18" ZHP wheel question

[sun3301]

I have 51,000 miles on my original 2001 330ci tires, and I am in need of a new set! The rears are almost slicks. Since I am about to buy new tires, I thought it was the right time to get new wheels too.

What I was curious about is the ZHP wheels. I like them visually, but I think there was some mention that they are heavier then the 17" M wheels that came with the 330ci. Is this true, and by how much roughly? I don't race or autocross, but I do enjoy the car's quick response on the twisty roads.

If I were to get a set of the ZHP wheels, will I feel a difference? If so, I may go for lighter weight 18" wheels or just keep the 17".

Thanks!

[jvr826]

I know the ZHP wheels weigh about 26#, give our take. They are staggered from the factory. Rears are slightlyheavier than fronts by about a half a pound I think.

Tire weight is also a consideration. If you can keep your setup as close to your 17" stock setup (weight wise) or less, then you're fine. So, sometimes a slightly heavier wheel can be offset with a slightly lighter tire. A pound or two will probably not be noticable, but from past experience, 8# per corner was definitely noticable.

[Chris90]

ZHP rims are about 2 lbs heavier than the 17" M68 rims on your car. Neither is light.

Near perfect ZHP rims go for around $800-900, not including tires. Brand new they are like $375 each.

[sun3301]

Thanks for the insights guys. Now the question is, how to determine tire weight. Tirerack I seem to recall has that info.

2 Ibs per wheel of extra weight doesn't sound like a lot, but I'm sure for some it is! Does anyone have a recommendation for tires for these wheels and perhaps the right combo to get the weight right. Perhaps these 2 Ibs are not an issue.

I'm also considering OZ rims or BBS.

[jvr826]

Tire Rack does have the information. Choose a tire, then look at the specs for it. I will tell you Bridgestone S-03's are on the heavy side. Michelin PS and PS2s are lighter.

A couple of pounds will probably not make a huge difference, but like I said before, 8# was definitely noticable to me. I weighed OEM 17" wheel/tire combo at 46 pounds, my aftermarket 18" setup was 54# with 50% tread left on BS S-03's.

For instance, all specs from Tirerack.com for stock ZHP tire sizes

S-03 - 28# front, 28# rear
PS2 - 21# front, 24# rear
PS1 - 23# front, 24# rear

YMMV

[sun3301]

Thanks for the tire weight info!

I was reading that the Michelins were a good tire to go for year round usage. This is brings to mind a fundamental question, I have been assuming that the style 135M ZHP wheel is a direct bolt on to my 2001 330ci.

[jvr826]

Thanks for the tire weight info!

I was reading that the Michelins were a good tire to go for year round usage. This is brings to mind a fundamental question, I have been assuming that the style 135M ZHP wheel is a direct bolt on to my 2001 330ci.

They will be a direct bolt on.

I have PS2s on my car now and they are awesome! After a couple thousand miles the turn in is really good. I had them at the track for a weekend in 100 degree heat and they never got squirly or greasy on me, and never as much as a peep out of them. I was a S-03 guy before, I think I'm sold on the PS2s.

[sun3301]

Jeff-

Thanks, you've been a big help. Now to see where I can find a set of wheels!

[ktc]

Jeff-

Thanks, you've been a big help. Now to see where I can find a set of wheels!

Have fun cleaning them. Keep that in mind. ;)

[sun3301]

Good point. I have this great brush from Griots that makes very short work of cleaning my stock wheels.

[jvr826]

Good point. I have this great brush from Griots that makes very short work of cleaning my stock wheels.

It's not as bad as it looks. I have big hands and I can still reach in behind the spokes to clean the rim. I use a small sponge, clean behind the spokes, then inside the openings, then the face of the wheel, then I turn it on end and stuff it in the space between the spokes. I have also used a sponge brush (search on cleaning ZHP rims in the detail forum) and there you go. Much easier than a basket weave pattern, but not as easy as a 5-spoker.

Keeping a good coat of synthetic protectant on them like Klasse helps beyond words. It does not allow brake dust to stick well and most rinses off with a heavy stream from a hose. Do not use carnuba based wax or you will increase your effort, it actually attracts brake dust.

I've had mine for over a year and have a system down. I probably spend 5 mins per wheel max. I do not recommend using wheel cleaners like P21S Gel. I did use this on a former E39 with Style-5's and it always left a film on the wheels. Regular car wash soap is just fine if the wheels are cleaned frequently.

I would cut my leg off with a butter knife before I would have Style-5's on another car of mine!!

Plenty of people sell ZHP wheels over at E46Fantatics and I even think you can buy replicas from Modbargains.com. I have had my eye on the M6 replica they sell, but no staggered in 18" setup, so I'm cold on them.

[sun3301]

Thanks Jeff- Yeah, it takes me about 1 minute per wheel now with the Griot's Boar hair wheel brush. I would imagine it taking a little more time with these wheels.

I'll look at e46fanatics and I was wondering if any local dealerships may have deals on "take offs" in the San Francisco Bay Area.

[sun3301]

Hey, FYI-

I was really curious about the weight difference between style 68M 17" and style 135M 18" wheels.

Here's what I found and I don't know how accurate the information is:

Style 68M frt: 21lbs r: 22lbs
Style 135M frt: 25lbs r: 28lbs

I was surprised to find this info, if true, then I am having second thoughts for switching to 135m's.

BTW, Michelin PS2 18" weigh 21lbs frt and 24lbs rear

[Chris90]

Hey, FYI-

I was really curious about the weight difference between style 68M 17" and style 135M 18" wheels.

Here's what I found and I don't know how accurate the information is:

Style 68M frt: 21lbs r: 22lbs
Style 135M frt: 25lbs r: 28lbs

I was surprised to find this info, if true, then I am having second thoughts for switching to 135m's.

BTW, Michelin PS2 18" weigh 21lbs frt and 24lbs rear

I think that's the wrong weight for the M68s, which should be more like 24-25 lbs. There was a slight difference lifting up my M68s vs 135s, while my OZs (18 lbs) feel much lighter.

[WAM]

I think that weight info is correct. Style 44, 8x17", wheels weigh 10.5 kg, which is about 23 lbs. Style 68M's are lighter.

There was a thread on this board about wheel weights, do a search for it. Several BMW wheel weights were quoted.

Hey, FYI-

I was really curious about the weight difference between style 68M 17" and style 135M 18" wheels.

Here's what I found and I don't know how accurate the information is:

Style 68M frt: 21lbs r: 22lbs
Style 135M frt: 25lbs r: 28lbs

I was surprised to find this info, if true, then I am having second thoughts for switching to 135m's.

BTW, Michelin PS2 18" weigh 21lbs frt and 24lbs rear

[sun3301]

Did a search, here's what I found, a site called http://www.wheelweights.net/

After a short while, I found the weights this guy posted for style 68M and style 135M and to my surprise, they correspond to what I found elsewhere.

[kyfdx]

Did a search, here's what I found, a site called http://www.wheelweights.net/

After a short while, I found the weights this guy posted for style 68M and style 135M and to my surprise, they correspond to what I found elsewhere.

68M come in two different sizes... so, who knows? I very much doubt that the 8.5" rear wheels weigh the same as the 7.5" front wheels..