[K9Leader]

I posted on this in the tires forum but gotten no responses so hoping the greater traffic here will get some input. I've got 18x8 ET32 on my 2010 E91 X-Drive with run-flats and even small potholes are jarring. One rim is a bit bent after a really hard hit but is holding air. This is a daily driver/dog hauler so extreme handling is not the goal - good handling and better ride is my goal.

I'm looking at going with ARC-8s (Black Friday sale!) with non-run-flats (probably Michelin AS3s). I want a square setup so I can rotate front-to-back.

Looking for suggestions for width and offset - I want as close as possible to stock fit, prefer not to use spacers or have to make any adjustments. Options are:

17x8 ET20
17x8.5 ET20
17x 8.5 ET40
17x9" ET30
17x9" ET42
17x9.5" ET35
17x10" ET25

The 18s on it now are 18x8 ET32.

I'm leaning toward the 8 or 8.5 widths but not sure about the offset.

Any wisdom would be appreciated, especially if you have direct experience with such a setup. Thanks!

[wagons4life]

i just joined and i have a make a post reply.. anyways. love your wagon. im on here to fix all the little things broke on my 06y 325xi e91.. rear window off track, no fan inside working (wont blow hot/cold, nada), tranny slipping 5th to 6th on the power (damn auto,wifes car haha).. i could go on... anyways im excited to join the BMW community.. i used to have an 01 s4 avant and audizine was quite helpful..

cheers,
todd

[ctuna]

Consult the x drive and
wheels sub forums.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

[nsjames]

my e91 had style 159 wheels. It is a sport package XI.
17x8 et 34
With the stoc 225/45/17 size I ran a 15 mm spacer up front and a 20mm spacer in the rear so they weren't tucked under the fender so much.

so any 17x8 in the 20ish et range will fit fine with a 225 sized tire.
after running a 245 I'm going back to a 225.
the car was happier.

so for stockish ride quality, a 17x8 in the 20ish ET with a 225/45 is basically the stock sport package.

[nsjames]

and check your tension strut bushings.

when mine were shit the car was very jarred by sharp road imperfections.

it's much better after $50 worth of bushings.

[Donutz]

Search through the photo gallery for e91 threads. I'm quite certain I've seen e91s running 17x9 et30 with 245 or 255 square.

[K9Leader]

I ended up going a different direction than the ARC-8s. Of the BMW OEM wheels, I really like the Style 66, originally used on the 5-series in the early 2000s, M or M-Sport. I ordered a set of four refurbished/refinished 17x8 front wheels. OEM on the 540 they were staggered with 8s in the front and 9s in the rear but I prefer staying square.

Tires are also ordered along with some hubcentric rings. I will use the sensors off the old wheels - they are less than two years old - and will sell the 18" tires but will probably keep the 18" wheels for possible use at a later time.

K9Leader
Newark, Delaware

[flgfish]

For posterity - Apex 17x9 ET30 square setup. Michelin PS4s 245/40. Great ride, great handling. Dropped a lot of weight vs the stock setup.

View post on imgur.com

[Greyfox]

Just an FYI... I run a square setup of BMW 161's 17x8.5 with 245/45/17 tires on them. I have run 255/40/17 but they were extremely tight on the inside and hard cornering would leave a black mark on the strut.