look small in proportion due to the hollow effect. also the painted caliper covers will cheapen the look of your very nice car! hope this helps...