What is my stock wheel width? ( I have pic)

[noflash]

I have a '99 328i w/ SP.

I don't know the type number, but the are the 17" fat spoked ones.

I found a pic:
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/199000-199999/199305_22_full.jpg

[postoak]

Somebody posted this neat link to photos of all the BMW wheel types:

http://www.kalach.easynet.be/bmw_wheels.htm

It looks like your wheels are type 44. Click on the ? icon above the image and it confirms that and indicates these wheels are 8" x 17".

Edit: Scratch that. It isn't clear whether the type 44s came on the SP or non-SP.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Style 44s ARE what he's got and ARE 17x8, and did NOT come with the non-SP.

[noflash]

This leads to my next question (I should probable post this by itself)...

If I put 17x8 wheels on my virtual car at the tirerack's upgrade garage it recommends tire size 235/40-17.

YET! When I opt for the rear wheels to be 17x9 the site recommends 225/45-17 for the fronts (still 17x8) and 245/40-17 for the rear.

So, currently I have 17x8 with 225/45-17.

What gives? Does this mean I have a choice of 225 or 235 for 8" wide wheels? If so, why not go with 235 on the staggered setup?
:dunno:

[Kaz]

You may want to look at the recent 'To stagger or not to stagger' thread re: whether you want to stagger or not.

A wheel width isn't necessarily tied to a single tire width. A tire spec chart will show the allowable wheel widths for that size.

[noflash]

From my search I can only determine that either the jury is still out on the issue or it is up to personal preference.

I think I am going to wait until after winter to decide and order.

Thanks all for the help.

[TeamM3]

This leads to my next question (I should probable post this by itself)...

If I put 17x8 wheels on my virtual car at the tirerack's upgrade garage it recommends tire size 235/40-17.

YET! When I opt for the rear wheels to be 17x9 the site recommends 225/45-17 for the fronts (still 17x8) and 245/40-17 for the rear.

So, currently I have 17x8 with 225/45-17.

What gives? Does this mean I have a choice of 225 or 235 for 8" wide wheels? If so, why not go with 235 on the staggered setup?
:dunno:


the reason for the differing recommended tire sizes is that a 235/40-17 has a smaller diameter (24.4") than the 245/40-17 (24.7"), but the 225/45-17 is a near match (24.8") and most people would want a wider tire on the wider rear wheel. You could also order the staggered wheel setup with 235/40's all around too if you wanted.

an advantage to using the 235/8" setup all-around is that you can rotate any wheel to any corner, staggered setups are a PITA in this regard

[Kaz]

an advantage to using the 235/8" setup all-around is that you can rotate any wheel to any corner, staggered setups are a PITA in this regard

I originally had 235/40 on 8" F and 8.5 R. Despite the fact that my 8.5s fit up front, I wasn't really comfortable with it, so I ended up spending more money to get 2 more 8s to get all 4 wheels/tires of the identical size.

Granted, I've now spent too much money and have a pair of 18x8.5 wheels to get rid of, but I'm happy I did it.

[TeamM3]

and have a pair of 18x8.5 wheels to get rid of.

what brand/model wheel and offset?

[Kaz]

what brand/model wheel and offset?

Alpina Softline 18x8.5ET50

[TeamM3]

ok, thought they might be SSR Comps or something :eeps: