Author Topic: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive  (Read 1587 times)

Offline slybry

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2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« on: August 16, 2011, 08:24:36 am »
I live in Montreal where winter tires are mandatory. Because I go to Florida in winter I only use my winter tires a couple months each year. After finding out that BMW wants $1800 for a set of steelies, tires and hubcaps I decided to check out things 2nd hand.

I am hoping to find a 2nd hand set of winter wheels/mags and tires for my 2011 BMW 328. I plan to run the same size as my summer tires which is 205/55/16.

When looking 2nd hand should I only look at wheels that came off a car strictly with the same E90 platform (BMW 3 series sedan from 2006 to present). I have seen some good deals on wheels that came off BMW 325 with same tire size but I am worried about offset and bolt patterns not being correct.

Can anyone provide me with some guidelines to ensure the wheels I buy with suit my car.

Thanks
Living my BMW dream.

Offline tpl

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2011, 08:37:15 am »
All the 3-ers from 2002 on have the same bolt pattern   5 * 120 mm.   The offset thing is more complex. There is an offset calculator on e90post.com    but offset is also a matter of the particular rim width and tire size.  I could not find a table anywhere.    I suspect but don't know that late model E46 wheels will be correct.
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Offline normancw

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2011, 08:53:24 am »
You're correct - e90 rims have a different offset than e46 rims.

Offline tpl

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2011, 09:07:57 am »
But how different?    5-10mm should not make a difference provided that the tires don't rub on anything...15-20mm would be too different.

Offline Gardiner Westbound

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #4 on: August 16, 2011, 09:17:24 am »
Specification: Size: 16x7.5, Offset: 42mm, Backspacing: 5.90", Bolt Pattern: 5-120, Rec. Tire Size: 205/55-16

Tirerack.com lists several aftermarket 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sedan wheels from US$85 each plus shipping, duties and taxes. Doubt used wheels will be less costly.

Best buy is a pre-mounted winter tire and wheel combo. Watch for specials and closeouts.

Think about TPMS sensors. Some say they're worth the expense, others not. I'm with the naysayers.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=328i+xDrive+Sedan&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=Base+Model&initialPartNumber=CD675512042S&i1_Qty=4&wheelMake=Sport+Edition&wheelModel=CD&wheelFinish=Silver+Painted&showRear=no
« Last Edit: August 16, 2011, 09:16:15 pm by Gardiner Westbound »
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Offline normancw

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #5 on: August 16, 2011, 09:42:25 am »
There's a 13mm difference - the e90 16x7 has a 34mm offset while the e46 16x7 has a 47mm offset.  e46 rims on an e90 will be 14mm more "in" - reducing the track by 28mm.

Offline slybry

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2011, 03:24:35 pm »
Well I bought some 16 inch BMW steel rims & BMW hupcaps 2nd hand. The guy was running them on a 2008 328. I saw picture of his car with the wheels and hubcaps on the car. He said he bought set from dealer. I am assuming they will fit my 2011 328 xdrive.

They are BMW rims and they have all kinds of numbers imprinted on inside. I was trying to figure out if any of the numbers represent the offset and if there was a part number.

Here is all the numbers I see:
1095 (with 013 under it)
>st<
48 (with 04 under it)
7J X (with 16H2 under it)
IS47 (I updated this at 8:49pm)
SRD (with DE under it)
163701

The wheels came with a set of 210 Pirelli snowsport 205/55/16 91 H. Two of the tires are in good shape with 9/32 of tread but the other two are just about finished. Can I buy 2 used Pirelli Snowsports and pair them up on same axle and make a set?
« Last Edit: August 19, 2011, 08:49:43 pm by slybry »

Offline airbalancer

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2011, 04:18:29 pm »
I am surpraise 16 would fit a BMW, I guess you have dont have a sport package

Offline slybry

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #8 on: August 19, 2011, 04:26:04 pm »
I am surpraise 16 would fit a BMW, I guess you have dont have a sport package

My car came equipped with 16 inch alloys. The current 2011 328 Xdrive classic does not even have a wheel option to upgrade to 17 inchers. You have to go for Executive option to get all the choices but it costs a lot more.

Offline tpl

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #9 on: August 19, 2011, 04:48:49 pm »
When I had a BMW those Pirelli Snowsports were the tire fitted to all the dealer snow tire rim sets so I would believe that the came from a dealer.

Offline Gardiner Westbound

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #10 on: August 19, 2011, 08:03:59 pm »
I am assuming they will fit my 2011 328 xdrive.

They are BMW rims and they have all kinds of numbers imprinted on inside. I was trying to figure out if any of the numbers represent the offset and if there was a part number.

Here is all the numbers I see:
1095 (with 013 under it)
>st<
48 (with 04 under it)
7J X (with 16H2 under it)
1547
SRD (with DE under it)
163701

The wheels came with a set of 210 Pirelli snowsport 205/55/16 91 H. Two of the tires are in good shape with 9/32 of tread but the other two are just about finished. Can I buy 2 used Pirelli Snowsports and pair them up on same axle and make a set?

I suspect the "48" is the offset in millimeters. The "16" is probably the rim diameter in inches. The "7J" may identify the rim width and bead shape. Other numbers might include manufacturer casting and catalog numbers. The tires are the same size so they're largely irrelevant.

The critical factors are the bolt pattern, hub size and offset. Your best bet is to test fit the winter wheels on the front of your car. If the wheels mount, mate up with the hubs, clear the brakes, and the steering wheel turns from lock to lock without interference you should be home free.

Can't see a problem with replacing the worn out tires with used Pirelli Snowsports on the same axle.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2011, 05:12:14 pm by Gardiner Westbound »

Offline slybry

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #11 on: August 19, 2011, 09:05:17 pm »

There's a 13mm difference - the e90 16x7 has a 34mm offset while the e46 16x7 has a 47mm offset.  e46 rims on an e90 will be 14mm more "in" - reducing the track by 28mm.

I misread something on the rim. IS47 is printed. I think the offset on rims I got is 47. I suspect these rims were meant for E46 not my e90.

I am not concerned about the reduced track of 28 mm as far as appearance and handling goes but am concerned these wheels will fit. I can only hope based on the fact previous owner had them on a 2008 328 that they will work on my 2011 328.

Crap..... something else to worry about. :-[

Offline normancw

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #12 on: August 19, 2011, 09:20:10 pm »
Searching for part number 163701 shows that this is a rim for the e46.

Offline Julie

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #13 on: August 20, 2011, 12:46:05 am »
slybry, if they don't work, put them up for sale.

You can get an inexpensive set of after-market alloys with excellent tires at a place like Tirerack and there's also a sponsor on this site, 1010tires.com

I've purchased from Tirerack before, although it was not for the E92.  It was for my Acura and price and service, even with duty, shipping, etc. was a very good value IMO.  Got my wheels quickly too. 

Lots and lots of people with E90's on the bimmer forums buy the (inexpensive) EDIT Rial Salerno after-market rims + winter tires combo from Tirerack, and are happy with them  (I did not get the Tirerack combo for my E92 because I had my eye on a particular set of OEM wheels so got those instead)
« Last Edit: August 20, 2011, 01:07:19 am by Julie »

Offline slybry

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #14 on: August 20, 2011, 03:49:58 pm »
Searching for part number 163701 shows that this is a rim for the e46.

Ahhh Crap......   :(

What a bummer. I tried to be careful. I confirm they were BMW rims and they came off a 2008 328 so I thought I had it made.

I guess I will try them and see if they work.

I assume these BMW wheels 163701 will accept Run Flat Tires if I opt for them???

It seems BMW wheels you do not have lug nuts but in fact you have bolts that come right out. never seen that on any car. How the hell do you hold the tire to get the 1st bolt back in.
« Last Edit: August 20, 2011, 06:03:41 pm by slybry »

Offline airbalancer

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #15 on: August 20, 2011, 06:14:49 pm »
It is not hard to do

Offline tpl

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #16 on: August 20, 2011, 06:16:13 pm »
Searching for part number 163701 shows that this is a rim for the e46.

Ahhh Crap......   :(

What a bummer. I tried to be careful. I confirm they were BMW rims and they came off a 2008 328 so I thought I had it made.

I guess I will try them and see if they work.

I assume these BMW wheels 163701 will accept Run Flat Tires if I opt for them???

It seems BMW wheels you do not have lug nuts but in fact you have bolts that come right out. never seen that on any car. How the hell do you hold the tire to get the 1st bolt back in.
You fit the wheel onto the centre of the hub and hold it there while rotating to get a bolt hole lined up. Then you hold it with one hand while screwing in the first bolt by hand.    I have seen a tool for this, a  threaded piece of metal with no bolt head that you screw into one bolt hole just to take the weight of the wheel while you get it onto the hub centre.      IMHO this is not a task for a 90 lb woman at the side of the road in the dark and rain.  

I have no idea if the rim edges will work with runflats....I think you need  a BMW dealer or the Tire rack to answer that one as you have all the numbers.

Offline Gardiner Westbound

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #17 on: August 21, 2011, 08:46:17 am »
It seems BMW wheels you do not have lug nuts but in fact you have bolts that come right out. never seen that on any car. How the hell do you hold the tire to get the 1st bolt back in.

BMW Wheel Alignment Tool - See attachment

http://www.bavauto.com/
« Last Edit: August 21, 2011, 08:52:30 am by Gardiner Westbound »

Offline tpl

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #18 on: August 21, 2011, 08:50:09 am »
^^ yes, that is where I saw it.  I used to get that catalogue.  A whole 12.95.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2011, 08:52:22 am by tpl »

Offline slybry

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Re: 2nd hand wheels/mags for BMW 328 XDrive
« Reply #19 on: August 22, 2011, 07:25:51 pm »
I saw on a web site today statements about effects of offset differences. It warned against using wheel with different offsets not only because they might rub on things. They also stated it could affect steering and put stress on wheel bearings and suspension components. It went on and on about the possible consequences.

This makes me think that even if they fit and do not rub I may still have issues.

I am willing to put up with my winters being a little tucked in (due to negative offset of 13 mm each side) but I do not want to screw up my new car's suspension.

I have searched the web like crazy and cannot find anything giving me a definitive answer if the e46 16 inch wheels will be OK on the E90.

I am going to discuss with BMW dealership tomorrow and if they do not reassure me that the wheels will be ok I will put them up for sale.