Ronal vs. ACT wheels

[iXBeater]

I don't really know much about ACT, and really only know Ronal by name. I'm considering a 15" set, and found Ronal LS set and a very-similar ACT set for roughly the same money. They're both 15x7.5 ET25.

Anything set these apart from each other? I assume these don't require spacers on an E30?

(Maxilite is out there too, but they're more of the OG design vs. the dished-style of both above that I prefer)

[mtech325]

ACT used to be a line within Ronal. The older version of the LS were usually ACT variant and had an ACT stamping under the cap and made in Germany, while the newer versions will simply be Ronal and may be produced in another country (one set I had was from Spain). The easy way to tell the difference is with center cap removed. The older ACT wheels will have a concave lug area, while the newer Ronal/Speedline production versions will have a flat face under the cap. In terms of fitment, a 205 tire works on stock uncut strut housings, while a 225 might need a small spacer to avoid rubbing the strut depending on brand as some run wider than others. If you have full coilovers, depending on the adjustable spring perch placement might need a spacer.

[uturn]

I'm seeing 15" tire options drying up so suggest finding 16" wheels. Also I think the lugnut cone angle is different on the ACT/Ronal wheels than the BMW OEM.

[iXBeater]

I'm seeing 15" tire options drying up so suggest finding 16" wheels.

ugh - I hate the idea of 16" on an E30. But...

Also I think the lugnut cone angle is different on the ACT/Ronal wheels than the BMW OEM.

Good to know!

[iXBeater]

Any quality differences among these guys?

[mtech325]

Not sure about the lug nut cone angle comment as I have had several sets of these wheels and they all took the normal BMW lug bolts and same with the stud kits. The main difference in quality if there is one is the ACT wheels are at least 20 years old (if not more) and the original mold was supposedly destroyed, so if you need a replacement wheel you'll have to hunt for a used one or new old stock. The newer version seems more readily available if you need a replacement for any reason.

[OSAH racing]

I had the new version recently and I have suspension upgrades. the front needed a spacer "10MM " to not rub on the strut with 205 55 15 S drives. I am sure this part was the culprit . Garagistic M3style offset front control arm bushings. The other parts are Koni SA, Hand R sport springs. IE race camber plates.

15" wheels look great and there is plenty of choices on line. I ended up with 205/50/15 tires on a 15 x 7 wheel because i did not want to sacrifice my suspension parts.

[laidback93]

I had the new version recently and I have suspension upgrades. the front needed a spacer "10MM " to not rub on the strut with 205 55 15 S drives. I am sure this part was the culprit . Garagistic M3style offset front control arm bushings. The other parts are Koni SA, Hand R sport springs. IE race camber plates.

15" wheels look great and there is plenty of choices on line. I ended up with 205/50/15 tires on a 15 x 7 wheel because i did not want to sacrifice my suspension parts.

Are you me? haha

I too am/was running Ronal LS wheels wrapped in Yoko S Drives same specs. The front tires would rub when the steering wheel was fully cranked to the left or right. So I said "was" because this past Friday I ran over a huge bolt which destroyed a tire. I ended up buying a whole new set of tires as I had around 13K on the Yokos. This time I went with Falkens in 205/50/15 and no more rubbing.

My suspension is Bilstein Sports on H&R Race Springs. Ground Control camber plates.

[iXBeater]

I'm on H&R coilovers. I originally got some 15x7 +25 wheels from Tire Rack and the wheel rubbed the caliper carrier (which seemed odd), I didn't want to run a spacer so I sent them back.

I'm hoping/assuming the Ronal/ACT/Maxilites won't have this issues.

I'm currently running= Falken Azenis tire @ 205/50/15.

[laidback93]

I don't think you'll have a problem with the Ronal/ACT/Maxilites either.

Running the same tires and I'm really liking them so far.