Stock European Alloys, what's the story?

[dmac156]

I have a question about the wheels on my car. It's a euro 635. The build sheet shows these wheels: S290A BMW LM-RAEDER 7JX15,225/55R15V BMW light-alloy wheel star spokes 44, and I assuming that is what is still on the car, but I'm not positive.

I'm sure many of you have already dealt with this, but I'm new to the 635 and learning fast. They currently have Michelin 240/45ZR415. It looks like these tires cost about $500 a piece. Can anyone fill me in on the story with these? Do they only fit the expensive wheels so most people swap them out? Are there more tire options in Canada (I don't live too far from the border) since they are a metric size?

[BoldUlysses]

You have exceedingly rare aftermarket TRX wheels. I've actually never seen TRX rims not made by BMW.

Here's the story on TRX:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_trx

The only tires that will fit your rims are 415mm Michelin TRX tires; that's why they're so expensive. Most people swap out the factory TRX rims that came with many BMWs of the era for standard inch-diametered rims so they can buy "normal" (i.e. not astronomically-priced) tires for their cars.

-Matt

[Zack01GC]

You have exceedingly rare aftermarket TRX wheels. I've actually never seen TRX rims not made by BMW.

Here's the story on TRX:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_trx

The only tires that will fit your rims are 415mm Michelin TRX tires; that's why they're so expensive. Most people swap out the factory TRX rims that came with many BMWs of the era for standard inch-diametered rims so they can buy "normal" (i.e. not astronomically-priced) tires for their cars.

-Matt

Nail on the head.

[Roku35]

When your tires get bald enough, just buy some nice aftermarket wheels and performance tires. Take the TRX wheels and leave them for bulk trash pick-up. You will spend almost the same on new wheels and tires as you would just buying 4 outragously expensive and junk metric tires. You will be happier too.

[dmac156]

I think I will replace them and keep them around in case I ever want the car to have something very original on it. I have a slight pull to the left on the car, and all the suspension components look good (several new components in the last couple of years) and the alignment is right on. I think it has to do with the tires, so I'll probably get a replacement before these wear out completely.

Is there anything special to look for in terms of sizes and offsets for new tires? For example, would a wheel and tire like this work? (I'm not sure that they style would look right on my car but I'm using it as an example. Great price...) http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/1555145125.html

[JimPA]

You can check here for BMW wheel pics and info: http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/
The CL wheels pictured may work (offset is ok) but the hub diameter on a 6er is slightly smaller than on later model BMWs. To adapt and use those wheels, you probably need to buy metal (not plastic) hubcentric rings. Try Tire Rack.

Popular 6er wheel choices include 17" Style 5 or Style 42 with 235/45 tires. These were from the E39 series. You need to be careful with front wheel width (8" seems to be the max) and tire choice in order to avoid rubbing the strut.

[e24mpwr]

I've never seen aftermarket TRX - that is pretty amazing. That said, they aren't really worth much.

You have lots of tire options at Tire Rack, and any E39 wheel will fit with centering rings. 16" seems to be the best mix of performance and looks, but many 17" wheels do fine as well. 18" begins to beat up the suspension and in the opinion of many are too big to look good on an E24. I've seen a few Sharks with the 18" M-Parallel that look good, but that is about it (for me).

As a note - I have a set of 16" E39 wheels wheels that come with nearly new tires - here's the link (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1374301).

[alpinacsi]

Actually there were quite a few manufacturers that used TRX wheels and they were even found stock on some American vehicles. A few aftermarket wheel manufacturers also got in on the action and a few tire companies got in on the action in addition to Michelin. I have Dunlop, Avon and Michelin TRX tires in the shop now.

[JayM]

The build sheet info is likely incorrect, as the wheel option numbers are the most recycled in the BMW parts system. What the number you quote shows is style 44 wheels, likely from a 3-series.

The wheels themselves look like MK-Motorsport if the cap logo is correct. That's a medium-sized player in the BMW aftermarket in Germany. The other comments about TRX are spot on, though you may want to keep them for that day when they become "collectable" (or as fancy hose-reels).