16s vs 17s

[wazzu70]

Chris, my only reason for going with 17" over 16" is the tire selection. Its a bummer 16" tires are getting hard to find and I only assume it will get more difficult.

[lambo]

17's will probably my next setup.

[MC Hammered]

Chris, my only reason for going with 17" over 16" is the tire selection. Its a bummer 16" tires are getting hard to find and I only assume it will get more difficult.

When I had my 16x9 finding a good quality tire in the size I wanted was harder than I thought.

I have no issues finding good tires for the 17" wheels.

[wazzu70]

Luckily my car is a track car, so the sizes I want are usually available. If you want cheap rubber, or street rubber, you run out of options quickly :(

[brutus87]

Damn, I was hoping to go 16 next wheel setup, but 17s I guess is the way to go.

[g.ruff561]

Nando is right. Unfortunately 17 inch wheels come in Japanese multi lugs and offsets, and are fugly. I don't know why Bmw doesn't commission some good looking 4x100, 30-20mm offset, 57.1 cb wheels to be produced for the E21 / / E30. After all, the E21 / E30 is what put them on the map. IJS.

[wazzu70]

Why would BMW make wheels for our cars? The aftermarket needs to supply them.

[nando]

Nando is right. Unfortunately 17 inch wheels come in Japanese multi lugs and offsets, and are fugly. I don't know why Bmw doesn't commission some good looking 4x100, 30-20mm offset, 57.1 cb wheels to be produced for the E21 / / E30. After all, the E21 / E30 is what put them on the map. IJS.

There are actually lots of good direct fit wheels, they just cost lots of money.

[MF DOOM]

i have 17s.
































i wish they were 16s....

[SmokeE30]

I run 16s and tire selection isn't great but it's not terrible, I think 16s fit the e30 wheel wells perfectly. That said I am thinking about 15 or 17 just for more tire selection but currently there is enough 16in offerings to keep me satisfied

[UpstateMike]

17" bbs style 5's filled and drilled

[Bmr]

My best bud works Discount Tire around where i live. He pretty much said 15" and 16" are getting more and more limited when choosing performance tires. But, you jump up to 17" he can get you pretty much any tire any size any manufacturer.

I guess its all about your preference and what you want to pay. About 4 years ago got a set of all season g-force super sports for less than $415 because they were 17". The 16" tires i wanted were about $123 a tire to go with the wheels. So i payed about $1200 for my wheels and tires. If i would have went with the 16" he estimated I would have payed around $1500+

17x8.5 with +25 in the front will clear, you do have to take out plastic wheel well, and 17x9 with +20 in the rear with no spacers, with a 2"+ drop, that's is pretty low. I know around here in Bellingham, I have already went through 4 oil pans. I couldn't imagine if i were running 16".

[F34R]

I am running 17 on my e30, more tire sizes at less money than almost all wide 16" tires. Bigger brake combos fit with ease.

Get low and fit some nice wide 17"s in there. 15 and 16 look small. But a 15/16 is better for a daily with rough roads. Taller tires=softer ride.

Boils down to how wide you want your tires and what you are going for in the looks department. GL man

[DRTSRFR]

I prefer 17s with correct fitment.

Unfortunately I'm on 17X9s in the rear and need 245 35 17 for good fit with no stretch which are no longer made...except in R comps.

Bought the last set I could find in the US last year, don't know what I'm going to do next.

[MC Hammered]

They still have NOS 245/35/17 for sale on eBay.

Found a pair of Goodyear F1-GS for $350 shipped but decided to go with 235/40/17 Toyo T1 Sport instead. I can forward you the seller link if you are interested.