Looking for winter wheels

[klynch06]

Hi all,

Now that the winter is approaching and Amy has sold hers off I find myself still in need of winter wheels and tires. I have a 2009 128i convertible and could use some advice or tips on how I can find wheels at a fair price. Used is preferred cause like many these are lean times.

Good luck in CA Amy!

[Artmasterx]

Craigslist is probably the way to go, since it would be local. Though now the competition is probably pretty fierce for winter sets right now.

One thing to be careful of buying used winter wheels tires:
- Don't buy anything thats more than half worn, you probably want at least 8/32" tread depth. Tread depth is much more important in winter tires than in summer tires.
- Watch out for bent rims, particularly on the inside rim of the wheel. A minor bend may not be a problem, but sometime they can cause slow air leaks.

Good luck.

[klynch06]

Thanks Art,

I am really a novice when it comes to cars, I know what I like but not much else lol! I will try craigslist and be weary of the rims and tread like you mentioned.

I really appreciate the advice!

[Artmasterx]

You're welcome. I guess the other thing you need to make sure of is the wheel size, specifically the "offset" which is typically stamped on the back of a spoke on the wheel as something like "ET40". ET40 would indicate a 40 millimeter offset.

You probably want to stick with wheels in these ranges to be sure they will fit:
- if wheel is 7" wide, then offset should be between ET35 and ET50.
- if wheel is 7.5" wide, then offset should be between ET35 and ET45.
- if wheel is 8" wide, then offset should be between ET40 and ET45.

These are just some guidelines. If all else fails, you can probably get a new set from Tirerack.com for about $750 shipped to your door (I just priced a set with 205/55R16 General Altimax Arctic and 16x7.5 Elbrus I05 Silver Machined wheels).