e36 M3 LTW

[uber e36]

This picture has me hooked on the LTWs...

http://www.inlacal.com/m34d/DSC00061.JPG

Now I have a question.

This picture shows the wheels with no "writing" on them:

http://www.inlacal.com/m34d/DSC00059.JPG

I thought they said "Motorsport" on the inner circle?

Can you educate me on LTWs please? :help

-Geoff

[uber e36]

Looking into the ETK...

These wheels don't have the "BMW Motorsport" engraving and also don't seem to go inwards where the bolts are:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/u/190.png

These have the "BMW Motorsport" and do go inwards where the bolts are:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/t/190.png

But in the above real pictures, the wheels have the inward shape by the bolts with no "BMW Motorsport". According to these ETK images, you have one or the other... not both?

Any insight?

[s_ribs]

My 95 was purchased with the LTW wheel option. 95 LTW's are the only ones with the BMW MOTORSPORT stamped into that center ring. 96+ do not have it. However, they do have a little ///M sticker in the center. In addition to this, the 95 wheels are painted silver and the 96+ are full polish minus the inside contour of the spokes which are painted silver. If it isn't either of those then it is probably a replica. Replica LTW's tend to be only available in 7.5" widths also.

Hope that helps.
Seth

Edit: In your first post, the wheels on the M3/4 are the 96+ LTW's.

[uber e36]

Thanks Seth.

So are the '95 wheels more coveted as they are the only year marked with the "BMW Motorsport"?

[Ty Vil]

personally I feel the polished one's are better looking... Well unless your my buddy seth ribbens and then custom refinish them it doesn't matter what you had.

[96cosmosM3]

Thanks Seth.

So are the '95 wheels more coveted as they are the only year marked with the "BMW Motorsport"?

Yes, these are the only real LTW wheels. Even though some people refer to 96+ forged optional rims as LTW wheels.

Also, I believe LTW wheels are no longer available from the dealer while the 96+ wheels are.

[s_ribs]

Yes, these are the only real LTW wheels. Even though some people refer to 96+ forged optional rims as LTW wheels.

Also, I believe LTW wheels are no longer available from the dealer while the 96+ wheels are.

Yes, the true LTW's are not available anymore. I'm not sure that the 95's are the prefered wheels though. I think more guys like the polished finish of the 96+ wheels. I like the 95's better, but that's just me. I don't want that much flash on my car. It all comes down to appearence really.
Seth

[uber e36]

So the "true LTWs" are the 8.5 front & rear with the "BMW Motorsport"?

You guys know the part #?

[postmaster]

So the "true LTWs" are the 8.5 front & rear with the "BMW Motorsport"?

You guys know the part #?
Nope they are staggerd

Rear: 8.5
Front: 7.5

i have set :D

[s_ribs]

Nope they are staggerd

Rear: 8.5
Front: 7.5

i have set :D

Yup. Unfortunately. I want some 8.5's for the front soooo bad! Understeer sucks. :( Didn't notice it too much with my first set of tires (235/40F, 245/40R), but my new tires show it with immense grip in the rear that can push the front easily (225/45F, 255/40R). 255's all around baby! That's my plan (ok, fine... daydream) for the summer.

Keep in mind that if you want the 95 LTW's but don't want that finish, you can always change it. Mine are now black spokes with a polished lip (not the pic in my sig). Although, I think I might change the color scheme this summer... :devillook I did all of the work myself so no cost other than sandpaper and paint.
Seth

[s_ribs]

So the "true LTWs" are the 8.5 front & rear with the "BMW Motorsport"?

You guys know the part #?


I do not know the part number. However, as mentioned above, the 95 LTW's are no longer available through BMW. You are either buying replicas or a used set. Mine are always for sale... that is, at the right price anyway! :stickoutt I'd love to trade someone for a set of 17" SSR comps.
Seth

[uber e36]

But I work @ BMW... I'm sure I could hunt down a pair from europe...

And yes, my appologies.. 8.5/7.5 but they came with 235 all around...

[96cosmosM3]

If you can get euro parts there is also a version of this rim that says BMW MOTORSPORT that is polished.

[s_ribs]

But I work @ BMW... I'm sure I could hunt down a pair from europe...

And yes, my appologies.. 8.5/7.5 but they came with 235 all around...

Tires would be 225/45-17 F and 245/40-17 R.
Seth

[96cosmosM3]

Tires would be 225/45-17 F and 245/40-17 R.
Seth

95s came with 235s allaround even on the rear 8.5 rims