Which wheels are the best for E53?

[ex-jeepguynw]

I'm no expert, so bear with me. I have a 2003 X5 4.4i with (I think) style 65 wheels on 18" tires. I'm thinking of upgrading next month, when the snow tires come off. What do you experienced owners recommend as a replacement tire and wheel? I want to leave the snows on the stock wheels, and get all new tires and wheels. What should I get?

Thanks,
Dave

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by ex-jeepguynw

I'm no expert, so bear with me. I have a 2003 X5 4.4i with (I think) style 65 wheels on 18" tires. I'm thinking of upgrading next month, when the snow tires come off. What do you experienced owners recommend as a replacement tire and wheel? I want to leave the snows on the stock wheels, and get all new tires and wheels. What should I get?

Thanks,
Dave

It seems like the style 87 star spokes are one of the more popular wheels around here, but they are 20's. I personally think they are the best looking OE wheels out there. If you want something a little smaller, the style 63 V-spokes are still pretty nice. I have the 63's on my 02 4.4 and I like them, but I have to admit that I get a little jealous every time I see an X with the 87's.

Here is a photo of the 87's.

[zerochief]

I like 20" staggered 87's:

[statdoc]

I have the 153's, and really like them. Easy to clean, too.

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by ex-jeepguynw

What should I get?

Whatever wheels YOU prefer - those are the ones that you should get.

[ex-jeepguynw]

Thanks, guys. I sure like the looks of those style 87 wheels. Thanks.

A couple more questions: The matrix on the X5World homepage talks about staggering them - is that a preferred thing to do? I have OEM mudflaps. If that something to consider? Will they interfere with larger sized tires and wheels?

I misread the matrix. I now think I have style 58 wheels on my X. Those are the stock rims, right?

I'm also looking aftermarket at Beyern 5's in 20". A local tire place is quoting me almost $2500 for a set of four, installed as 20X8.5 wheels non-staggered, with Toyo Proxes tires. I have no comparison for that - is that a good/fair/typical/outrageous price?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by ex-jeepguynw

Thanks, guys. I sure like the looks of those style 87 wheels. Thanks.

A couple more questions: The matrix on the X5World homepage talks about staggering them - is that a preferred thing to do? I have OEM mudflaps. If that something to consider? Will they interfere with larger sized tires and wheels?

I misread the matrix. I now think I have style 58 wheels on my X. Those are the stock rims, right?

I'm also looking aftermarket at Beyern 5's in 20". A local tire place is quoting me almost $2500 for a set of four, installed as 20X8.5 wheels non-staggered, with Toyo Proxes tires. I have no comparison for that - is that a good/fair/typical/outrageous price?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

Are the Beyern wheels chrome or silver?

Bavarian Autosport has sets of four in that size in the silver finish for $1,240 (without tires) and chrome finish for $1,920 (without tires).

The style 87's are 20 X 9.5 in the front and 20 X 10.5 in the rear. I personally think if you are going to spend the coin on new wheels you should definately get a staggard set up with wider wheels in the back. It gives the X a whole different look. 8.5 width on the back of an X will actually look skinny on a 20" wheel. If you have style 58 wheels right now they are 8.5 width, for comparison.

Here is the link to Bavarian Autosport. They have a good selection of Beyern wheels, but you will have to pay shipping, unlike your local dealer.

http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp

[PersonaNonGrata]

Since this is the Tire Rack forum I will suggest you check out their selection. I got my 19's from them.

If there is nothing you like there, you can look at replica options. There are many members here who have gone with replicas of OEM styles, including the Style 87's. Style 177's ("Snowflake" pattern) are very nice too. The only downsides is that you do have to be careful where you get them from and the styles are limited to OEM styles. If you want something more unique, you'll have to go with one of the dozens or companies that make good quality wheels.

You can always go OEM. Check with Morristown BMW, a site sponsor, or Crevier BMW. You will have to factor in shipping and OEM BMW wheels are not cheap at all. A good way to get some cheaper OEM wheels is to keep your eyes open for some "take-offs". (OEM wheels removed from a new vehicle.) Along these lines, you can look for a used set of OEM wheels.

The replica route is probably the most economical. Most places sell them with tires. The cheaper packages will get you Toyo Proxes. I had a set of those and they were okay. I probably wouldn't buy them again. They got very loud as the got older.

Good luck!

[LeMansX5]

M6 wheels or style 168 are not bad either.
http://www.altwheels.com/products/pr...=48&pg=1&cid=1

[ex-jeepguynw]

Man, all these choices!

Thanks again to all of you for your ideas. I'll do more research, and see what turns up.

And to keep this post in context, I'll check Tire Rack's website again. They had some nice stuff, but I didn't see the set I was looking for. Now that I have extra choices, I'll look again.

Take it easy, guys,
Dave