Typically more $$$... (archive)

There are two types of wheels for the e31, the 850CSi throwing stars in Ben Trapp's summary and what are referred to as forged turbines sold as optional on 850i/Ci. The forged turbines look like the throwing stars but have 8 holes instead of 5 and are a solid forged design, not a wheel and cover assembly as the throwing stars are. Since the 850i/Ci forged turbines go for about $600 a set vs. about $1200-1500 for the very rare e31 CSi throwing stars, you've either found a hell of a deal (buy them!) or they're the mroe common less expensive 8-hole forged turbines.

Greg K
1991 850 6spd
1988 M5

You all know about Ben Trapp's excellent write-up on the late-style E34 M5 "Throwing Star" wheels (link below). My question is, I've seen several sets of E31 throwing star wheels for sale quite a bit cheaper than the E34 variety; presumably the result of supply-vs.-demand. Is it simply a dumb idea to use the 10 mm-offset E31 17X8" wheel on an E34 instead of the recommended 20 mm offset wheel? As the wheel is effectively 10 mm further outboard, I can see that it would put a little more strain on the suspension components, but on the other hand it does give you a 20 mm wider track, which might not be a bad thing handling-wise.

So, E31 wheels on an E34--yeah or nay?

Thanks much,

Dave

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