Wheel/Tire ride feel

[daka]

What has been your experience with the feel/ride when you replaced the o/e tires wheel combo with lower profile sets?
I just bought an 07 wagon, and for sure it will be needing tires, there is a local shop that seems to get a lot of the brand new take off tires/wheels from local BMW dealers....they range $1000 up (for the sets),I'm looking at a set that is $1600.....
New tires alone for the car would probably be in the $1200 range, so for a bit more I could choose a set of factory later model tires/wheels.

[JayArras]

Lower profile tires are going to give you a rougher ride. The simple reason being that you'll have less sidewall to cushion you. The same goes for larger rim sizes.

[pbonsalb]

Try a mild change like to 245/40/18 as used on sport package 535xit. Not staggered so you can rotate front to back.

[daka]

What offset would be ok for an 07(530) wagon?

[JayArras]

The E61 wagons, like the xi sedan models can accommodate anything from about ET 35 - 45 without resorting to spacers.

[daka]

So, 245/40x18 on wheels with a 35 to 45 offset....I kinda' like the way staggered wheels look, and I don't remember the last time I rotated tires....so not a problem.
And, since this is south FL, and the car will never get further north than Palm Beach county....smooth roads, no "potholes"
I guess its just a matter of finding wheels that I like. The O/E wheels on these cars are kinda' boring looking.
I have been looking at pix of grey cars and wheels...eventually I'll find something I like
To me the most important qualities are quiet ride....no worries about wet stopping as I almost never drive in rain...only if it catches me, and this car will only go about 6-7,000 miles a year.

[ExVolvoGT]

Are the rims genuine BMW? If not, just make sure they are hub-centric to reduce off center wheel vibration. Also check your local Craigslist..they sometimes have a great deal or two on there..
RB