New aftermarket wheels BBS RS-GTs (big pics)

[palantirion]

Finally bit the bullet and swapped out my OEMs for BBSs. (Note to purists, I am NOT getting rid of my OEM wheels.) The change was in large part due to needing new rubber anyway (read about the guardrail incident HERE) and wanting to run 275s on all four corners. I figured if I had to buy more wheels anyway, I might as well try something new and lighter than stock. Also, my wife got BBS RGRs for her wagon and I really liked the look and responsiveness of those wheels. Here's a pic of both cars at Laguna Seca in December:


The new wheels are BBS RS-GTs, 18x9.5 with 22mm offset. Tires are Michellin PS2s, 275/35R18. We used the typical 3mm spacer on the front. So far no clearance or rubbing issues (running Dinan stage 3 suspension with JRZ). Turn-in is FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE! My beast actually WANTS to rotate now. It actually feels more nimble than the last E46 M3 I drove! The grip level of the PS2s is SO much better than my PS1s it's almost undescribeable. SO MUCH BETTER! I can see why the tires were backordered at TireRack. Anyway, on to the pics...and more data below...

The wheels:


Wheels and tires compared (Note, PSs on OEMs are quite worn):




Note, the PS2s are 275s, PSs are 285s, but the new tires' tread look just as wide:


This angle caught my eye, note how much tire width I have under the nose now


Now for the big layup pic, before/after:


And some pics after she got back home:














Total weight:
Stock: 4024, 52%/48%, 2092/1932
F=front, R=rear, C=balanced, RU=rotational unsprung
Front BBK: -30FRU
Amps: +40R
NavTv+DVD: +6R
Euro armrest: +1C
Trunk foam removal: -1R
Dinan S2 package: -27R (front weight unchanged)
RE SSK: ?
UUC DF clutch: ?
Euro dash: -5C
RS-GT wheels, ff: -4FRU (-4.8 + 0.8 for spacers)
RS-GT wheels, rr: -7RRU
PS2s, ff: +2FRU
PS2s, rr: -6RRU

Current Weight: 3993, 51.5%/48.5%, 2058/1935
Effective weight change due to RU effect (x1.5): 3973, 51.4%/48.6 2044/1929


I miss the look of a staggered setup, but after driving the car once I'll never go back! I still think the car is more beautiful with the OEM wheels, but it's more interesting with the BBSs. Oh, and I applied Rejex to the wheels, so hopefully they'll make cleaning a little bit easier

[Chuckc]

Well done. You and the guys at BMS really know how to setup an M5 properly. Overall, an outstanding M5.

[Clem]

Looks awesome

[MAH]

Good looking wheels. I agree with you regarding the staggered look or the lack there of. I do like the larger lip look.

Good before and after comparisions.

Mark

[tranck]

Great pictures - better car - love it with the OEM's AND the BBS's

My PS1's are about shot so, someday in the near future, I'll definitely be switching to the PS2's.

Do you feel that the better handling is more attributed to the larger size fronts or the change from the PS1's to the 2's?

[markseven]

Dude, your car looks awesome! This is the first time I've seen your M5, and I love it!!! The rims look hawt and the quality/performance of a BBS & PS2 set-up goes without saying. You cannot go wrong with either.

[aw/ir02smg]

earl,

awesome! wow - nice lips on the rs-gt. very much enjoyed the photography, too , esp the b4 and aft shots.

jack

[Luke@tirerack]

looks great !!!

[jclyman]

I personally don't care for the wheels as much as some other wheels, but ... BUT, the body work looks PERFECT!

[Habu]

palantirion,

Nice looking rims.

Bob