Finally got new wheels and tires! *56k beware*

[pgrindstaff]

So I first got my car in February and have pretty much needed wheels and tires since. The stock wheels had all come to know a few curbs quite well and the tires were basically bald. So after browsing ebay for a few months for new wheels I finally stumbled across some a couple of weeks ago with some decent tires on them. To put it simply, I upgraded my 15" basketweaves to 16" style 81s with michelon tires.

With a little help from various bmw related websites I found and ordered the correct hubcentric rings from tirerack and received them next day! That same day I made the mistake of stopping at the local bmw dealership to pick up some new lugs. Without doing any research or wanting to wait an extra day or so to put my wheels on I picked up 20 lugs for $111. Obviously I got ripped off but thats what happens when you get tired of waiting.

Now to the fun part, installing my new wheels. Isn't it amazing how a seemingly easy task can become the most difficult? I started to remove my left front wheel and all was fine until my dad and I got to the last two lugs on that wheel. These two lugs must have been overtightened because we ended up stripping the bolts and had to drill the two lugs out. Luckily, those were the only two bolts we had a problem with and the rest of the wheels went on without a hitch.

I am pretty excited about these new wheels, especially since I have yet to see any pictures of my new wheels on an e34. So, without making you read any more, here are some pictures of before and after.

Before:


After:


Hopefully these wheels look as good as I think they do.

-Patrick

[Evan]

great looking wheels... they make a big difference. Out of curiosity, did you loosen the lug nuts in sequence and a little at a time.. .or just remove one at a time?

[pgrindstaff]

They were loosened one at a time. You think that could have been my problem with getting the two off? We did all four wheels the same way

great looking wheels... they make a big difference. Out of curiosity, did you loosen the lug nuts in sequence and a little at a time.. .or just remove one at a time?

[angrypancake]

when you put your new wheels on, did you tighten them in the star pattern?

beautiful wheels. they really do make the most improvement, visually. lower the car, dammit!

[pgrindstaff]

Yes, the lugs were tightened in a star pattern. While the car was jacked up I did notice that the bushings on the back suspension need to be replaced. As soon as I can come up with some more money I will be upgrading the suspension, although, I have no idea what I will replace it with.

when you put your new wheels on, did you tighten them in the star pattern?

beautiful wheels. they really do make the most improvement, visually. lower the car, dammit!

[angrypancake]

eibach springs and koni shocks if you can afford it. Sachs kit (search) if not.

[guinness]

Very nice rims!!

[ThoreauHD]

Classy wheels. You guys may convert me from a OE whore yet.

[Kobe Diesel]

Very nice wheels...E39 style?

the new owner of any car should first check if he/she can loosen each lug nut or bolt on each wheel b/c you will need to at some point. Most tire shops use the impact wrench and over-tighten and you dont know you're SOL when you need to change a flat tire.

[pgrindstaff]

Yes, they are e39 wheels from a 2000 or newer 5 series I think, but am not positive. Good advice btw about checking the wheels, coulda saved some frustration.

Very nice wheels...E39 style?

the new owner of any car should first check if he/she can loosen each lug nut or bolt on each wheel b/c you will need to at some point. Most tire shops use the impact wrench and over-tighten and you dont know you're SOL when you need to change a flat tire.