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In Reply to: Whats the verdict on 9" wide rims up front? (more) posted by BobK2 on November 18, 2000 at 13:56:00:
The suspension on your M635 is made to give a tremendous amount of "feedback" to the driver. It is comprised of ultralightwieght components under strict tolerances. Stock wheels usually weigh in the neighborhood of 17-19 lbs. Some aftermarket rims may be as heavy as 29 to 33 lbs! This is ridiculous. A car BLUEPRINTED and designed to work with a rim/tyre combined-weight of 23 lbs can not ride correctly with a 30-40 lb combo in its place.
The first signs of trouble with heavy wheels is MISTRACKING, or feeling the wheels pull on slight imperfections in the road.
Next comes a "wobble," which I have experienced first hand in my M6.
Finally, the suspension components become ruined from the constant jiggling and shaking, and the problems all worsen.
I have had this wobble ruin rotors as well, as it seems to be much more pronounced under thrust and deceleration. After a few months, a new set of rotors can warp trying to control the unsteady wheels while breaking.
If you go with factory wheels, get real ones. Order them from a BMW dealer, or AUTHORIZED retailer. I have seen a few folks get "factory" wheels that were not real, and they paid top dollar.
Be certain of the WEIGHT of the rims, even stock ones, as some of the newer wheels are heavier than the ones designed in the '80s. Newer Bimmers have beefier suspensions, and tend to hold-up to bigger loads.
Another disadvantage of weight is decreased efficiency, and slower acceleration.
Jab
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