Style 5 questions and cap ID? [Archive] - Bimmerforums

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Zentof

12-07-2010, 02:14 AM

I just purchased a set of 17 x 8 ET20 Style 5's for my 528i and I have some questions on what to do next.

My car appears to be lowered and came with Bilstein shocks installed. It currently has these 18" chrome mags it came with on it (any takers?) and tires are 245/40/18's and 245/45/18's.
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3973/brysstock2small.jpg (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/brysstock2small.jpg/)
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So my questions are:
1) what size tires should I be looking for for my new 17" style 5's? I want to have as wide a tire as I can on them without sacrificing major tire wear or safety. Stock tires on these were 235/45/R17 I believe. I have no idea whether if I put the stock size tires on it it would still look a bit aggressive as the car appears to be lowered at least in the front. The look I'm going for is 'classy sport'.
I've come across a few great deals on 205 and 215/45 etc, but these may be too low profile? What do you think everyone????

2) I'm thinking of polishing just the rim without disassembling the wheel using aluminum polishing compound and a buffing wheel. Yes its a bit half ass, but I think it should still look ok (although not showroom)?

3)They didn't come with caps so if I left them as is..would they look stupid unless I did something with the hubs that will be sticking through? Where can I buy style 5 caps used?

4) Finally I have a full set of caps that came with my car..NO idea what wheel they fit as they DON'T fit my style 5's. Does anyone recognize these caps?
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9297/img0706av.th.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/img0706av.jpg/)
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Thanks in advance everyone!

RenegadeE36

12-07-2010, 04:58 PM

1. 235/45/17 is the stock size, they also use those on the front with 255/40 on the rear. When I bought my 5s they had 255/40 all around.
Do Not put 205 or 215 on them, they would be way under the load limit. No smaller than 235/45.

2. You can polish them in one piece, it will be a pain to work around the bolts. They may still have a clear coat on them so you will have to strip that first. They are easy to disassemble so why not just take them apart. It would make it very easy to strip and polish just the lips.

3. Beats me on used caps, I don't think the ones from BMW are all that much though. I thought they were like $25 or so. Many people go with out them.

4. Those caps are for a different wheel, I saw them on the wheels at a junk yard the other day, but I don't know the style, you could search the part number on realoem.com

Zentof

12-07-2010, 08:34 PM

Excellent advice all around and exactly what I was looking for, thanks.

I did a little research again today and got the same answer you gave regarding the 255/40/17 on the back...that sounds perfect for me (although very hard to find used, unlike all the 205's and 215's etc for $100/set with 90% left on them!)

Regarding the polishing, I just thought I'd polish just the outer ring and not even get near the bolts..kinda of a 'better than nothing' approach' as I've read alot of bad stories on guys not reassembling them correctly with proper seals etc. that have done it themselves. There appears to be no clear coat at all on them at the moment..I believe they were already redone by someone recently.

Thanks for the advice again.

RenegadeE36

12-07-2010, 10:18 PM

I think 255/40 would be the way to go.
You could just polish them up if the clear is gone. If not don't worry about reassembly, Style 5s are two piece (centers and barrels), so there is no sealing anything. You could in theory take them apart with the tires still on, the lip and barrel are one piece.
Good luck and post pics when your done.

kawinight

12-09-2010, 04:23 AM

JAKB

12-09-2010, 10:23 AM

4) Finally I have a full set of caps that came with my car..NO idea what wheel they fit as they DON'T fit my style 5's. Does anyone recognize these caps?
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9297/img0706av.th.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/img0706av.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Thanks in advance everyone!

Style 29 confirmed
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s55/thenewvintagehome/BMW%20e28%20parts/P1100765.jpg

Zentof

12-09-2010, 11:13 PM

Perfect, thanks folks.
BTW, the numbers on the back of these caps are 0924 187/23 422.

I'm going to see if anyone wants them or trades. I'm seeking Style 5 caps for mine. (I see my style 29's listed for $50 ea on a caps site linked in these forums and style 5's for about $20 each luckily).
Offers?

Stupid question: Are these easily stolen once ounted and is there any special tool "required" for pulling them on/off or is that just a 'makes it slightly easier' type of thing?

SS BFC

01-06-2011, 05:59 AM

Hi there. Ill take those caps if you still have them, how much do you want for them dude?