Are these too big

[hybrid117]

Hey guys i just bought my first bimmer and its a 323i 5speed, im also new to the forum. I need some help selecting a wheel size. I know i want black wheels at 19 inches staggerd but im not sure how wide i need to go. 8 and 9 or 8.5 and 9.5. Will the 8.5 x 9.5 fit and look ok under the flares? Can i go bigger? Pictures would help, especially if they are right down the fender so i can see how the wheel and the flares line up. Thanks

UPDATE: I talked to a local shop and they said i could go as big as 20 inches. Is this true? i want 19 inches but if it wont fit i will go lower.

[cipher982]

You don't want more than 18" if you ever drive the car hard. These cars just aren't made for wheels that large. I'll probably end up going 17". Also, with the power a 323is puts down, you really don't have any need to go larger than 8" wide, unless you drag it. Also remember tire prices are gonna be crazy for something like a 20x9.5" tire. So don't get something big just because you can.

How wide and large you can go also depends on your suspension setup, how stiff it is and it's ride height. You can fit 9, 9.5 fine with some slight fender rolling.

EDIT: this is an e36 correct? '98 or older?

[SleepRM3]

19s are too big on any E36 or E46.

[hybrid117]

Its a e46 (year 2000), i have the sport package so think the suspension is differn't from a stock one. So your telling me that a 19' is too big and i should go 18'? Im going with the staggerd 8.5 x 9.5, i really like that look. How much ride quality will i lose with a 19 compared to a 18? i think im gonna wrap them with goodyear f1's.

[tabasco]

Uhhh...19's are not too big for an E46.

These are 19x8.5 up front and 19x9.5 out back. Tires are 235/35/19 and 265/30/19 Toyo T1-R's. She is slammed on H&R Race.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/JasonLC/MESH/DSC_5839.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/JasonLC/MESH/DSC_5841.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/JasonLC/MESH/DSC_5849.jpg

jason

[hybrid117]

Did you have to roll your fenders to get those 19s to fit? I like the look of those wheels, thats what i was going for but in black. Should i go with a lighter wheel or what. Im looking at RPM R505s, ASA AR1s, or somthing along those lines. Any ideas or suggestions?

[The HACK]

Uhhh...19's are not too big for an E46.

They are for the 323i. At a local car control clinic someone showed up with a 323i with 19" rims. The rims and tires were SO HEAVY that she couldn't activate ABS no matter how hard she got on the binders.

Good luck trying to stop the car in time to avoid a collision.

[hybrid117]

i think im gonna go with the 18 x 8, 18 x 9 ASA AR1 in black, they say they are a lightweight wheel (24 front, 23 rear lbs). Im gonna wrap them in Goodyear F1's, any good things about these tyres?

[2000BlackE46]

19s on an e46 is sexyy

[Daved]

19s on an e46 is sexyy
Indeed but 18s work better.

[hybrid117]

its cool, i just orderd my wheels, they are coming in wednsday