What is the maximum wheel size I can put on my e30 325is, the car has a new sport suspension - lowered approx 1.5 inches. I was told I can fit 17 / 7.5 BBS RX one piece and some say 16 inch wheels are better. What is the biggest tire to go with the wheels. This about look and performance. Mark

If impressing the gang at the local mall parking lot is what you're after, then 17" rims should make them swoon. But if performance is your goal, read on. Larger wheels and tires that you see on high performance and race cars are largely due to the need for increased clearance for larger brake rotors. There is also a small benefit of cooler running tire temps at high speed. Larger racing wheels and tires are made of lightweight material and actually wheigh less than most 14" stock wheel and tire set ups. Therefore the unsprung weight is actually reduced. The average under $350 16" or 17" street wheel and tire weighs about the same as a small piano. Unsprung weight is crucial to proper suspension setup and overall handling. It's a simple rule, less is more. A good performance wheel weighs less than 15lbs (how much less depends on how deep your pockets are) Another thing to consider is the steering responce is quicker with overall smaller diameter rims/tires. Personally, I would not go over 16x7.5 and 225/45 tires. It goes against the BMW credo: form follows function.