Wheel Suggestions

I ordered the car with 19 inch multispoke 235 wheels for protection against WW2-style roads around here. But after 1.5 years they were done. All 4 were bent beyond repair, had scuff marks etc. So last october I ordered BMW individual 301 wheels, again in 19 inch as my winter set. After 6 months 2 are bent again so I'm getting constant vibration in the car. I've given up. These things cost a lot to replace.

So I want something sturdy. Any suggestions on which wheels are sturdier than others. I've been leaning towards either 357 Streamlines, 252 Radial Spoke or 302 M V spokes. All are 19 inches.

Would getting rid of the run on flats help?

If run flats are the problem, I want to get the wheel of my dreams. Either Alpina 21s or 311 Midnight Chrome in 21.

Theres also an 19 inch alpina option but the front/rear setup are the same size. Not staggered so I'm wondering whether the road handling would be same.

Wow that really sucks you're having to replace your wheels so often.

Perhaps the hard internal sidewalls in the runflats are to blame? Not allowing some flex in the tires on impact, and the wheel takes a harder hit? Just a guess...

If you have an XDrive car be careful with the 19" Alpina. I had my car in many times because of pulling issues with these, BMW bought them back after they spent thousands trying to rectify the problem. I shared the issues and repairs in this forum.

Originally Posted by swb3

If you have an XDrive car be careful with the 19" Alpina. I had my car in many times because of pulling issues with these, BMW bought them back after they spent thousands trying to rectify the problem. I shared the issues and repairs in this forum.

Wow thanks for letting me know.

Originally Posted by ChrisF02

Wow that really sucks you're having to replace your wheels so often.

Perhaps the hard internal sidewalls in the runflats are to blame? Not allowing some flex in the tires on impact, and the wheel takes a harder hit? Just a guess...

What I thought as well. But I'm afraid if I get rid of the run flats, I'd have a flat in the middle of nowhere. I'll also order the donut tire from BMW, but haven't figured out where to get a jack.

BMW also offers a tire mobility kit. Anyone have any experience/ideas what this is and how it works?

Alpina's would be my first pick but seeing how another member had issues I would go with the 252's. I think they're the best looking OEM wheel for the 7 along with the m sport wheel plus the 252's are forged so that's usually a plus.

Originally Posted by f01driver

Alpina's would be my first pick but seeing how another member had issues I would go with the 252's. I think they're the best looking OEM wheel for the 7 along with the m sport wheel plus the 252's are forged so that's usually a plus.

I like the 252s as well, I had them on my 740, but IMO they look bad on white, they look excellent on Black, Silver, etc

Originally Posted by f01driver

Alpina's would be my first pick but seeing how another member had issues I would go with the 252's. I think they're the best looking OEM wheel for the 7 along with the m sport wheel plus the 252's are forged so that's usually a plus.

I've too gone with the 252s because they're forged, which in my mind was a bonus when it comes to durability.

Originally Posted by mister_Tad

I've too gone with the 252s because they're forged, which in my mind was a bonus when it comes to durability.

Didn't know that they were forged. That seems like a big plus.

So I'll also probably get rid of the run flats as well.

I couldn't find any 20 inch styles in the catalogue. 21s don't come in non run flat tires. So do you guys know whether BMW has any 20 inches and/or 311 chromes come in 20 inch?

Originally Posted by ChrisF02

I like the 252s as well, I had them on my 740, but IMO they look bad on white, they look excellent on Black, Silver, etc

Totally agree, they actually look quite small on a white 7 series.

And I believe the 252's are the only forged OEM wheel available for the 7.

Originally Posted by f01driver

Totally agree, they actually look quite small on a white 7 series.

And I believe the 252's are the only forged OEM wheel available for the 7.

Didn't know the advantages of forged wheels before. A quick google search revealed many. Though there doesn't seem to be a consensus whether they're more pothole resistant or not. Any thoughts on the subject?

Forged wheels are stronger so they'll hold up much better but than again a big enough pothole can damage a forged wheel. And I believe the 252's are made by BBS and also keep in mind these wheels are staggered.

Originally Posted by f01driver

Forged wheels are stronger so they'll hold up much better but than again a big enough pothole can damage a forged wheel. And I believe the 252's are made by BBS and also keep in mind these wheels are staggered.

Thanks for all the help. I just ordered the 252s from my dealer but man these are expensive. I also ordered the M-Mobility kit because I'm going without the run flats. Anyone have any experience with the mobility kit because my dealer actually offered a donut spare tire but then I had to get the jack as well. I already have the extended rear ac and refrigerator so trunk space is already limited as is and I didn't want to make it any smaller with the donut spare and jack.

Havent your considered 20" staggered Style 253? Ived been running them for a year now and imo is the best rims for the 7.

Originally Posted by bruno787

Havent your considered 20" staggered Style 253? Ived been running them for a year now and imo is the best rims for the 7.

It wasn't on any accessories catalogue or bmw accessories website. They seem nice but they look to much like my winter set. 19'' Individuals.

OK I got the forged rims. Now looking for non-run flat tires.

I can either get Pirelli P Zero Rosso or Continental SportContact 3. They also have the P Zero but it's XL (extra load) and I'm worried about the more rigid sidewall.

I'm leaning towards the Conti but what do you guys think? Any experience (good or bad) with the said tires on our 7ers? (keep in mind that only PZero Rosso carries the star symbol)

isnt it that the "star" symbol indicates that its a runflat tire? also, i think the oem tires are XL rated due to the 7s weight.

Star just means it's built up to bmw specs. We don't require xl tires on 19s. Oem run flats aren't xl.

I've just put the Goodyear Eagle F1 mk2's on mine. Got some tyreweld in the boot. The run flats are nearly £100 more per tyre and are like unicorn tears to find!

Don't get me started on not even having a place to put a spare wheel!

Does anyone know if there's a space for a spare wheel at all? Or do all markets get run flats?

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Bimmer App

I do NOT like the wheels on my car now at all. It's as if they made them graphite on purpose knowing all the brake DUST STORM we're all in for!
I generally do NOT like stock wheels on ANY car. Although the factory 19" 10 spokes on my last 2 e65s are among the nicest around.
I do however like these

What model # and diameter are they???

~ Big Marcus

I think it is a 311 on the second page of the link, specked in chrome or black chrome. I like the wheel.

BMW does a horrible job of marketing all the options they have. This is the best I have found.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...CenterId=30821

Or midnight chrome I guess on third page of link.

It's midnight chrome 311 and comes in 21 inch only. The only tire for that would be the RFT PZeros.