Secniv 182 Report post Posted November 14, 2017 Advice please. I have got myself some 16” Alpina replicas staggered 7”&8” for my 1988 320i. . Suspension setup is Bilstein shocks and springs all round so sits a little lower than standard. Trolling the internet it appeared that 205x55 and 225x50 rubber was the way to go for a B3 setup, but the ‘Michelin Man’ told me the 55’s may be to tall so go 50 on front and rear (as 225x45 options appear to be limited for the rear). Of course this means the rears will be 20mm taller. Does this matter? I was looking at Michelin PS3 ( for fast road occasional track day) as I have PS4 on the B5 and like them. Any other options members can suggest/recommend? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secniv 182 Report post Posted November 17, 2017 On 11/14/2017 at 10:13 PM, 3pedals said: Your challenge will be getting tyres first and the two pairs that match - if you have ABS then you need to be within 6mm in diameter, later cars are even pickier X5 chucks up a warning with 2mm difference. Best fit on a 7 inch rim is 215 and some 225's - Best fit on an 8 inch rim is 235 and some 245's A combo of 225/55/16 front and 245/50/16 rears should be available and will give you 654mm diameter front and 652 on the rear which is real close and is a good stagger ratio Hankook Ventus 457 are available in these sizes. you have a good choice for fronts but very limited rear match. Thanks William interesting you suggest that I won.t have clearance issues with a 654mm height tyre when the tyre guy with his online programme thought it would be with 205/55 and 632mm. other than fitting up different tyres any suggestions how I can physically check this? I’ve been thinking.. I’ve got some spring compressors could I compress the springs to the bump-stop then measure off the ground to top of wheelwell or some other way? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secniv 182 Report post Posted December 21, 2017 On 11/18/2017 at 10:28 AM, 3pedals said: Vincent, I don't suggest you won't have clearance issues because I have no idea of the wheel offset , your suspension set up or anything else, like what the height of the factory tyre is? However assuming it is the ubiqitous E30 195/65/14 then the diametr you are aiming for is 610 mm the sizes that are then a good fit for the rims are: 225/45 16 and 245/40/16 but these just are not around. The suggestion is simply - this is a set of tyres that will work well with the rims - dropping to 50's on the front is an issue because you will struggle to find a 45 for the rear , you could go to 45 on the front to match original diameter but 40's for the rear will be a hunt for some hens teeth. Will Hey Will thought I’d give you an update on fitting the Alpina reps and tyres. As you say and without going to to a race tyre, options were very limited with matching rears in a 45 series to a 205/50x16 front so have gone with a 215/50 rear. Width is supposedly minimum for an 8” and there’s a 10 mm diff rd to the front but reckon they look great and handle like on rails. Had to roll rear guards. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E... 55 Report post Posted January 2, 2018 205/45 or 195/45 toyo proxies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2960 Report post Posted January 15, 2018 I do like those reps, proper Alpina size at 16" and the locky thing on the cover looks like the original as well, nice touch. Good that you found some tyres that work with the wheels. Why no centre caps in the photo - prefer the look without them, or just a quick trial fitment of the wheels? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secniv 182 Report post Posted January 15, 2018 24 minutes ago, E30 325i Rag-Top said: I do like those reps, proper Alpina size at 16" and the locky thing on the cover looks like the original as well, nice touch. Good that you found some tyres that work with the wheels. Why no centre caps in the photo - prefer the look without them, or just a quick trial fitment of the wheels? Had trouble getting the cap seals to sit properly but here's a shot with them on.. 16's are the best imo 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2960 Report post Posted January 16, 2018 I think I agree with you, those 16" look very good on an E30. I think the 17"s are just a bit too big for an E30, fine for a E36, but a little too "roller skatey" for the E30. Does the lock-type detail on those reps work as a lock like on the original Alpnas, or is it to look like them? Either way it is a really nice touch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secniv 182 Report post Posted January 16, 2018 25 minutes ago, E30 325i Rag-Top said: I think I agree with you, those 16" look very good on an E30. I think the 17"s are just a bit too big for an E30, fine for a E36, but a little too "roller skatey" for the E30. Does the lock-type detail on those reps work as a lock like on the original Alpnas, or is it to look like them? Either way it is a really nice touch. They're just covers although they look like you can convert to locks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
