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[Sarracino89]

Hi guys, I am looking to upgrade my factory tires and wheels with an 18" setup (including tires) and have a strict 1200$ budget. I like the style of the VMR VB3's but am open to suggestions of similar wheels. As far as tires go, I am not tracking the car, I live in southern california, so no major climate changes to worry about. Looking for something to just do the job for a dd car. Any help/suggestions, or pointing me towards similar threads would be of great appreciation. Thanks in Advanced!!

[MarkR171]

1200 INCLUDING tires? A decent set of tires alone will run you 650-800$... You could do it if you got an incredible deal on used wheels.

I've seen a couple sets of OEM 18" 135i wheels for 475-600$, then find decent enough tires within budget. I think that's the only way you can do it.

[romak47]

craigs list? lol

[Sarracino89]

I understand that is a small budget compared to what many have done, but I am a college student and am only working part time at the moment. The budget comes from what is left from what I sold my previous car for ($2500). I don't need any rude comments, as I am sure one or two may come up, so don't waste my time or yours for that matter. (not saying either of your comments were rude) I have already paired the VB3's with hankook Ventus V12 tires from eas for 1400, so I am sure, 1200, is not that far of a stretch.

[MarkR171]

It can be done, these wheels might look decent... http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Price

at only $134 a piece.

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by MarkR171

It can be done, these wheels might look decent... http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Price

at only $134 a piece.

Thanks mark, forgot to mention, that I am looking for something in a black/matte black. I was just looking at tire rack ironically, what do you think of these: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Brand

[MarkR171]

LOL I was going to mention those too, but the MODAs I linked look closer to VMR styling

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by MarkR171

LOL I was going to mention those too, but the MODAs I linked look closer to VMR styling

haha funny, we must be on the same brain channel LOL. I checked out the MODAs, and they had one with the inner black, which was kind of interesting. Well looks like I have some more options now (thanks Mark) still open to any more suggestions though including tires.

[miiipilot]

OP,

Not being rude, but why don't you save for a little bit longer and grab the VMRs and tires you WANT. Get a staggered setup too. IMO it looks so much nicer. Don't just get bargain rims because you have money to burn. I would only opt for bargain rims if I were using them just for winter duty.

I know you want immediate gratification, but save a bit longer and get something you can't possibly regret.

my .02,
miiipilot

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by miiipilot

OP,

Not being rude, but why don't you save for a little bit longer and grab the VMRs and tires you WANT. Get a staggered setup too. IMO it looks so much nicer. Don't just get bargain rims because you have money to burn. I would only opt for bargain rims if I were using them just for winter duty.

I know you want immediate gratification, but save a bit longer and get something you can't possibly regret.

my .02,
miiipilot

Not received as rude at all. The more I look at the other wheels we have discussed, the more I fall back on the VB3's. The only reason I don't go with a staggered setup is dealing with rotating tires, unless, anyone wants to chime in and say it doesn't make a difference in the overall price when the need to rotate/buy new tires. (Hope that makes sense lol) And it looks like I may looking to save a bit longer as suggested unless someone can recommend some pretty decent tires around/under 600
again, all help will be much appreciated.

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

Not received as rude at all. The more I look at the other wheels we have discussed, the more I fall back on the VB3's. The only reason I don't go with a staggered setup is dealing with rotating tires, unless, anyone wants to chime in and say it doesn't make a difference in the overall price when the need to rotate/buy new tires. (Hope that makes sense lol) And it looks like I may looking to save a bit longer as suggested unless someone can recommend some pretty decent tires around/under 600
again, all help will be much appreciated.

If it is just for normal road use, I can recommend the General Exclaim UHP. They don't make a great autocross tire, but they have a good wear rating, they have excellent hydroplane resistance, and they were very competent. Generally (pun intended) they are in the $100-$120 range depending on size.

As far as the rotating issue goes, let's do a little math (seeing as you are a student). Assume tires have 10mm of wearable tread. If you have tires that nominally last 33k miles when on front (0.3mm per 1k), and 20k when in rear (0.5mm per 1k), we can look at two scenarios. Consider 100k miles and $100 per tire).

Without rotation:
Front replaced 3 times ($600)
Rear replaced 5 times ($1000)
Total: $1600

With rotation every 2.5k miles (so every 5k miles, each tire wears down 2mm):
10mm/2mm*5k = replace tires every 25k miles
Front replaced 4 times ($800)
Rears replaced 4 times ($800)
Total: $1600

Now, there may be some value to having some either the front or rear having more tread at a given time, than running around on near-gone tires on all corners, but cost wise it seems like a toss-up.

Hope this helps.

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by Artmasterx

As far as the rotating issue goes, let's do a little math (seeing as you are a student). Assume tires have 10mm of wearable tread. If you have tires that nominally last 33k miles when on front (0.3mm per 1k), and 20k when in rear (0.5mm per 1k), we can look at two scenarios. Consider 100k miles and $100 per tire).

Without rotation:
Front replaced 3 times ($600)
Rear replaced 5 times ($1000)
Total: $1600

With rotation every 2.5k miles (so every 5k miles, each tire wears down 2mm):
10mm/2mm*5k = replace tires every 25k miles
Front replaced 4 times ($800)
Rears replaced 4 times ($800)
Total: $1600

Now, there may be some value to having some either the front or rear having more tread at a given time, than running around on near-gone tires on all corners, but cost wise it seems like a toss-up.

Hope this helps.

Wow that was a lot more of answer than I was expecting to get, I had done little research on wear on tires, so this was actually perfect, and it seems like you have answered my question as to whether to go staggered or not then. I appreciate your help, and will look into the general tire (maybe a pun? )