BMW Wheels or Rims are great way to improve performance and drive quality for you BMW. Stock 3 SeriesWheels perform very well, so what you replace them with must be similar or better quality. When adding aftermarket rims or wheels there are many different options, and styles to choose from and mostly it will depend on your preference. Things you will have to decide when choosing wheels or rims will be:
- Size
- Style
- Offset
- Width
- Weight
Starting with size generally is a matter of preference for 3 Series wheels. Stock BMW wheels are usually between 17" to 19". You may want to keep the original size rims or go up an inch or to improve the look on the vehicle, generally the bigger the rims the better. But don't go to big or you will be driving like your walking on glass. I would say for a 3 series 19 or 20" are the perfect size rims, on which you will need about a 35 or 40 tire which is not so bad but you will still need to be careful. Style is totally a matter of preference and does not affect performance at all. However when choosing a style for your wheels, you will want to stick with a lightweight rims or wheel if you are aiming at performance. If not GO CHROME Wheels or rims, their heavy but their hot. However chrome rims are not for performance.
Now onto offset and width. Offset and width on wheels, will improve handling and also improve style. Get a little wider rims than stock rims, so you have more grip on the road. Offset is the dish, or "Deep Dish". Lately this is a very popular choice especially for the 3 series. Either both front and back will have a deep dish or you will see the staggered look, which simply means the dish in the back is bigger and wider than the front. Don't get me wrong regular wheels with no dish are OK, but on a 3 series a nice dish on the rims compliment it perfectly, it looks like it is meant for the car.
One last note, when choosing wheels, do not go cheap or again you will regret it, cheap wheels will fade, crack and break more easily. And also they will not be as lightweight. BBS, AC Schnitzer and others make nice wheels for Beemers. www.3seriestuner.com carries a huge selection of any type of wheels, if you don't see the exact rims, contact us and we can get them.
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