2011 128i E88 non M wheel upgrade

[Artdnj]

New to us 2011 128i vert. Stock wheels are 16" 10 spoke. They are looking a bit shabby, un-cleanable in areas so I am contemplating upgrading to hopefully 17" wheels. Can this be done without causing other issues and if so what size is preferred, back spacing/offset etc?

White vert, tan top and interior, open to suggestions, northeast weather, so tires are all season. Thanks in advance

[olds350]

Tire rack would be a good place to start to get answers to your questions. The 1 series has an odd backspacing, you'll need to stay around 40 to 47mm backspace depending on what wheel you buy. You can go to a 19 on these cars, just have to adjust the tire ratio so the diameter stays the same. Tire rack has a great tech section that should answer a bunch of your concerns...

[Artdnj]

Thanks, I looked at Tire Rack and saw wheels from 16-19 but really couldn't find info on sizing that would exclude any potential rubbing issues. I am even open to stock wheels but would like to go with 17 or 18 inch as long as it would fit without issue.

[JimVonBaden]

I like these a lot.


16", but a nice style.

I just finished painting them Graphite. Not yet installed.



Same year and model as you.

[Artdnj]

Thats the ones I have (actually daughter) have some carbon staining in the outer rim areas that can't be cleaned (at least with everything that I have tried). I figured it would need a repaint but thought new ones might be a cheaper alternative and at the same time allow me to go a bit larger. Really only two are stained but I am a perfectionist and most people don't even notice.

Did you powder coat? Looks great btw, nice job.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by Artdnj

Thats the ones I have (actually daughter) have some carbon staining in the outer rim areas that can't be cleaned (at least with everything that I have tried). I figured it would need a repaint but thought new ones might be a cheaper alternative and at the same time allow me to go a bit larger. Really only two are stained but I am a perfectionist and most people don't even notice.

Did you powder coat? Looks great btw, nice job.

Not powder, VHT Graphite paint and VHT clear.

[Tuxedo]

I have looked high and low for a set of Style 5 without luck, and settled on this set from tire rack. honestly these contemporary style 42's look better then what I want but nostalgia is a funny thing. These need a center hub ring and they sell the 68mm BMW caps your oem caps wont fit. https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...lar=Base+Model
I have seen them on sale for less and on ebay
you'll need a set of tpms too https://www.ecstuning.com/b-huf-part...36236798726kt/
Square MPSS 225/45r17 17x7.5 et40

[Artdnj]

Those look great. I believe mine are style 360, 16". They aren't in terrible shape but the carbon stains that I can't seem to get clean drive me nuts on the fr wheels. I may just refurb the two, prob the cheapest way.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by Artdnj

Those look great. I believe mine are style 360, 16". They aren't in terrible shape but the carbon stains that I can't seem to get clean drive me nuts on the fr wheels. I may just refurb the two, prob the cheapest way.

What have you done to try to clean them? Sonax is very good at removing stubborn brake dust and I’ve clay barred wheels before to remove extra-stubborn stuff. Both are worth a try before refinishing the wheels. That is a lot of work.

[Artdnj]

I have used a variety of cleaners most recently Meguires. I have not tried Sonax Wheel cleaner as of yet but the questionable areas looked baked on.

[bagekko]

My winter wheels are style 306 from an X3, square 17x8 ET43 setup. They were super clean from the south shipped for less than $400. Not much from the BMW lineup fits the 1er, some 3 series do, glad I stumbled on the X3 wheels as I wanted 17s for winters as my spring/fall and summers are both 18 staggered sets.

[tracer bullet]

I'd check your local Craigslist, might find some OEM wheels (guaranteed to fit) off another 1-Series. Around our area at least there's almost always at least 1 set for sale. 128i or 135i would work. Picking them up would save shipping and allow you to check them out first. You'd have to trust the seller there wasn't any hard to see damage i.e. bent or anything that a balance job wouldn't fix.

Wheels off other BMW's can work but as mentioned we have a rather unusual offset and it's a bit of a gamble.

What's your budget?

There may be some stuff int he For Sale section here as well of course.

[Artdnj]

ok so any wheels, 16,17,18 should fit if it came off a stock 128i, 135i, non sport/M or even them?

[rowsdower]

I scored a set of staggered 17” 262s with tires from a forum member for a very reasonable price. These are the same wheels my car came with (2011 128i coupe with Sport package) so now I have 2 sets. Check the for sale section and post up a “want to buy” thread. You may be surprised how many people are sitting on a spare set of wheels they would be happy to part with.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Check the for sale section and post up a "want to buy" thread. You may be surprised how many people are sitting on a spare set of wheels they would be happy to part with.

Good idea...

[Artdnj]

Here is a close up of staining. Drives me crazy. Love the wheels though.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by Artdnj

Here is a close up of staining. Drives me crazy. Love the wheels though.

Try Sonax. It is a chemical cleaner that bonds to brake dust. Google it.

[Artdnj]

Already ordered it and it's on the way, thx

[mad1stgen]

If you decide to upgrade to 17s, I've been thinking of putting up this staggered set for sale. Tires will be removed as they're done IMO, but the wheels are OEM BMW style 207M found on Msport packaged 128i cars.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by Artdnj

Here is a close up of staining. Drives me crazy. Love the wheels though.

I had the same issue. No chemical would touch it. That is why I painted my wheels.

[Fakemike]

The OEM wheels that came on the M Sport 135i are a great option. They fit the 1 series very well. But then you have to buy more expensive 18 inch staggered tires. You occasionally can find a used set of wheels for around $300 on this site.

Style 261


Style 264 (they have a slightly more concave rear)

[Artdnj]

Originally Posted by mad1stgen

If you decide to upgrade to 17s, I've been thinking of putting up this staggered set for sale. Tires will be removed as they're done IMO, but the wheels are OEM BMW style 207M found on Msport packaged 128i cars.

Thanks, I like those as well as mine but I may go the repair route if I do anything at all but I will absolutely think about your set. Tires will add a bit $$$ and my tires were just replaced.