re: e28 snow wheels **Rob

["Rob Levinson" <always_coca-cola@xxxxxxx>]

Steve Poland <polands@domain.elided> wrote:

>Subject: e28 snow wheels
>
>On a completely different note, what official steel wheels are a fit for
>my '88 535is (for snow tire set)?  What are the nominal dimensions, and
>identifying marks if I were looking at used ones?  My preference would
>be to find 15" wheels, not the 14" e28-528 variety.
>Also how much would one expect to pay for the 15" alloy wheels off the
>'89> 5 series, and what is their identifying marking.  How wide are
>they, wider than the TRX wheels?


        Officially, a 535i uses ET22 wheels (22mm offset).  An E34 uses ET17
(17mm offset) wheels that stick out 5mm more.  The 5mm is of no consequence,
actually improving the too-far-in-look of stock E28 wheels.

        Any E34/E32 (E32 uses ET20, I think) wheels will fit perfectly on
your E28.  There are E34 "steelies" around (I have a set I bummed off Bubba
Duane) and the hubcaps aren't too bad looking.  A set of used E34 alloys
will sell for $400-$500 depending on condition.  However, if you're just
looking for wheels regardless of appearance, you should look into early E32
"turbine" style alloys which aren't very popular (although I like them)...
last time I checked www.zionsvilleautosport.com, Jason Lile had a set for
$299.

    I'm curious as to why you wouldn't want 528e alloys.  They fit perfectly
(unless you do the RL/BB upgrade) and a 14" snow tire is a better choice for
a few reasons: cheaper, more sidewall height for extra flex, and the wheels
are cheaper.  The wheel style is just like the TRX, they're almost
indistinguishable from stock.  The '86 535i that I am selling has them, take
a look at www.bubbaclub.com/4sale.htm  . You'd run a 195/70-14 or 195/75-14
tire on them.

- - Rob Levinson
'85 535i Turbo 5-speed
'86 535i 5-speed
both for sale - www.bubbaclub.com/4sale.htm

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