16" alloys on an E46 sport?

[Mr_Sukebe]

About the only real complaint I have about my 330i sport is the ride quality (yeah, I know, should have noticed on the test drive). At the moment, my car is running the usual MV 18" wheels with typically low profile tyres.

I couldn't help but notice that 16" alloys are now quite cheap s/h and considered putting my MVs in the garage (for resale value), and stuffing some 16" wheels on with higher profile tyres.

Anyone else ever done that? Excluding the lower levels of grip from thinner tyres, is there anything else I should be aware of, e.g. spacers or similar?

[Shropshiremike]

Mr_Sukebe said:

About the only real complaint I have about my 330i sport is the ride quality (yeah, I know, should have noticed on the test drive). At the moment, my car is running the usual MV 18" wheels with typically low profile tyres.

I couldn't help but notice that 16" alloys are now quite cheap s/h and considered putting my MVs in the garage (for resale value), and stuffing some 16" wheels on with higher profile tyres.

Anyone else ever done that? Excluding the lower levels of grip from thinner tyres, is there anything else I should be aware of, e.g. spacers or similar?

Don't think you'll get BMW 16" alloys over the brakes. That's why they come on at least 17s.

IIRC there is an aftermarket 16" that'll just fit if you "mod" the caliper somehow.... Compomotives motorsport probably...it's very tight though. 17s are a go-er though

Edited by Shropshiremike on Wednesday 1st October 12:16

[phelix]

What he said - 16s will fit the E46 328i but not the 330i as the brakes are bigger.

[paoloh]

16's will look stupidly small on an E46!

[Mr_Sukebe]

Thanks for advising ref the brakes chaps, hadn't thought of that.
Just one inch difference is probably not going to make a massive amount of difference. Oh well, it was a thought.

[roofer]

17's will be fine.