BMW E60 M5 19" OEM wheels

**gutMD** · March 17th 2008, 23:43

Just wanted to know if anyone has seen these on a Z8. I like the looks of the wheel and would love to see how they look on a Topaz car. Any Photoshop experts out there ?

The front offset is perfect at 12mm but the rear may be a bit long at 28mm.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

**macfly** · March 18th 2008, 02:03

I like the look of them, and have also thought they might suit the Z8, so I say give it a try.

**thegunguy** · March 18th 2008, 06:04

Been wondering the same.

**Norcal** · March 19th 2008, 06:49

Quick and dirty on a black car

**gutMD** · March 19th 2008, 11:59

Thanks Norcal,
Certainly looks really nice on the black and am trying to visualize them on a Topaz.
What do others think?
The wheels look like they might be a bit of a pain to clean but otherwise are beautiful looking rims.
I've narrowed my decision down to these or the M6 wheels-167.

**2001bmwz8** · March 19th 2008, 12:57

Those are really beautiful!! I am considering the 18" BMW Bolted Star Spoke Style #108 but now I am having a hard time deciding after seeing Norcal's handy work! Norcal - would you be so kind as to do the same for me so I can see what the Bolted Star would look like? Thanks in advance!! Sam

**thegunguy** · March 19th 2008, 15:29

Good job Ian. I think the design works well with the character of the car, but i'm curious about the weight...

**Norcal** · March 20th 2008, 02:58

Another quick and dirty

**gutMD** · April 11th 2008, 20:52

Just purchased the M5 wheels after much research and thought. I'll weigh the rims on arrival and post them (and pics) when ready.

Z8Mania · April 12th 2008, 11:19

Looking forward to seeing how they look in "real life".

**OL? Z8** · April 22nd 2008, 13:00

I have just fitted a set on the ol' Z8 and they fit fine and look great!
I think if anything though the rears could do with spacing out about 3/8" as the fronts sit further out into the wheel arch. I will post a pic soon.
Andrew

**macfly** · April 22nd 2008, 13:09

Look forward to seeing them on the car, and great to see you on the board too - welcome!

**forstephan** · April 22nd 2008, 20:04

I had the same thought, and will be happy to see it on the Z8. That should be a nice set for it.
thank you.
Kind regards.
Stephane

**gutMD** · April 25th 2008, 21:46

Here are some quick photos of the wheels on the car. I am extremely satisfied with the look as the curved spokes certainly suit the curves of the car very well.
I also love the fact that there is no lip along the outer edge of the wheels because it seems to give the car the appearance of an overall wider stance.
Furthermore, the front end looks a bit wider as the front wheels extend outward 14mm also contributing to its wider stance.
I will be adding a spacer to the back as I want to increase the rear track a little again giving the car a bit more of an edge.
No problems with rubbing or clearances.

**thegunguy** · April 25th 2008, 21:49

Wow, I've always thought that those would look good, and I was right! Very nice!

Weights?

**macfly** · April 25th 2008, 21:53

Yes indeed, they are a perfect compliment to the car!

**gutMD** · April 25th 2008, 23:22

Thanks guy's.

Andrew, I've already posted the weights with and without tires on the Tire size, Wheel offset and Weight thread so that you can add to your list.

Rifle, you can find them there.

**thegunguy** · April 25th 2008, 23:33

Thanks - found the weight post. They're certainly not feather weight, but a healthy reduction at all four corners, and I like the idea of an extra 1/2" width.

**Norcal** · April 26th 2008, 02:02

Those are some of the best I've seen. Nice.

**gutMD** · April 26th 2008, 02:08

Thanks Norcal. They look awfully nice in the pics but are absolutely stunning in "person".
Thank you again for the Photoshop work you did for me above in a previous post.

**macfly** · April 26th 2008, 03:23

Damn, the more I look the more I think that yet another set of wheels are in my future! It is clear to see that they are just fantastic on Topaz, and will be stunning on black too. I'm looking very forward to seeing them on OL'Z8 before hitting the 'order now' button, as they may not be as dramatic on a silver car.

**thegunguy** · April 26th 2008, 03:25

Next week I think I might borrow the wheels from my fathers M5 (see FS section - lol), and see how the wheels look on my car.

**forstephan** · April 26th 2008, 11:48

Very nice, those look perfect on the Z8. I'll do the same.
Kind regards.
Stephane

**Norcal** · April 26th 2008, 15:23

Those look like the same wheels on my 750Li. Are they the same widths and offsets?

**ron's rocket** · April 26th 2008, 19:21

Likewise, I'm rethinking my wheel decision. Too much chrome and way to hard to keep clean. Thinking the M5 wheels may look best on darker color cars, but I don't have a good eye for this kinda thing... photoshop on a silver car???

**OL? Z8** · April 26th 2008, 20:39

As Promised, pictures of the E60 M5 wheels on OL Z8.

I have measured the body to tyre edge now and I calculate that the rears need to be spaced 1/2" per side.

You have to agree though they do suit the Zed!

Regards.

**macfly** · April 26th 2008, 22:39

Wow, these wheels really are the best looking ones I've seen a Z8, and it is really nice they are also BMW originals.

**gutMD** · April 26th 2008, 22:51

OL Z8, Boy those look sweet. I hope that you are as happy as I am with mine. The more you look at them the more awesome they become. Was down at the local Autobahn service center today and the car was like fly paper and everyone commented on how well the wheels suited the car.

Andrew, before you hit the button check out
http://www.finishlinewheels.com/BMW/M5/. I did not buy my wheels here but found this after the fact. The prices are a bit better but I know nothing about the company and I do not know what they charge for shipping.

A few more pics to entice you all.

**gutMD** · April 26th 2008, 23:03

Originally Posted by Norcal

Those look like the same wheels on my 750Li. Are they the same widths and offsets?

Ian, I'm not sure about which wheels you have but these are
F: 19x8.5, ET 12mm
R: 19x9.5, ET 28mm

I posted weights on Tire size thread

I will be adding a 10 or 15mm spacer to the rears to bring them out a bit from the stock position.

**thegunguy** · April 27th 2008, 02:14

Well, it must be fate. I had a chance conversation with friend today that knows of a gentleman looking to sell a relatively new set of these wheels shod with MPS2s. I may have some new shoes in a few days.

I'm still going to try out the wheels from my father's M5 first to make sure I like the look on a black car, but I cannot imagine them not looking good.

I may also look for a shop to refinish the wheels in bright silver like the RD2s on Dave's car. I don't want chrome, but I think a little more shine would really suit a black car.

**Norcal** · April 27th 2008, 16:36

Originally Posted by gutMD

Ian, I'm not sure about which wheels you have but these are
F: 19x8.5, ET 12mm
R: 19x9.5, ET 28mm

I posted weights on Tire size thread

I will be adding a 10 or 15mm spacer to the rears to bring them out a bit from the stock position.

They are similar, but not the same design. Also 19x9 front & 19x10 rears.

**OL? Z8** · April 27th 2008, 21:08

Glad you guys like them, I am really pleased with the look and as they are factory M wheels it just adds to the 'stock' upgrade feel. Brakes next for me. I have also aquired some US tail lights as I want to convert mine. The all red rears really look so much neater, Does anyone know hom much work is involved? Rear bumper off etc?? Also how about a set of white front side markers/indicator lenses?
Best regards from England.

Z8Mania · May 2nd 2008, 09:51

A few thoughts. I believe the M5 wheels are cast, not forged, I think they are in keeping with BMWs other wheels in that they are somewhat heavy. But they do look great. I would not do spacers. Doing that will increase stone chips and could throw off the wheel balance. I like how it looks as it is. Btw- the wheels from the 7 series have a different offset than the rest of the range so if the M5 wheels fit the Z8 then its not likely the 7 series wheels will without some work.

**gutMD** · May 2nd 2008, 12:13

Jerry, I must agree. I initially thought 10-15mm spacers were needed but the more I look at the setup the more I think it is nice as is. At most I may do a 5mm spacer for now. I'm holding out to see how OL' car looks with the spacers in place.

**thegunguy** · May 4th 2008, 02:36

Borrowed from my father's car this afternoon.

Note the M5's amazing balance as it poses on just two wheels. Perhaps a strategic shadow.

**Norcal** · May 4th 2008, 04:56

They look really nice. I was wondering how you got wheels on both cars! Thanks for the clue.

**gutMD** · May 4th 2008, 09:05

Oh my!! Look right at home on black cars too. Gives it more of a stately look on black compared with the more open M6 167 style 5 spoke wheel that we have seen on black which imparts a more aggressive nature to the car.

Blue, silver, and now black. 3 for 3 thus far.

Would love to see them on red and stratus (may be the best of all).

Any takers?

Z8Mania · May 4th 2008, 13:35

They look great on the black car. Did you just put them on, nothing extra? No spacers, etc?

**thegunguy** · May 5th 2008, 00:16

Yes, I just did a swap to show the group here.

However, I do believe that they need spacers in the rear - likely 10/15mm as stated before. At this width, I wouldn't be concerned with using spacers.

**gutMD** · May 5th 2008, 00:24

Rifle, they looked great.
Did you buy the set from your aquaintance ?

**thegunguy** · May 5th 2008, 00:32

Going to look at them Wednesday.

**thegunguy** · May 8th 2008, 02:02

Got em...wheels + rubber.

Now looking for spacers.

**macfly** · May 8th 2008, 03:28

Congrats, they really look good on the black, can't wait to see some more shots of it.

**gutMD** · May 8th 2008, 10:14

Fantastic !!! Can't wait to see more pics because I too think they look lovely on black.

Just can't make up my mind about rear spacers. 5mm, none, maybe 15...#*&%$#\

Hopefully the pics will help.

**thegunguy** · May 8th 2008, 17:18

In the same boat...

Now that I've spent some more time with them, I'm weakening on the size of spacer needed. Spending some time measuring all the clearances, I'm down to thinking 5mm max, perhaps less, but at less than 5mm (which is less than 1/4") I begin to think "what's the point". Part of my problem is that I have the Dinan suspension which has more negative camber than stock. However, I'll likely switch to the EU Alpina struts/springs in the near future for their sublime balance of performance and comfort. So, all the measurements are going to change. At the least, I think I'm going to drive it as is for a few weeks and see how the rears "look" in various lighting conditions.

Besides the spacer dilemma, I'm also considering refinishing the wheels in hyper-silver like Dave's RD2s. Another modification (credit to Andrew) that I am considering is painting the inset rib black to potentially create the illusion of negative space, similar to the channel in the spokes of the OE wheels. They need to be touched up in a few places anyway, but the MPS2s are in incredible shape (hardly worn). I really cannot believe my fortune with this find.

**gutMD** · May 9th 2008, 00:06

Congrats again,
After spending time with the wheels I too have been thinkling that no spacer is needed at the rear thus I am not surprised by your initial impressions.

The painted inset may look nice also. Might be worthwhile to first do some photoshopping after you've got some pics to try and get a sense of it's general appearance.

Looking forward to seeing them.

**gutMD** · August 21st 2008, 23:56

Any pics from Monterey of the wheels on Rifle's Black car floating around.
Would love to see them.

**cue** · August 23rd 2008, 15:21

They look awesome! I want to get them for my Topaz Z8 too. How much do they cost? What tires did you put with them?

Eddy

**gutMD** · August 24th 2008, 11:08

Thanks.
Keep on eye on ebay as they come up frequently and be very careful about after market knock offs. Make sure they are OEM.
Bought mine from BMW Cleveland as they had the best price at the time.
Tires are Continental Sport Contact2.

**mjacksonlaw** · April 25th 2014, 20:35

Based largely on your great photos in the Forum I am replacing my OEM wheels on my 2002 Topaz/Crema with the style 166 M5 19" wheels . What size should I order for the Michelin Pilot Super Sports to complement the setup. As I indicated in another post I am also installing the Brembo GT's. The Brembo catalogue gives a choice for the rears between "traditional" and "new design". What do you have installed?

**bclaude** · April 27th 2014, 17:18

The tire size that is closest to the stock wheels are 245/40/19 for the front and 275/35/19 for the rear.

I am also very interested in getting this setup on my Z8, I noticed these posts are 6 years old. Any new feedback on how this setup is working. Fit, ride quality? Do they work on a Z8 with the sport package and with stock suspension (non Alpina).

Thanks!

**gutMD** · April 27th 2014, 23:06

Still have the same wheels on the car. Just love the look on the Topaz car and they still garner lots of admiration and comments. Have yet to see wheels that I thought would work better IMHO.

I have been very pleased their fit (no rubbing), performance and ride quality. My car has a stock suspension with the performance package, OEM brakes and I did not use spacers.

I have copy and pasted some info from one of my previous posts below-

Front: 19 x 8.5, ET 12mm, 26 lbs
Rears: 19 x 9.5, ET 28mm, 29 lbs

Having Continental Sport Contact 2 mounted and will weigh again when complete and update post.

Weights: rims + tires

Front: 255/40/19, 53 lbs
Rears: 285/35/19, 59.5 lbs.

Best,
Gary

**Barneyboybmw** · April 28th 2014, 17:20

This is the first time I have seen these wheels, absolutely love them, they look amazing on the Topaz car. Can you still get them direct from BMW, if yes is there a part No

**gutMD** · April 28th 2014, 23:55

I would think one could still get them from a "stealer" but check ebay first.
See them there all the time. Both new and used.
Good luck.

**dkat** · April 29th 2014, 13:44

Check the M5 Forums, Even post a WTB. That's where I got mine with decent rubber. Absolutely stole them.

**ron's rocket** · April 29th 2014, 18:22

Still the best looking wheels I've seen on a Z8. Maybe someday when I've got some extra cash and tired of cleaning my AVUS wheels I'll change to the M5 wheels.

**mjacksonlaw** · April 30th 2014, 00:15

Originally Posted by gutMD

Still have the same wheels on the car. Just love the look on the Topaz car and they still garner lots of admiration and comments. Have yet to see wheels that I thought would work better IMHO.

I have been very pleased their fit (no rubbing), performance and ride quality. My car has a stock suspension with the performance package, OEM brakes and I did not use spacers.

I have copy and pasted some info from one of my previous posts below-

Front: 19 x 8.5, ET 12mm, 26 lbs
Rears: 19 x 9.5, ET 28mm, 29 lbs

Having Continental Sport Contact 2 mounted and will weigh again when complete and update post.

I have ordered the M5 wheels and the Michelin Pilot SS in the sizes you have with the Continentals. Did you or other owners who have installed these wheels end up using spacers? Your initial posts suggested this might be necessary (10-15mm) but in later posts you thought this might be as little as only 5mm or even unnecessary.What was the final conclusion.
Weights: rims + tires

Front: 255/40/19, 53 lbs
Rears: 285/35/19, 59.5 lbs.

Best,
Gary

I have ordered the M5 wheels and the Michelin Pilot SS in the sizes you have with the Continentals. Did you or other owners who have installed these wheels end up using spacers? Your initial posts suggested this might be necessary (10-15mm) but in later posts you thought this might be as little as only 5mm or even unnecessary.What was the final conclusion.

**gutMD** · April 30th 2014, 01:13

Hi Michael,

I did not use spacers.

You should also check with Rifle. My memory tells me he did not either but I am not entirely certain of that.

Enjoy and remember we need pics!

Best,
Gary

**thegunguy** · April 30th 2014, 03:45

Beyond the design, the two main selling points to on the 166 for me are 1) it's a "period correct" wheel, and 2) pinning the wheel/tire combo to a larger production run model should lead to greater rubber support/options as the years pass. For sizes, you can go to any tire seller and get rubber for a 2005/10 E60 M5, without having to keep up with the sizes. Makes life easy.

No Brembos for me. I'm not even sure that they'd fit, but I've always considered them overkill for the car. They are nice, but for my purposes, they're not worth the expense. Other cars look great with big 6 or 8 piston calipers in a contrasting color, but on the Z8, I don't wan the eye to land on any one detail. So, even if I did go with Brembos, I'd probably do black or gray. I would like the two-piece hub/rotors, though.

I'm not running spacers. I think 5mm might be nice in the rear, but meh, no biggie.

**thegunguy** · April 30th 2014, 03:55

Originally Posted by dkat

Check the M5 Forums, Even post a WTB. That's where I got mine with decent rubber. Absolutely stole them.

Similar way I got mine. Dealer friend told me about an M5 owner that recently upgraded wheels. Got his factory set with new rubber for $2k. Best deal ever.

**mjacksonlaw** · April 30th 2014, 22:27

Based on the replies I have received I have decided to put the new 166 M5 wheels and Michelins on first, along with the Eisennman race exhaust and then drive the car over the summer before making a decision about the Brembos. I think your point about not placing a visual focal point on the big brakes given the overall symmetry of the Z8 is an important one. I have OEM drilled big brakes on my RS7 along with 21" wheels and they look fine but it is a big car. My experience with upgrades on other cars I have owned is that it is often better to enjoy the upgrades in sequence to better appreciate their individual contribution to a great drive.

**Norcal** · May 2nd 2014, 02:20

Is the Eisenman still available? For a while, it was gone.

**mjacksonlaw** · May 2nd 2014, 04:22

Originally Posted by Norcal

Is the Eisenman still available? For a while, it was gone.

They certainly are. I just received notice from UPS that the Eisennman race exhaust is on its way and I expect it to be in Vancouver next week. The new M5 166 wheels and tyres should also be here about the same time and I hope to have everytning installed by mid month.

**Norcal** · May 2nd 2014, 04:44

Sweeeet! You will love it all. Have fun, post pictures.

**bclaude** · May 2nd 2014, 08:33

I ordered my set with Michelin PS2 tires from Mercedes AMG BMW alloy wheels & tyres, UK wheel alloys. Expensive compared to what you guys pay on the other side of the pond (which is stunning since all that stuff is manufactured over here) but reasonably competitive in Europe. Before ordering my set I did some calculation of the change in inside credence and outside extension compared to OEM and Alpina wheels, here it is:

1010TIRES.COM - Wheel Offset Calculator

BMW 166 Rims vs. OEM 18" Wheels:
1) Front wheels: The inside clearance is increased by 2mm and the wheel will extend out an extra 14mm
2) Rear wheels: The inside clearance will be reduced by 12mm and wheel will extend exactly the same
BMW 166 rims vs. Alpina 20" wheels:
1) Front wheels: The inside clearance is increased by 14mm and the wheel will extend out an extra 2mm
2) Rear wheels: The inside clearance will be exactly the same and wheel will retract 12mm

The comparison with the Alpina wheels shows that inside clearance will never be an issue since we know that the Alpina do fit and these wheels offer the same or more inside clearance. The extra 2mm the wheel extends out of the front fender is not enough to make a difference in terms if dirt and stone projection by the front wheels.

I will finally pick up my Z8 this Friday from the shop that took care of the homologation here in Switzerland. It has taken a total of 10 weeks door to door from California to Switzerland including shipping, export and import custom clearance, Swiss homologation and finally registration. I will report on that later once I finally see the car.

It is a stratus and I will share pics as soon as I have some.

Thanks!

Z8Mania · May 2nd 2014, 15:45

Congratulations and nice website link. Thank you.

**mjacksonlaw** · May 14th 2014, 03:55

Originally Posted by Norcal

Sweeeet! You will love it all. Have fun, post pictures.

The M5 wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires together with the Eisenmann race exhaust have all safely arrived in Vancouver as well as the modified CDV from Zeckhausen Racing. Brian Jessel BMW in Vancouver will be doing the install over the next 2 weeks. What is the best way to post photos when the work in completed?

**bclaude** · May 14th 2014, 16:03

I have installed the M5 166 Rims with Michelin PS2 tires as discussed in this thread. I would definitely not put spacers in the back as the rear wheels/tires sit just where they need to in relation to the fender and suspension. If anything the fronts are a bit wide to may taste as they sit just flush with the edge of the fender. Keeping the car clean will probably be more work than with the OEM wheels. I am very happy with the handling and the look of the package. This is what they look like on a Stratus car. The weather has been lousy over here and I did not have many opportunities for pictures. More later!

**macfly** · May 14th 2014, 16:16

The wheels look great on the Stratus, and very happy to see Larry's California car enjoying it's new home in far off lands.

**Norcal** · May 15th 2014, 14:00

Looks great. Love that color combo.

**gutMD** · May 16th 2014, 08:58

Those look marvelous on the stratus car. They suit the car quite well.
That leaves the red as the only color on which we have not seen the wheels.

**01BlueZ8** · June 19th 2014, 14:32

The wheels fit the Z8 nicely--one of the best looking ones for me. I am tempted to replace my OEM now.

Z8Mania · June 19th 2014, 16:37

The wheels look fantastic, especially on the stratus car. Congratulations! Lovely photo.

**Barneyboybmw** · June 28th 2014, 10:40

I really like these wheels and have sourced a set of E60 M5 19" but am confused as to why you would have different size rims on the front to the rear, I would be most grateful if this could be explained. Thanks

Z8Mania · June 28th 2014, 18:06

Its the same reason for all cars that use different size wheels f-r: It looks cool. Because the car is RWD most think you have wider rears to better put the power down- and thats true- but the brakes can make just as much power, if not quite a bit more, than the motor. Its looks. Followed but the manufacturers wanting to induce some understeer in the car. Many owners of cars like the M5 will put rears on the fronts to make the car drive more neutrally- of course then you have wide front tires which will follow the road more easily. You can't win because its an equation and when you change one thing, another thing changes...

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