Thinking about changing from 21" tires back to stock

jollymon · 27th December 2007, 08:20

I bought my beast 1.5 years back off Ebay. I got a good deal at the time (although not >60K! like we see now).

The car came with 21" customs Beverly Hill rims and tires. They look great (a little flashy for my taste but they do differentiate the car) and I've enjoyed them.

I recently rode in a friend's M5 who has stock tires. I was surprised how smooth the ride was.

So I'm thinking of changing in the custom tires for stock. Some questions:

1) Am I crazy? Am I significantly downgrading the value of my car by doing so?

2) What is the process? Do I just need new rims and tires? Any idea what I'm looking at cost plus service/labor?

3) My current 21" rims are beautiful but they do have slight curb knicks, etc... they're not perfect. Is there a market for slighly worn rims and tires?

Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Cheers

ccebrun · 27th December 2007, 09:51

Don't think your crazy. I personally went with a chromed version of the stock wheels. Best of both worlds! The ride is stock smooth but they make the car stand out because they are chrome. My brother had the same complaint with his car. The larger diameter rims make the ride stiffer and he also had issues with the rims getting bent whenever he hit a pothole. I recommend an aftermarket wheel shop or else the dealers are gonna stick it to ya! It pays to shop around. I think a stock e39 rim from the dealers is around $600 but you can find a complete aftermarket set for around $1000 original style that is. just my opinion. good luck with your decision!

M500 AED · 27th December 2007, 10:29

Crazy, no of course you are not.
Different wheels are a personal taste thing. Secondly if you like the ride better on the stock wheel, then there is another good reason to swap.
Downgrading the value? Any car is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it - obvious really, so if your customer likes big chrome wheels then it is worth less on stock. I guess you can't know before you put it up for sale.

The process is really easy, a good wheel or tire shop will probably do the whole thing in a 10 - 15 minutes. If you are buying tires at the same time for free too.

Yes there is a market for your present wheels, but why don't you offer them for sale as an exchange with a stock set, cash adjustment as needed.
For everyone who is going for bigger there are folk like you who have found the compromises of the larger wheels not to their liking.

renntech36 · 27th December 2007, 11:41

i have 21's and often miss my stock 19's. I would like to see a picture of your wheels as I may be interested in purchasing them from you to have a second set of 21's. You could post a picture or email me at harrissnodgrass@gmail.com

andrewsherman · 27th December 2007, 15:17

You should post in the "For Sale or Wanted" thread. So many of us have changed out of the stock wheels, I bet there is someone in your area with a set they are looking to sell.

BD 997 · 28th December 2007, 00:25

any pics?

eurotechnik · 28th December 2007, 01:50

pics?

DaveTexas · 28th December 2007, 02:14

If the stock wheels were aftermarket, many would be putting them on. I think they look great, albiet I am considering refinishing them in black chrome.

bernhtp · 28th December 2007, 03:10

Your ride and handling should improve markedly with the stock wheels.

MaxTimeOff · 28th December 2007, 04:40

Honestly 21's just sacrifice ride and performance way too much. I have 20's on my M6 and the ride is slightly more harsh than stock. The performance is probably the same or slightly improved as they are lighter than the OEM's and the cars is lowered about an inch.

You're not crazy, you're smart IMO.