Hi,

I'm about to get an E46 325i that came with 18 inch BMW 135 style rims. The tyres are at the end of their lifespan.

I plan to downsize to 17 inch as I believe that the 325i originally came with 16 or 17 inch depending on the package from BMW, and also save on long term cost for cheaper tyres due to its smaller size. Plan to get PS4.

I believe the stock setup is front 17x7.5 ET41 225/45 R17, rear 17x8.5 ET50 245/40 R17. Main priority is comfortable enough for a daily driver, as well as saving some cost from tyre changes.

I have several questions:

1. How big is the difference in terms of comfort and handling when downsizing from 18 to 17 inch? The general consensus is less handling but more comfort, but to what extent in terms of real world experience.

2. If I were to get new rims, do they come only in 1 same size for all 4 pieces or do they come staggered already?

3. Do I need to follow the respective 17x7.5 and 17x8.5 sizes or can all 4 wheels be the same at 17x7.5 for example. If they only come in the same sizes for all 4 rims, can I still put staggered tyre sizes (225/45 front and 245/40 rear) and won't face any issues?

4. Any alternative wheel/tyre sizes recommendation?

5. Are there any good shops/recommendations around KL? So far I've seen some recommendations for KeanLeeHin and King of Rims. Is it better for me to get the new rims and tyres first, then only sell the 18 inch rims myself or do they accept trade-ins at a good price point?

6. I've seen some recommendations for brands like Advanti, Konig and Lenso; cheap/affordable but durable. I believe my current rims should be able to cover the cost of getting these new ones right? Any particular recommendation for brands or models for my car?

Feel free to provide more feedback or advice as I'm very inexperienced in regards to this. Thanks for all the help!

This post has been edited by HalseyFrangipane: Sep 19 2020, 04:42 PM

My answers above in bold. Highly recommend you to go ahead downsize as you intended and PS4 is an excellent choice. Those brands you mentioned are also good enough and excellent value for money, so you're already on the right track! Happy hunting.

This post has been edited by 6UE5T: Sep 19 2020, 06:06 PM

Thanks a lot for your feedback as usual!

Btw, what's your personal opinion on staggered vs square setups?

I have staggered rims now and have tried both staggered and square tire sizes on them. Honestly, I prefer square for normal powered cars. The handling is more neutral with sharper front end and it's more practical cuz can rotate to prolong tire life. Staggered only benefit really powerful RWD cars that need as much traction as possible at the rear, otherwise it's only for looks. It does look nicer from the back if you fit big fat rims and tires at the rear, but for normal cars it makes it more understeer. If I were you, I'd just fit a 17x8.5jj all around. Tire choice is depending on your personal preference, you want wider aggressive look with better traction but slightly firmer ride and more expensive(245/40/18), or cheaper and a bit more comfortable but skinnier look (225/45/17).

After asking around from wheel/rim shops, I realised that it's not as easy to find the correct fitment for 17 inch. They don't have any Advanti/Lenso/Konig rims which has pcd 5x120 for 17".

Or check these out:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1649717041854143/

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2857651461007833/

This post has been edited by 6UE5T: Sep 20 2020, 09:53 AM

The first one seems decent, but will ET34 have any issues with fitment/rubbing?

Is it better to order online to ship from overseas to get original Konig/Advanti/Motegi?

What about BMW Taiwan replicas? Feels like this route is quite risky.

My guess is should be fine if still using no wider than 225 tires coz it's original BMW rims. Below is some fitment guide I found for E46.
https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc/en-us/...e-Fitment-Guide

If order online, you need to know exactly the specs you want. I never do it so not sure.

I am never a fan of fake wheels coz not sure who made them and to what standards.

Do you know what offset is your current 18? That can be used as a reference to judge the clearances.

Nope, do not know the current offset. But from searching online, the safe minimum should be ET35++.

I'll probably be getting used original BMW rims, not sure how to verify if it's real originals but it says made in Austria on the back. Willing to spend extra for new original OEMs, but every shop seems to not have PCD 5x120 for 17 inch. Can't find much on mudah and Facebook market either. There's one selling for 1.7k but no response from seller.

Searched for online rim ships that ship overseas but Konig Rennflow is out of stock and the estimated delivery arrival is at least a month away.

Any other reputable brand suggestions besides Konig, Advanti, and Lenso? Preferably more spokes design.

Not many choices for BMW coz the pcd is different by itself, like Peugeot, Alfa, etc. Mercs and VW at least share the same hence got more choices available.