The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.
Car, Truck and SUV Forums at Roadfly
+ Bentley Forums
+ BMW Forums
+ Cadillac Forums
+ Chevrolet Forums
+ Ferrari Forums
+ Jaguar Forums
+ Lamborghini Forums
+ Lotus Forums
+ Mercedes-Benz Forums
+ Maserati Forums
+ MINI Forums
+ Porsche Forums
+ General Discussion
+ Marketplace Forums
Agreed again, partially... (archive)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Posted by Joe on January 15, 2000 at 18:10:12:

In Reply to: Re: re:And... posted by Hans on January 15, 2000 at 10:08:44:

Well, for one, the new 750, and the later model 850s have VERY tough suspensions, so I stand corrected on my original post. ON THESE particular cars, I 'suppose' that a 53 percent weight gain could be within tolerance. Keep in mind that you must add tires, and that your "loose" or unsprung suspension components are also factored in when the car rises over small lifts in the road at speed. This is why BMW added the ALUMINUM contol arms on later models. (WHICH by the way are FORGED.) Also, you will notice EXTREME differences in Hamann, OZ and even SCHNITZERs offset "opinions of what will fit your car.

EXAMPLE- My e24 took a 22 mm offset rim stock, but Hamann's HM2 for my car was a 13mm. Yes, a SMALL difference (2-3mm) is okay, but 9 is WAY off! Sorry. The fact is, a stock e24 wheel is 19 lbs, and a little over 15 inches(metric).

On an OLDER E31, the suspension can't take a 30% weight gain. On a newer one, sure, they might not wobble. HOWEVER, Newton tells us of objects tendency to stay in their original motion. The heavier the object, the more force the steering, suspension, etc. must place on it to overcome its directional change versus weight, etc. TRUST me lighter is MUCH better.

As for offset, the camber can be tweaked to accomodate for the differences, but original handling characteristics will be ruined, unless you get really lucky.

BMW makes some heavy wheels because they cost less to make, and people like how they look. HOWEVER, most Bimmer rims are designed well under 21 LBS.

Joe


Follow Ups:



[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.
Roadfly.com Logo © 1997 - 2008 Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.