MyE28.com

I bought a set of open-lug Alpina wheels from Chris Kohler a few weeks ago, because my B7 originally was built and came with them back in 1985 ...and, I was wanting to put it back to the "original" look.

I bought some tires for these open-lug wheels, had them mounted, then I put them on yesterday. Now, I'm not sure if I like them as much as the covered Alpina wheels BTW, the closed-lug wheels are more of a grayish silver, whereas the covered wheels are a more bright silver... I'm more partial to the brighter silver!

I think the covered wheels look a little more sophisticated and modern, whereas the closed-lug wheels clearly look more sporty.

Anyway, I thought I'd put the pictures up and see what you guys think??

-RoyW

Personally I'm partial to the covered Alpinas.

I think the open lug ones look better on pre-E28s. The little bit that the covered Alpinas are able to update the look of the E28 I tend to like.

But that's just my personal opinion. You can't go wrong either way.

Just to note one thing:

There's a picture of a B10 E28 with covered lug wheels in my Gold Portfolio. So it's not like the E28 didn't come with either.

closed def look nicer

but post more pics of your car anyway its so f-in cool

Open lug.

I choose open lug as well.

I like the closed. The open look too similiar to E3 wheels to my eyes. Now it's possible I'm one of only 12 people who remember those wheels having had a set on a Bav, but still, that's what I see.

Open OpEn OPEN!!!!

Both are cool... oPeN is cooler...

I like the open lug ones better as well!

RoyW wrote:I think the covered wheels look a little more sophisticated and modern

Yes, they both look great but I'd have to agree with your statement on the closed lug wheels. Guess I'm a bit partial to that style

Open lug. Now that I've seen the photos, definitely the open lug ones. Of course, being your car, the real response should be "whichever set makes you happiest!"

I always felt those covered-lug wheels were hiding something.

Open lug!

Open lug. I really wanted those wheels, but I was glad they went to a good home!

I personally like the open lug wheels but think the dark cars with the thin line stripe set look equally as well with the covered lug wheels. These wheels could also be considered correct for your car with it being the age it is.

If you are going to run the open lug wheels; you should really get the correct stainless lug bolts as were used originally.

John SCB wrote:

RoyW wrote:I think the covered wheels look a little more sophisticated and modern

Yes, they both look great but I'd have to agree with your statement on the closed lug wheels. Guess I'm a bit partial to that style

+2

Open!!

Roy, I much prefer the came-with-car open lugs. Either way she's stunning. See you tomorrow on the track for the Concourse.

open all the way...

the open has greater depth or texture-- the closed are more eye catching or distracting. However if bright-- eye catching is the goal... WIN!

imo.

Both look great, but I prefer the open lug on your B7.

The color combination, chrome trim, chrome bumpers, open lugs equates to über elegance.

Just like the owner, this B7 emanates nothing but classiness. Well done!

...and thank you for not shadow-lining your B7.

Roy,

The earlier/ period correct Alpina wheels look much better on the car. I am so glad to see that you've added them and now this one of the very best Alpina B7 examples I have ever seen.

Best,
RCBMW

Roy: My vote is for the open-lug wheels, with the stainless bolts, per alpinacsi's suggestion. I put the 17" covered lug Alpinas on my old '88 M6. They're nice wheels, but the open lugs are my favorite wheels, a classic design and look just right on these e28 cars, IMHO.

Closed for sure...

Open (why don't you put up a poll?).

+1 open
but you already know that

Open.

alpinacsi wrote:I personally like the open lug wheels but think the dark cars with the thin line stripe set look equally as well with the covered lug wheels. These wheels could also be considered correct for your car with it being the age it is.

If you are going to run the open lug wheels; you should really get the correct stainless lug bolts as were used originally.

Thanks for that tip on the stainless lug bolts... I wasn't aware of that, and found some black bolts because I thought that's what it should be. I'll find the correct ones and put them on to see how it looks (probably not by tomorrow for the Vintage Concours )

Also, thanks to everyone for your personal opinions and thoughts... while there are a lot of people who like each of the two looks... seems the open-lug is in the majority. Perhaps if my buyer doesn't come through, I'll keep both

-Roy

Open lug, but you need the chrome lug nuts to be correct.

I never thought I'd say this, but go open-lug on that car. I am such a huge fan of the covered ones, but the opens just looks so much better on that B7. Frankly, I love looking at that car no matter what.