New Owner Wheel Advise

General E30 related discussions -
Please put technical questions in E30 Tech Help forum below

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
james158
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2013 11:00 pm

Post Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:27 pm

Hi
I have recently purchased a 1986 316 manual and it is completely standard with 14" trims on. I would like to put alloys on it whilst still maintaining its originality. I am just wondering which alloys would be the best option. I was thinking BBS RS alloys but I do not want to lower the car.
Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.
alexdejonghe
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1146
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: North Wales

Post Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:38 pm

Depends on budget & taste...

If you're sticking with originality then look no further than standard 15" BBS, 16" genuine alpinas or 14" bottle tops...all of these will be a big improvement on standard hubcaps. See this guide below;

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Wheels
User avatar
james158
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2013 11:00 pm

Post Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:53 pm

Right okay, thanks for your help. Do you think 16" BBS would be too big?
jmc330i
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6621
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Somerset

Post Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:02 pm

16" BBS would be fine, but not cheap at all!
I'd stick with the tried and tested 15" BBS - they look good, suit the car and won't break the bank.
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
User avatar
james158
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 23
Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2013 11:00 pm

Post Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:14 pm

What style BBS would you suggest? I was thinking BBS rs, would it need to be lowered or will it sit fine on standard suspension? However I think my wheels are 4 stud so not sure if they will fit.
MattTheHat325
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 727
Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: gloucestershire

Post Wed Sep 11, 2013 1:01 pm

BBS rs's are expensive split rims, depends how much you are looking to spend? They are easier to find and cheaper in 15" form, if you are wanting an original look, 15" rs maybe 7.5" or 8" wide with 205/55/15 like standard 15's. this combined with something like a 30 or 40mm drop on h&r or eibach springs and you should end up with a very oem looking yet pretty e30!

Bear in mind you'd want to budget at least £1k for rs's, tyres and springs, although you may come across some bargains on here! You never know what these guys have got stashed up their back passages :D
Image