17" wheels

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Matkat
Joined: Tue 10 Sep, 2013 14:20
Posts: 8

  Z3 roadster 1.9

17" wheels

Post by Matkat »

Tyres nearly out on my 16" original rims. Looking for a set of 17" rims for a narrow body 1997 1.9 Z3. Anyone have a set or can give me the correct rim identification. Thanks
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Re: 17" wheels

Post by Mike Fishwick »

Don't go for ridicuously wide rims - keep to the factory optional widths of seven and a half front with eight and a half inches rear with an IS dimension (offset) of 41 mm. A set of decent BMW wheels will be fine. Avoid any 'Diamond Cut' wheels like the plague, as the salet-laden roads of the UK will soon corrode them.

Likewise, stick to the OE tyre sizes - 225/45 front and 245-40 rear. There is no point in exceeding these sizes, and you do not need to notify your insurer, as they were an option when new.

However, be prepared for a rougher ride, and 'lively' steering on rough roads - this is caused by the much more rigid sidewalls of the lower-profile tyres.
This can, however,be cured by fitting polyurethane wishbone bushes, or the almost solid rubber type used on the M3 and M Roadster. Needless to say, also make sure that your suspension is in good condition - particularly ball joints.
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
Matkat
Joined: Tue 10 Sep, 2013 14:20
Posts: 8

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 17" wheels

Post by Matkat »

Thanks for that. Is fitting wider rear rims the correct option? I was planning on fitting same all round. Utilizing correct 225/45 tyres
All the suspension is new on shocks, polythene bushes etc etc
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: 17" wheels

Post by Robert T »

You'll need to fit the same all round on a narrowbody 1.9. The rear arches won't accommodate a staggered setup. Widebody and facelift cars will.

Cheers R.

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Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Re: 17" wheels

Post by Mike Fishwick »

According to Real OEM the 1.9 takes the same 8.5 inch wheel as all the other Z3 models! PErhaps the brake drum section does not protrude as much?
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
Matkat
Joined: Tue 10 Sep, 2013 14:20
Posts: 8

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 17" wheels

Post by Matkat »

Thanks for the info. I will stick with 7.5 all round. The tyre sticker in the door reveal gives this as 225/45 for 17" rims :D
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