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[K9Leader]

I have a 2010 328xi E91 with the base 16 inch Style 360 wheels. I like the design of the wheels but:

• they do look a bit small for the car

• I would also like to eventually put on some 335i brake calipers

• and the current tires will need replacing before next winter

I am not going to go with anything really high-dollar for wheels - this is my daily driver, dog-haulin' car but I do want to take advantage of the famous BMW handling with some larger wheels. The stock upgrade on these were 17 inch wheels, which would allow for the 335i calipers and fill the wheel wells a little better. The +1 would be 18 inch wheels.

I don't want to have to make any modifications to the fenders (no rolling), and this car does sometimes have to deal with dirt/gravel roads/parking lots, so nothing that will bottom out/bump. Also, this will be a square set. What are the pros/cons on the 17 versus the 18?

Pros for the 17s - cost (of the wheels and of tires to fit them), weight, OEM size so should not be any fitment issues . . . what else? What would I be missing with the 17s that I would get with the 18s?

We do live in a world where it is always assumed that bigger is better but that may not be true in this case, considering the way I use this car. Also, when I want to do some serious twisty-road driving I have a '99 C5 Corvette, so, again, I don't have an overwhelming need to overdo it on the E91.

Looking for info for my decision making process.

Thanks!

K9Leader

[eljay]

You pretty much summed it up on wheels. 17" will tick all of your boxes and yes, tires would be cheaper than 18". 18" would get you a bit sharper turn-in feel depending on the tire selected.
Definitely go for an OEM wheel. Replicas and some lower-priced aftermarket will bend easily given your dirt/gravel/parking lot routine.

[nsjames]

I wouldn't say you have to go with an OEM wheel, but I'd avoid gravity cast china.

I have enkei 18's on my E91, they are forged and every bit as stout at the OEM 17's that came off.

17" oem wheels were fine. I was literally given these 18's with two brand new conti DWS tires on them. I couldn't pass up that kind of deal.

edit:
They are 18" wheels with stock E61 sized rubber. Slightly larger than e91. They fit just fine and don't rub anywhere.

[eljay]

Originally Posted by nsjames

I wouldn't say you have to go with an OEM wheel, but I'd avoid gravity cast china.

I have enkei 18's on my E91, they are forged and every bit as stout at the OEM 17's that came off.

17" oem wheels were fine. I was literally given these 18's with two brand new conti DWS tires on them. I couldn't pass up that kind of deal.

edit:
They are 18" wheels with stock E61 sized rubber. Slightly larger than e91. They fit just fine and don't rub anywhere.

Good add. Yes, reputable brands like Enkei, Apex and obviously companies who actually make OEM wheels (BBS, Ronal, etc.) would be just fine.
What size tires do you have? And what are the wheel specs (width, offset)?

[nsjames]

245/40r18
they are 18x8 BR7 wheels, I can't remember if they're 32 or 42mm inset.

page 24.
http://enkei.com/wp-content/uploads/...talog-2015.pdf

[nsjames]

View post on imgur.com

[FlaPatsFan]

I have a 2011 e91 with the 335 brake upgrade. I’m running a staggered set of 19s, 235/30 front...275/30 rear. A little rubbing but that’s from lowering and spacers. I believe u will need 18’s to clear the calipers if you wanna do the 335 brakes. Or 17’s w/spacers. I’m not 100% maybe someone who has 335 brake swap and smaller rims can chime in.

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

I have a 2011 e91 with the 335 brake upgrade. I’m running a staggered set of 19s, 235/30 front...275/30 rear. A little rubbing but that’s from lowering and spacers. I believe u will need 18’s to clear the calipers if you wanna do the 335 brakes. Or 17’s w/spacers. I’m not 100% maybe someone who has 335 brake swap and smaller rims can chime in.

so since you've actually done the upgrade I have some questions. So much conflicting information on the internets.

I have an xdrive E91. From what I read the xdrive and 335 rear hub carriers are the same, and the parking brake is the same.

Is this true? I can't believe that on the heaviest car they used the average brakes. I really need to upgrade to the larger stuff, as I've found the limits of stock on canyon roads.

TL;DR:
Can I just bolt 335 rear rotors and caliper carriers onto my 328XI?

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by nsjames

so since you've actually done the upgrade I have some questions. So much conflicting information on the internets.

I have an xdrive E91. From what I read the xdrive and 335 rear hub carriers are the same, and the parking brake is the same.

Is this true? I can't believe that on the heaviest car they used the average brakes. I really need to upgrade to the larger stuff, as I've found the limits of stock on canyon roads.

TL;DR:
Can I just bolt 335 rear rotors and caliper carriers onto my 328XI?

My E91 is not an Xdrive, so the 335 brake upgrade was a straight swap. Fairly simple actually. I believe your fronts are a straight swap as well. From what I remember the rears with Xdrive is a bit different with the parking brake. I had to bend back my dust shields on the rear just a tad bit that’s it.

I will see if I can find the thread I used from here that had a list of everything you need and how to install. It was super helpful.