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Car swap dilemma

Emmo

By Emmo,
in BMW 3 Series Forum

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Emmo Enthusiast

Emmo

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I really love my 3 Series 320d M Sport hard top convertible. It's a bit low now for me and the missus to get in and out easily and getting my drum kit in it poses it's challenges, so I thought, time for an SUV. I'd decided on an X1 but now I'm thinking why am I getting rid of a car I absolutely love? Entry and exit and getting drums in and out I'm prepared to stick with but the one thing I do hate about it is the low profile wheels and tyres (19" wheels with about 1" of rubber between rim and deck!). Every pot hole and crevice in the road the tyres slash and sometimes buckle the wheel not to mention the times I've kerbed the damn things as the rims are lower that the concrete. I've god rid of run flats as they were a pain in the preverbal and I've stopped using expensive tyres and bought a get you home spare which has been a godsend of late.

Now I thought, what if I replace the rims and tyres with conventional ones? Cheaper than changing the car, and I keep the car I love. Result!

Question - can this be done? If so, what size rims and tyres do I need as I have no idea. I've seen some bargains recently for whole sets (secondhand) but haven't the faintest idea what I'm looking for. Any help and/or suggestions would be most welcome, and if it's possible, will it change the drive dramatically and is it classed as a modification as far as insurance is concerned?

Martin

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SilverJohn Enthusiast

SilverJohn

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Hi Martin

I don't think it's that no-one has any ideas, it's just a potentially complicated problem and it really needs input from someone professional in the wheel and tyre industry rather than just an opinion from an enthusiast.

In these days of KwikFit and similar companies, their level of knowledge is fairly restricted to just replacing like with like, the only variation being price and wear rating.

A knowledgeable BMW Independent garage may be able to advise. You could try the 'Net to find wheel / tyre specialists in your area and then talk to them to try and establish their real knowledge level. Avoid those who just want to sell you the most expensive thing they have in stock !!

Sorry I can't help further, good luck with your search.

John

 

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Emmo Enthusiast

Emmo

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Hi John - I was being facetious, sorry! Yes, I guess you are right - I was thinking of calling Sytners, our main dealer here in Nottingham but they might twig that I'm not going to purchase from them if I ask what size wheels and tyres I need! Worth a try though I guess, try BMW themselves possibly.

Cheers

Martin

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SilverJohn Enthusiast

SilverJohn

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Hi Martin

I doubt the main dealer will be too much help as they will just stick by the book, the BMW book that is.

That's why I suggested an Independent, they will have a broader knowledge not limited by brand loyalty.

You could also look ar Realoem.com to see the various options for your build of car (based on your Vin number, last 7 digits)

Good Luck

John

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