WTB: Wheels -- 16 x 7.5 ET20 (Style 5 preferred)

[garageboy]

Thanks, everyone, in advance, for your thoughts.

I HAVE EDITED THE ORIGINAL NOTE BELOW:

Plain and simple, I seek a set of minimum of five (5) 16-inch wheels, specifically 16x7.5 ET20 wheels. I am looking for Style 5 wheels from the E28 M5. Cosmetic condition is not important as I intend to get them powdercoated for easy cleaning. Of course, no cracks or anything severe like that. I can get them straightened if needed; price would have to be commensurate with condition...

My car is a 1988 528e. I am currently using 15x7 Moda M1 wheels with 205-60/15 tires. My most recent tires on those wheels are crappy "performance" all-seasons (an oxymoron), because Tire Rack has a total of 0 summer tires in that size any longer (I have only used summer and winter wheels/tires on my E28s since 1988 and want to continue). I use 14x6.5 ET20 bottlecaps for winter wheels with 195/70-14 Hakkapeliitta tires, although those sizes are also getting impossible to find in the USA any longer. I use the car very little in winter anyway -- so far, in my town, we haven't had winter yet this year. Any snow we got melted within hours.

Now is the time for me to upgrade to 16-inch wheels for the summer. I never liked complicated wheels, but with powdercoating, cleaning is not like it once was. So the Style 5 are beautiful wheels, and I can clean them more easily now.

I previously said I need to roll the fenders. I decided that would be dumb. I'll just use 205/55-16 tires. Thoughts? Experiences? Got wheels?

Pic to show the Moda M1s...

[JF]

Look at the Style 61's that were on the E38 7 series. They are 16x7.5 and BMW OEM. You should be able to find a set relatively cheap.

There is a thread with pics here: http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=74381
Good luck!

[Kenny Blankenship]

Shucks, I have a nice set of style 61s. But I'm on the wrong coast...

[garageboy]

Shucks, I have a nice set of style 61s. But I'm on the wrong coast...

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm certainly willing to consider them if I cannot find anything local. Shipping is not out of the question; just figured I'd find something local...

And since the response has been somewhat underwhelming, are there businesses that stock used wheels for our E28s that folks have good experiences with? I did some google searching which points to some eBay sellers, but I'm not confident unless others have good experiences to share...

Thanks muchly!

[Cactus]

E39 style29s can be had in 16x7. They fit great with hubcentric rings. There's plenty of good rubber in 205/55/16, and that doesn't involve any fender work

I've got a set with Firestone firehawks, but Ohio is a bit past 300 miles.

[Kenny Blankenship]

Shucks, I have a nice set of style 61s. But I'm on the wrong coast...

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm certainly willing to consider them if I cannot find anything local. Shipping is not out of the question; just figured I'd find something local...

And since the response has been somewhat underwhelming, are there businesses that stock used wheels for our E28s that folks have good experiences with? I did some google searching which points to some eBay sellers, but I'm not confident unless others have good experiences to share...

Thanks muchly!

I am going to The Vintage...

[Mike W.]

As well, I need to figure out how best to roll or trim the rear fender wells. I think I'd rather let SCR do it (if they can squeeze me in) since I don't want to create an opportunity for rust. I think it's smartest to go with 225/50-16 tires since the tire diameter is the closest to factory spec. But that means I have to deal with the fender wells, right?

No wheels, but info. I had that size on my 535 and only had light rubbing with a heavy load, as on vacation, and then only under significant dips, with stock springs. Now not all tires of the same size are the same size and shape, but I think the odds are even or better that you won't have to do anything at all. Or go 205/55 and you won't have any problems.

[garageboy]

I've been meaning to respond for weeks... wasting too much time on facebook... so first, THANK YOU all for your comments. VERY helpful as always.

In fact, the 16-inch Factory BMW Style 29 wheel is a great idea. Thanks very much!! I have one, a spare from an old E39 in unused condition. I would be looking for four more just like it. I have no problem using hubcentric rings with them. I don't want tires. I will likely go with the Yoko S-drive, although I haven't really investigated yet since I don't have wheels, but definitely a fun summer tire.

However, tires is an issue. In fact, in late May, I'm taking my E28 on a long-awaited six-week roadtrip from NYC to Yellowstone. I will have some traveling companions along the way, and the car will be full (certainly the trunk as I'm a paranoid NYer and don't leave things visible in the passenger cell). The closest diameter to 195/70-14 is either 205/60-15 (what I have now) or 225/50-16, as you know. The difference in diameter is too large with 205/50-16, in my opinion, for me to want to use them. So I'm afraid of rubbing, for sure, with 225/50-16. I need to see if I can get my fenders rolled between now and then. I'm on stock springs. I don't want to buy nice new 16-inch summer tires and then ruin them from rubbing on a cross-country trip.

Please let me know what you have! I am afraid I will not be at Vintage since my last concert of the season is that weekend, and I leave on my trip (heading due west) the next day!

-- Added 27 Mar 2019 20:22 --

Bumpity for Style 29s?

-- Added 29 Mar 2019 17:48 --

Trying to bump but cannot; it just replies to the last item. WTF. Is this functionality disabled in For Sale? I did a search but didn't find anything relevant...

[Cooperman]

PM sent

[Mike W.]

However, tires is an issue. In fact, in late May, I'm taking my E28 on a long-awaited six-week roadtrip from NYC to Yellowstone. I will have some traveling companions along the way, and the car will be full (certainly the trunk as I'm a paranoid NYer and don't leave things visible in the passenger cell). The closest diameter to 195/70-14 is either 205/60-15 (what I have now) or 225/50-16, as you know. The difference in diameter is too large with 205/50-16, in my opinion, for me to want to use them. So I'm afraid of rubbing, for sure, with 225/50-16. I need to see if I can get my fenders rolled between now and then. I'm on stock springs. I don't want to buy nice new 16-inch summer tires and then ruin them from rubbing on a cross-country trip.

Ah Yellowstone, one of my favorite places. Haven't been there since last summer. We usually stay at the cabins by Old Faithful.

Anyway, back on tires. 205/55-16 while not having quite the aggressive look of 225-50s, is effectively identical in diameter, won't rub and in everyday driving suffers little in performance compared to 225-50s. Give them some thought.

[tn535i]

Anyway, back on tires. 205/55-16 while not having quite the aggressive look of 225-50s, is effectively identical in diameter, won't rub and in everyday driving suffers little in performance compared to 225-50s. Give them some thought.

Second that, and a 7x16 wheel et20 is perfect for that tire possibly giving more options for you, both tire and wheel. Matter of fact I think the style 29 only came in 7x16. One of my favorites and what is on my e28 with the size mentioned.

IMO a non-M5 e28 needs no more tire than the 205. Further, it appears the suspension is also stock and another reason 225 would be waste of time, just heavier and more expensive and more front end problems.

If you really want the 29 look and 7.5x16 you need to find style 8 from an 8 series. I considered that but found the 29's I prefer.

[tschultz]

My next tire size for 16x7 style 29's is going to be 205/55/16.

[Foonfer]

This post must have flown under my radar, perhaps I can be of help.

My car is a 1988 528e like yours, stock height, stock fenders (manual trans!). I have been riding on 16" Style 29s for almost 3 years now.

How I came to the Style 29 decision is a long story. The short of it is: I think there is no other 16x7 option out there that beats them in aesthetics, affordability or relative abundance. Hubcentric rings, yes - they are no big deal.

My set (5 wheels) was $300 on Craigslist, including four 225/50 tires of some Korean or Chinese brand. This is relevant: Since tires were on the wheels, I decided to try them on for size. Rode them for a month or so (they were drivable but past their half life). The result: Inside edge of fronts rubbed ever-so-slightly against the strut towers, and outside edge of rears rubbed SOMETIMES against the inside of fenders if the car was under load (4 persons) and I hit a bump or something. It was very clear: These tires were a bit too wide. Otherwise the car felt very "planted". Steering felt heavy also.

I went for 215/55/16 Continental Pro Contacts. There has been zero rubbing. I can't really compare performance as I haven't tried other sizes, brands or models. When I bought the car it came with stock size Joe Schmoe brand tires which I later found were about $40 a pop when new. Only thing is ride quality: the 55 profile feels firmer than the 70 profile (duh). These tires are slightly larger than stock (diameter is +2.27% per the Tire Size spreadsheet).

The car drives great and looks awesome.

Perhaps my next set will be 205/55/16 based on amount of options in this size on Tire Rack. Diameter is almost identical to stock, and slightly lighter weight = less stress on the front end.

[BRRV]

My next tire size for 16x7 style 29's is going to be 205/55/16.

This. Absolutely.

[enrike]

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=138572

[garageboy]

Bump?

[garageboy]

OK, I've been round and round and round in my mind with this topic. As I have not been driving the E28 enough since the pandemic started, the urgency of the original request evaporated... I'm still on the Moda M1 15-inch wheels with all season Yokohamas...

And the more I think about it, I just don't like the Style 29s on the E28. I know, it's a personal preference. I think I want to go with the Style 5 wheels in 16-inch. And I'm not talking the ones from other cars that are kinda like Style 5s. I realize they are a bit heavier, and I know some believe my M20 E28 will turn into a Mercedes 240D automatic in their minds if I use them, but I think the E28 M5 wheels look best.

Part #
wheels 36-11-2-225-518
hubcaps 36-13-2-225-376 (NLA?)

If you have a set collecting dust, or a set that's not as pretty as it used to be, that's OK, since I intend to get them powder-coated to ensure easy cleaning... I would prefer 5 wheels, not 4, but I can manage 4 if that's all you have... I am happy to make a long drive to pick them up... but not more than, say, 10 hours away... thank you for reading this!

[Zains28]

Hey I have style 29 wheels there currently on my e28 but I’m changing them soon….

[LarryM]

Just FYI I'm using M5 wheels with 225/50 Continental Extreme Contact DWs on my car and have no interference issues. The car is slightly lowered (no more than an inch) with M-Tech springs but I'm not sure if that would make much difference in the critical area of rear fender clearance.

I do think they're the best looking wheels for an E28. In fact I had just finished restoring a set of 16" BBS RS061s for the car, and decided to use the M5 wheels instead. After much consideration I decided the center sections of RSs just look too "busy" in 16" size; the M5 wheels are much cleaner. OTOH the 17" RSs are beautiful but IMO they're just too big for an E28. They look and fit great on an E24 though.

I have a minty set of 16" X 7" Style 29s I bought off CL as spares, but am saving them for a future E28. If I had a 528e they're the ones I'd use (with 205/55 tires, as others have suggested) mainly due to their lighter weight. They're great looking wheels too so you should really consider them. If you keep looking you should be able to find a set locally.

[Foonfer]

Not sure how I missed this thread! Just give yourself permission and dive into the allure of the Style 29s, come on.

Outside of E28 M5 Style 5's, they are the most appropriate-looking factory wheel on the E28, they are light and shouldn't be ridiculous money. I use mine with 215/55 R16s, zero rub anywhere, rear fenders are stock. With Style 29s, your mind tricks you into thinking "E39", but after you put them in it just takes a few glances, your eyes get calibrated, and everything just clicks in place. Avoid the plastic center caps as they give the E28 a "trying too hard" air to it.

I have seen E28s just visually wrecked by Style 61s, Style 7s, and especially by that pitiful excuse for Alpina lookalikes, the Style 32. And folks just keep putting them in, it's worse than seeing people follow bad legal advice. Also, I have yet to see any 5-spoke wheels on an E28, factory or not, that does not look awful. Zero exceptions so far - sorry.

A wheel that out of context seems like the worst idea, but once in place it doesn't look insulting, is the Style 42. I wouldn't do it, but proceed with caution.

[garageboy]

Not sure how I missed this thread! Just give yourself permission and dive into the allure of the Style 29s, come on.

You didn't miss it... didn't you comment on it when I first posted a few years ago? You did.

And I believe you used the same argument. I have an E39. I had an E39 with style 29s. I have one left in mint condition... it was the spare before I upgraded to Style 81s...

I don't want to say money is no object, but I really like these wheels (36-11-2-225-518), and if forced to buy new, I might have a line on a substantial discount. The center caps are an issue, however, as they might no longer be available (which doesn't make much sense).

[LarryM]

I don't want to say money is no object, but I really like these wheels (36-11-2-225-518), and if forced to buy new, I might have a line on a substantial discount. The center caps are an issue, however, as they might no longer be available (which doesn't make much sense).

I searched a few vendors and the center caps are listed as either “discontinued”, “backordered with no ETA”, or “NLA”. Doesn’t sound good but there’s always a possibility there’ll be another production run on them. It might be good advice for you (if you’re set on those wheels) or anybody with an M5 to start scrounging for spares now.

[BMWCCA2]

You said you have a problem with these, aesthetically, but I'm been a proponent of the Style 29 for years and use them on both my 535i and 535is. To each their own. They certainly fit well, are usually inexpensive, and I think they look good. But then it is your money. Personally I think powder-coating is a waste on these cars. Just use better pads!



Even better once it lost the pinstripe:

[Foonfer]

You didn't miss it... didn't you comment on it when I first posted a few years ago? You did.

And I believe you used the same argument.

LOL - totally forgot and didn't even bother to check... at least no one can accuse me of inconsistency.

Part No. 36-11-2-225-518 - those are the 16x7.5 ET20 used on the E28 M5, right? Hands down the absolute best BMW-issued wheels for the E28.

[garageboy]

You said you have a problem with these, aesthetically, but I'm been a proponent of the Style 29 for years and use them on both my 535i and 535is. To each their own. They certainly fit well, are usually inexpensive, and I think they look good. But then it is your money. Personally I think powder-coating is a waste on these cars. Just use better pads!

You are correct with regards to everything you said here. I am wrong.

I just like the spokes in the wheels reaching all the way to the round part... it's a visual thing...

[garageboy]

Bumpity.

I went through another set of crappy Yokohamas (in 205/60-15) and I don't want to throw more money down the drain with more crappy 15-inch tires.They're trying to hawk "General Tires" because they're owned by Continental... as if that can be guaranteed to make them "better".

Please. If you have a set of 16-inch spec E28 M5 wheels sitting in your garage collecting dust that you always dreamed you would sell some day, I am here to make your dreams come true... I really want hubcentric wheels. Thanks for reading this.

[EuroShark]

I have a few sets I'd let go of. I sent you a message.