wheels, tyre size. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

john elmes · 4th May 2001, 00:06

Has anyone had their wheels refurbed? I've got the standard twin spoke BMW wheels on my 95 M5, which are getting a bit tatty. I've noticed this wheel on a lot of later 7 series, and the finish is much better, almost polished on the rims. Are these the same wheels, ie stud patten and offset as the M5 ones? If i get mine refurbished, can i get the later type finish, anyone had any experience on this?
Whilst on the subject of wheels, can someone explain to me, why the M5 was sold in uk with wider wheels on the back,9J but with the same size tyre as the front,8J surly that defeats the point in having larger rear wheels, or am i missing something? The raer tyres always seemed a bit small for the rim, probably why the finish has worn off on the edge. And before you ask, the car was supplied new, with this tyre combination, as it seems all were!(according to the main dealer)

jrturbo · 4th May 2001, 00:50

Hi there

The 1995 M5 was fitted as standard with the nurburgring pack and this included 9 inch rear rims, this allows for a slightly wider footprint on the tyre, if this where to be fitted to the front you would be susceptible to wander under braking and tramline.

Yes your wheels can be refurbished and should you wish the rim to have a polished look, its fairly simple to do when the wheels are on the lathe. any wheel refurbishing company who now what they are doing should be able to comply. Also current tyres are equiped with rim protector beads to help you protect your wheels and avoid accidental damage whilst parking. The wheels on the later 7 series although look identical I believe may have slightly different centre bore size or the ofsett may not be correct.

I hope this helps

Joe Rubido

KLittle · 4th May 2001, 07:35

John:

The rims on your car were painted silver. The later 7 series rims have a polished lip an facing, with the rest painted silver. They are also clear coated. You can have your rims painted and polished by a wheel refinisher. I have had several sets of the 17" throwing stars done.

I just put M parallels on my 8 series, 18/8 fronts 13mm offset, 18/9.5 rear 25mm offset. Also put M parallels on one of my E34 M5's those are 18/8 front 20mm offset and rear 18/9 22mm offset. There is enough of offset difference to make them not interchangeable. I think the hub centers are the same size though.

I put 235/40/18 fronts and 265/35/18 rears on both cars. Same tire height front and rear with Michelin Pilot Sports. I do not know why BMW did not stagger the tire sizes with the 18" rims. They did with the european 17" throwing stars 235/45 front and 255/40 rear with 8" and 9" rims respectively.

Regards,

Ken Little

BigMac · 5th May 2001, 01:47

Joe Rubido said:

Quote:

Yes your wheels can be refurbished and should you wish the rim to have a polished look, its fairly simple to do when the wheels are on the lathe. any wheel refurbishing company who now what they are doing should be able to comply.

I was looking to have my wheels refurbished - well, actually, what they need is to be made more perfectly circular - and wondered if you had a name or telephone number of a local company that could do that?

[This message has been edited by BigMac (edited 04 May 2001).]