e36 shall I upgrade 15 inch steel wheels to 16 inch alloy?

[Darren Lambert]

Hi there

I have a UK 1992 e36 318i with the original 15 inch steel wheels.
I have been offered 4 x 16 inch alloy wheels with brand new tyres for an
excellent price.

Does anyone have any advice?
Shall I do it or not?
What are the pros and cons?
How can I inform the OBC that the wheels are of a different size to correct
the Speedo/odometer readings?

Many thanks

Darren

[Scott M]

Darren Lambert wrote:

Well, in reverse order:

You don't need to tell the computer anything assuming that the overall
diameter of the wheel is the same. So 205/55 16s are a direct
replacement for 205 65 15s.

Pro: Nicer wheels. Cons: Slightly rougher ride.

Should you do it? Well, you'll have to tell your insurance company who
may want to charge you more.

Advice? Carpe Diem.

--
Scott

Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?

[Andy F]

As Scott says the rolling diameter should not be affected if the correct
lower profile tyres are fitted. As for the rougher ride I don't think the
wheels are big enough to cause too much difference 17 or 18's yes but 16's
are fine. Also if they are original BMW wheels I don't think you need to
tell your insurance unless you have specified you have steels, as all BMW's
can have a wide range of alloys as part of an extras package so many 318's
came with them from new and therefore I would say it is not a MOD. I would
defiantly go for them, I am not sure whether they are stiffer/ lighter and
therefore give better performance but steels look crap. I have been looking
to upgrade my 15" 10 spokes for some nice Mtech chrome split spokes like the
ones on the new M3 but they cost lots. I have seen a set at £800 for 4
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[Darren Lambert]

Thanks for the advice guys

I now realise I should have mentioned that I think the wheels are from a 5
series, and probably do not have low profile tyres.
I do not want to change the tyres as they are all brand new.
Is it possible to update the OBC about the new wheel size?

Thanks

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[Scott M]

Darren Lambert wrote:

> I now realise I should have mentioned that I think the wheels are from a 5
> series, and probably do not have low profile tyres.
> I do not want to change the tyres as they are all brand new.
> Is it possible to update the OBC about the new wheel size?

Wheels from a 5 Series won't fit a 3 Series.

[Ken Freeman]

You will need to check on the wheel/tire diameter you can expect, and
compare it to the original set-up. You can do that on the Tire Rack
website. I upgraded my (US) 325 from factory 15 inch alloys to factory 16
inch alloys, and went to the recommended 225/50-16 size tire. Handling is
much more responsive, with better roadholding. Tramlining is increased a
bit, but our roads (Detroit area) stink.

I had almost no speedometer change, but it was way inaccurate in the first
place.

Ken

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[Jeff Strickland]

If you currently have 205/60x15, then you will want (I think) a 235 or
245/50x16. This will be within about a quarter inch of the original
diameter. This difference will not be enough to affect the readings.
Basically the difference is pretty similar to new vs worn tires.

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[GWi8251315]

24.6" 205/60/15 dia original
25.64" 245/50/16
25.25" 235/50/16
these might require 8 " to 8.5" rims
How about 225/50/16 on 7 to 8" rims? 24.86"? real close to OEM in diam. What is
available in rim width for factory rims? Maybe 7"?
My 325i runs 225/45/17 (24.97" dia.) on 8.5" rims