Helga's New Wheels! SSR Comps (19x9.5 all around) + SO3s - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

boonielander · 6th March 2006, 22:26

Over the past couple of years, I've had many run-ins (

) with curbs, rising/falling sidewalk curbs, POTHOLES, and various Caltrans goodies. In any case, my wheels have had a rough life over the past few years, and been a long time coming that they needed a replacement set. I always wanted to run the same size all around, and so I ended up purchasing a brand new set of OEM rears from the dealer at a really good price. After thinking about it a little bit, I decided to sell my set if I could get a decent price on the wheels. I figured that if the OEMs were costing almost as much as some SSRs, I would pony up the difference for the SSRs.

Well, I finally did it. I have SSR Comps (19x9.5 et 20 all around w/3mm spacers up front). The offsets are almost exactly the same as the stock offsets of +20 front and +22 rear. I realize the spacers actually bring the fronts further out from stock, but I wanted the clearance for the spare OEM rear I'm now carrying in the trunk along with any suspension components. I've looked at the clearance to the outside of the fender, and it looks like it tucks in fairly well. (It's a little hard to see in the pics, though.)

In any case, I'm really happy with the look of the wheels and tires. I'm just a bit gun shy with all any potential potholes, though. The SO3 is a 30 series tire after all. I originally wanted the 18" SSR Comps, but TR didn't have any left; I think I would've felt more comfortable with more sidewall, but I needed a tire/wheel combo NOW due to a flat and worn rear tires. It was time...

So, here are some pics of Helga and her new shoes. I can't comment on the handling yet. I've only logged a couple hundred tender miles on the new wheels and tires. Without really pushing it yet, I notice a little bit better turn-in along with a greater tendency to tramline. I can't comment on understeer/oversteer reduction yet; I haven't been to the track or had a chance to push it.

p.s. Total damage: ~$3900

Carrera2RS · 6th March 2006, 23:04

Any more pictues of a full side shot and front angle ? looks good

Whizzkid11 · 6th March 2006, 23:24

NICE... just need a 4 wheel 8 pot Brembo kit to make it look right....

beastunleashed · 7th March 2006, 00:48

Those look really nice. Great choice.

Redshift · 7th March 2006, 01:01

Well doesn't that look familiar! I have the 18x9.5":

Nice selection!

The SSRs are noticeably lighter - you can easily tell that they open up the cornering, acceleration, and braking of the car without making any powertrain modifications, which is very nice.

boonielander · 7th March 2006, 01:51

Redshift,
I saw your thread from previously, and it was one of the deciding factors. Unfortunately, TR didn't have 18s in stock anymore, and it doesn't seem like SSR/Tanabe is making fitments in 5x120 pcd anymore. Thus, I ended up going to 19s.

boonielander · 7th March 2006, 01:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrera2RS

Any more pictues of a full side shot and front angle ? looks good

I'll try to get some more shots when I get the beast back from the dealer later this week....bad passenger side mirror motor.

EM5PWR · 7th March 2006, 02:00

they almost look like the dinan wheels .. how much did they cost ??

T-Man · 7th March 2006, 02:07

wow good luck.....SSR stands for super soft rims, i have over 20 sets of wheels thus far, SSR comp was the ONLY one i've ever bent (twice) within a 2 week period....

boonielander · 7th March 2006, 02:13

I think they are about $620/wheel at Tire Rack right now. Given the light weight of a 19" rim (~20lb), it's hard to argue with the price point.