230/55 ZR390 tyres!

[mattday07]

Sorry folks if this is something you have heard before!

Well ive got a 1996 525i with the old metric 230/55 ZR390 tyres on it, V expensive to replace( £198 per tyre cheapest online i can find!!), as you know im sure, (yeah i know i should have researched it abit better but it was all nice n shiny with FSH and a bargain at £850, or so i thought!!).

Anyway, what i would like is a definate answer to what i can replace these wheels/tyres with?!!

Have read somewhere that i can use 16inch rims from an E38 7 series with 225/55/ R16 tyres, will cost me from £150 to £195 for 4 tyres/wheels depending on style/condition of them from a BMW spares firm.....

Is this ok?? will they fit?? Is it safe??

Sorry again if this is an old story, but will appreciate any help.....Many Thanks.

[unixnerd]

You bought a great car, the E34 is one of the best BMWs ever made. 96 was the last year of production and they came with loads of extras, superb car.

Ditch the TRXs, Betamax technology although back in the day Jaguar and some Ferraris used them too. 16" alloys with 225/55/16s are perfect and E38 wheels will fit no problem. If you can get E38 116" cross spoke alloys they look superb, but try to get the tool for taking the centre caps off as they're tricky without it.

Bear in mind the E38 itself uses much larger diameter tyres that won't fit your car, but it's alloys are fine. Three series wheels are the wrong offset for you. E39 wheels fit but need some cheap plastic spacer rings as the hub diameter is larger.

[mattday07]

Hello again.

Been having some trouble getting hold of some e38 16" alloys with 225/55/16s.....but i met a lad the other day who has replaced his metric wheels/tyres with 225/60/zr15s off a 520i BMW......will this work?

Im guessing its an E34 model so do they fit straight on? His looked ok and he didnt mention spacers etc.

Thanks again for any help and apologies.

[unixnerd]

If they're from an E34 you'll be fine I don't recall 15s ever being available for E39s, don't think they'd clear the brakes!

[mattday07]

Many thanks again for your help and patience! . I will soon be an expert myself on this topic!. Cheers.

[mattday07]

Hi, been a while since i asked Qs about replacing my wheels, been out of work and couldnt afford to run the car let alone change the wheels, anyway im back in gainfull employment and have found some replacements!!..i think...

Sellers states they are off an 1992 E34 518i, the tyres are 225/60 15s.... the alloys are stamped with the following...

bmw e20...... 1179 774...... 5091....... fps....... 7J x 15 H2.

Does this sound right? Just concerned about the e20 bit although the old metric alloys on my car now are stamped with e19.

Sorry for the questions agin....hope i have tracked the right ones down, obviously want to get the right ones!

Many thanks.

[unixnerd]

Yeah they're just the job. e20 is a 20mm offset, perfect for you.