M3 E46 Alloys

[Tim F]

I have an E46 M3 on 18" wheels. Tyres were practically brand new when I got it and now need changing. I like the 18s (am I the only one?!) but now thinking of 19s for a change. 2 questions:

1. Where, except BMW, can I get genuine 19" wheels
2. Is there anywhere to get genuine CSL wheels and do you need to do anything special to fit them. I heard BMW will only sell these to CS/CSL owners.

Ta

[mat205125]

Look on ebay.

Can I ask what your front 18" wheels are like, and whether one of the two (or both) are in excellent condition?

One of mine has been attacked by the elements, and the laquer is lifting

[sjj84]

Genuine wheels you'll need to get from either BMW themselves or second hand from ebay/pistonheads classified/various wheel sellers that have taken them part exchange.
CSL wheels again from the second hand sellers or BMW for new ones. Interestingly enough, CSL wheels from the BMW dealers are actually cheaper than the standard 19" M3 wheels.

[Travis Mcgee]

try these people www.bmstyling.co.uk
Genuine BMW E46 M3 CSL Alloys 8.5j front and 9.5j rear. M3 fitment only.

19" with tyres - £2249.99

19" without - £1699.99

[MattOz]

mat205125 said:

One of mine has been attacked by the elements, and the laquer is lifting

I've got the same on a couple of mine. It's nothing serious and the lacquer hasn't cracked or flaked off. It's on one or two of the spokes, towards the back edge. I imagine that its a fairly common problem. Apart from that, mine are immaculate and are my winter set.

Matt

[gizlaroc]

Prices are annoying, I paid just under a grand for my last set of CSL rims from BMW, that was with a 20% discount, but came in at £970 I think it was.

They have really shot up a lot.

[mat205125]

Travis Mcgee said:

try these people www.bmstyling.co.uk
Genuine BMW E46 M3 CSL Alloys 8.5j front and 9.5j rear. M3 fitment only.

19" with tyres - £2249.99

19" without - £1699.99

Has anyone purchased their BBS LM replica rims? If I were to go aftermarket, this or the BBS CH style would be my choice, and these appear excellent value depending on the quality.

[Martin W]

MattOz said:

mat205125 said:

One of mine has been attacked by the elements, and the laquer is lifting

I've got the same on a couple of mine. It's nothing serious and the lacquer hasn't cracked or flaked off. It's on one or two of the spokes, towards the back edge. I imagine that its a fairly common problem. Apart from that, mine are immaculate and are my winter set.

Matt

I'm thinking of getting some 18" as a winter set as I was floundering embarrassingly on my PS2 shod 19's last year at the merest hint of snow.

Are the 18's completely painted or polished like the 19's?

Also, what winter tyres do you use and do they really make as much difference as some say?

[bazking69]

Tim F said:

I heard BMW will only sell these to CS/CSL owners.

Not true, but they will probably ask you for a chassis number of a CSL to look up CSL parts.

[MattOz]

Martin W said:

I'm thinking of getting some 18" as a winter set as I was floundering embarrassingly on my PS2 shod 19's last year at the merest hint of snow.

Are the 18's completely painted or polished like the 19's?

Also, what winter tyres do you use and do they really make as much difference as some say?

Hi Martin,

My 18's have pilot sport 1's on them and I found them ok last winter. The OE finish on the wheels is in shadow chrome, like the e39 m5. It's a lacquered finish over a black and silver base coat. It's susceptible to corrosion once chipped and can look awful. Not as bad as the polished 19's though, once they start to corrode.

Winter tyres would undoubtedly assist with grip and the levels that are achieveable are nothing short of amazing. Not sure how many manufacturers do them in 18" sizes, but Continental might.

Matt

[Martin W]

MattOz said:

Martin W said:

I'm thinking of getting some 18" as a winter set as I was floundering embarrassingly on my PS2 shod 19's last year at the merest hint of snow.

Are the 18's completely painted or polished like the 19's?

Also, what winter tyres do you use and do they really make as much difference as some say?

Hi Martin,

My 18's have pilot sport 1's on them and I found them ok last winter. The OE finish on the wheels is in shadow chrome, like the e39 m5. It's a lacquered finish over a black and silver base coat. It's susceptible to corrosion once chipped and can look awful. Not as bad as the polished 19's though, once they start to corrode.

Winter tyres would undoubtedly assist with grip and the levels that are achieveable are nothing short of amazing. Not sure how many manufacturers do them in 18" sizes, but Continental might.

Matt

Well, I've sourced a set of 18's and now looking for some winter tyres! I just can't stop finding new ways to spend money on this car!