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[Morning Hawk]

Gents,

I'm going to pull the trigger on getting an E92 M3 sometime Aug/Sep 2012. Need your help/opinion on one final option.

I'm debating on getting it with either the 359M wheels or for the additional extra cost of $1,200, the 220M wheels.

I personally like the looks of the 359M rims, but would consider spending the extra money if there was an appreciable difference in weight for the 220M rims.

As I understand it, they are both 19" and both have Run Flat Tires(?), I just don't know if they are the same weight...

Please advise!

[frenchM3dreamer]

M3's dont come with run-flats.

[JonnyM3]

Don't know the difference in names, but no M3 comes with run flats. Assuming one is regular 19" and the other is Comp wheels, if thats the case the regular wheels are lighter than the competition wheels, BUT the comp wheels are .5" wider in there rear to my knowledge.

[BeamingE39]

I prefer the 220m because they are forged, but I think the 359m are much better looking on certain colors

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by NAForever

I prefer the 220m because they are forged, but I think the 359m are much better looking on certain colors

Thats good point

[doc19]

Originally Posted by tibra1

If you get the ZCP package it includes the 359 wheels EDC shocks and slighly lower ride height (0.4");for $2500 its a no brainer..

+1

That's exactly why I went with the ZCP package.

OP - go with what moves you.

[rjd598]

The zcp rims are 26 front 27 rear and 220's are 23 front 26 rear. Alloy vs forged

[MKE_M3]

Originally Posted by rjd598

The zcp rims are 26 front 27 rear and 220's are 23 front 26 rear. Alloy vs forged

all aluminum wheels are "Alloy"

forged is not necessarily > non forged, just generally so. My understanding is that the ZCP rims are extremely stiff and the extra width is important. Weight is important, but on my 335i I saved 10lbs per corner with my aftermarket wheels and didn't notice a seat of the pants differance. I would bet money that if you blindfolded even a race car driver (as they got in, not during driving ) that they would not notice, "oh, this car is worse, it's wheels are clearly 2-3 pounds heavier per corner" nor would their track times change from such a small differance on a street car.

[SergioPark]

I like the ZCP package because prices-wise, it makes sense (I wouldn't want 19s w/o the EDC). That said, I am not a fan of silver wheels. If I went with the ZCP, I would have powder coated them black.

[SchnellM3]

I like the ZCP wheels but the 220s are sexy

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Morning Hawk

Gents,

I'm going to pull the trigger on getting an E92 M3 sometime Aug/Sep 2012. Need your help/opinion on one final option.

I'm debating on getting it with either the 359M wheels or for the additional extra cost of $1,200, the 220M wheels.

I personally like the looks of the 359M rims, but would consider spending the extra money if there was an appreciable difference in weight for the 220M rims.

As I understand it, they are both 19" and both have Run Flat Tires(?), I just don't know if they are the same weight...

Please advise!

To my knowledge the 359 wheels are only available as part of the competition package unless you buy them after the fact as a completely seperate purchase. The competiton (ZCP) package is a tremendous value as you get the 359 wheels which are wider, a slightly lowered suspension, electronic damper control and a reconfigured stability program. You get all this for $2500.

The 220 wheels are narrower by 0.5" front and rear. They are lighter by 2 lbs both front and rear. HOWEVER.....and here is the point that is often overlooked when comparing wheel weights......The weight distribution of the ZCP wheels is much more favorable with more weight in towards the hub in comparison to the 220 wheels. As such the rotational inertia of the type 220 wheels is greater than the ZCP wheels even though the ZCP wheels are heavier by 2lbs each. Actually 2 lbs is not significant either. You need to get to about 4-5lbs in my experience before you can even begin detect a difference in handling and/or ride.

The ultimate thing to do with the M3, which I have yet to see anywhere, is to get full carbon ceramic brakes, and combine them with BBS F1 and Continental Extreme Contact DW tires. You will take about 20lbs off each corner. That will take the ride and handling to a completely new level.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

I have a photo of each in my garage the 220m are my winter wheels.

My first M3 was a e46 (2002) it had the 220m wheels as well. They are very nice and very popular I think it was the standard ///M wheel at the time.

The ///M cars now are the only BMW's that do not come with RFT and believe me you don't want the RFT ... make sure you don't ever get them (very expensive, hard to find if you need one and extremely hard drive you feel every imperfection in the road every little bump). I know I had two Z4's that had RFT never ever again.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by VVG

To my knowledge the 359 wheels are only available as part of the competition package unless you buy them after the fact as a completely seperate purchase. The competiton (ZCP) package is a tremendous value as you get the 359 wheels which are wider, a slightly lowered suspension, electronic damper control and a reconfigured stability program. You get all this for $2500.

The 220 wheels are narrower by 0.5" front and rear. They are lighter by 2 lbs both front and rear. HOWEVER.....and here is the point that is often overlooked when comparing wheel weights......The weight distribution of the ZCP wheels is much more favorable with more weight in towards the hub in comparison to the 220 wheels. As such the rotational inertia of the type 220 wheels is greater than the ZCP wheels even though the ZCP wheels are heavier by 2lbs each. Actually 2 lbs is not significant either. You need to get to about 4-5lbs in my experience before you can even begin detect a difference in handling and/or ride.

The ultimate thing to do with the M3, which I have yet to see anywhere, is to get full carbon ceramic brakes, and combine them with BBS F1 and Continental Extreme Contact DW tires. You will take about 20lbs off each corner. That will take the ride and handling to a completely new level.

Nice explanation, well done...

[mkoesel]

If you want EDC, ZCP is a no brainier. If you don't want EDC, ZCP is not an option.

So let that decision alone drive whether you get ZCP or not. It will then also dictate which wheels you get from the factory, yes. However wheels are easy to change. So, if you want the 19" wheel style that does not come with whatever factory configuration you choose, just buy some on this forum cheap, and then sell your stock wheels to recoup the cost.

[Morning Hawk]

Thanks all, this is good info.

@ VVG the picture in your quote box of the M3 in silver/graphite with the 359M wheels... beautiful... that's exactly the setup I'm going to go with (red leather).

[armyav8tor]

The only issue I have with the ZCP is that they mounted the same size tires on them as the non-ZCP. 245F and 265R looks stretched. The GTS uses 255F/285R I think. Other than that, it is a good package.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by jdemetry

all aluminum wheels are "Alloy"

forged is not necessarily > non forged, just generally so. My understanding is that the ZCP rims are extremely stiff and the extra width is important. Weight is important, but on my 335i I saved 10lbs per corner with my aftermarket wheels and didn't notice a seat of the pants differance. I would bet money that if you blindfolded even a race car driver (as they got in, not during driving ) that they would not notice, "oh, this car is worse, it's wheels are clearly 2-3 pounds heavier per corner" nor would their track times change from such a small differance on a street car.

I never said forged> non forged and never said the weight difference was significant. Just giving the facts to op

[MKE_M3]

Originally Posted by rjd598

I never said forged> non forged and never said the weight difference was significant. Just giving the facts to op

seperate paragraphs, seperate thoughts. Not trying to put words in your mouth, just didn't want to post twice

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by jdemetry

all aluminum wheels are "Alloy"

forged is not necessarily > non forged, just generally so. My understanding is that the ZCP rims are extremely stiff and the extra width is important. Weight is important, but on my 335i I saved 10lbs per corner with my aftermarket wheels and didn't notice a seat of the pants differance. I would bet money that if you blindfolded even a race car driver (as they got in, not during driving ) that they would not notice, "oh, this car is worse, it's wheels are clearly 2-3 pounds heavier per corner" nor would their track times change from such a small differance on a street car.

+1

I think people need to keep some perspective on weight of wheels..2-3 lbs really doesnt amount to any tangible benefit. Width is by far more important

[Denk]

If you prefer the 359's, get the comp package and call it a day. You're not going to notice a difference between the two wheels other than looks. I prefer the 220's personally but only for looks...I respect that they're forged and lighter but that wasn't a deciding factor to me.