POPULAR UPGRADES for older Z3's

[SIMON WINDSOR]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a 1997 Z3 automatic in excellent condition & very low mileage of only about 4,000- / year. Looking at considering giving her a few modest upgrades to increase her "grunt factor" a little. So going to start with the wheels & first of all, the back axle ones. So has anyone already increased size of rims + tyres just a little that give this impression & obviously don't cause any problems with rubs on the wheel arches or fouling in any other ways including during rise & fall of suspension movement. Any previous experiences including successes & failures (& why), are welcomed. Many thanks,
Simon C.

 

[5harp3y]

18's are fairly commom as a non OEM upgrade

17's are easily had, depends on what you have on right now

 

[GazHyde]

Been running on 18's for about 6 years... Couple of pics on standard Sport suspension.

Breyton Softlines. 18x8.5 all round.

BMW Z3 2.2 Sport Meetup

• GazHyde
• Mar 1, 2015

A few pictures from a recent get together. All BMW Z3 2.2 Sport models.

BBS Style 108 from the Z4. 18x8 front and 18x8.5 rear

Rosie on Style 108

• GazHyde
• Jul 4, 2015
• 4

Got down on my hands and knees to take this, and if you look closely ... ;)

 

[Antm72]

I run a staggered set up and as mentioned 18 inch wheel size suits the zed it looks good although some prefer 17's for comfort although I personally don't find any issues.
Size wise I run
8.5J front offset 38 225/40/18
9.5J rear offset 33 255/35/18
Mines a 2.8 prefacelift so I have the room for wide rears without issues.

 

[Dino D]

Do you mean increase rim size AND type sise so overall circumference is bigger than front like a muscle car?

I've seen it done the US with no apparent ill effects (I think tears were 45 profile and front 40 over 18 inch rims).
I believe if the difference is too great the DSC (on later cars) will play up (as it measures front and rear wheel speeds).
I don't think the ASC on early cars looks at front wheel speeds, just rear so might not be an issue.

 

[littlefeller]

I run a staggered set up and as mentioned 18 inch wheel size suits the zed it looks good although some prefer 17's for comfort although I personally don't find any issues.
Size wise I run
8.5J front offset 38 225/40/18
9.5J rear offset 33 255/35/18
Mines a 2.8 prefacelift so I have the room for wide rears without issues.

im running the same wheel sizes on a narrow body, 47 offset front and 50 offset rear. (225/40/18. 255/35/18)

 

[Sean d]

Staggered 18's on mine with 15mm rear spacers, was awful to drive until I got the geometry done. lowered with Eibach pro kit 30mm

 

[Low Rider]

Hello and welcome from Worcestershire

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. Same as Ant above.

 

[Bazza]

from me Simon enjoy the forum

Bazza

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland
18's on mine on it when i got it

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from Canada! Your question will lead you to utter confusion I think as nearly everyone has a personal preference. I personally own a 97 1.9 and run 17" with the same size tires all around, no spacers. JIM

 

[handsomejackuk]

Welcome from Sunny south wales and a standard narrow body 1.9 on standard wheel....

 

[handsomejackuk]

im running the same wheel sizes on a narrow body, 47 offset front and 50 offset rear. (225/40/18. 255/35/18)

any pics of yours Jason, i just dont know where to start with wheels on what to go for and what sort of money i would have to pay for a nice set...

 

[littlefeller]

you say std wheels, mine had 15 inch pepperpots on, proper retro. i swapped them for my 18, the son in-law was getting rid of a badly corroding E46 so we swapped the wheels over

 

[handsomejackuk]

nice looking wheels Jason... i was all night last night looking at wheel designs, and manufacturers.. still at the moment i like deep dish alloys, or the concave type alloys but prefer 5 spokes, dont really want multi spoke wheels as they so much harder to clean... really liking enkei wheels i think its a rpf1...this

but will take my time and find something i really like, I been looking at genuine BMW designs but theres only a few i like at the moment i love the Z3M wheels... so the hunt continues...

 

[Tearoom]

I have a pre facelift 1.9 so it has the narrow rear arches
I run it on a set of 18" wheels but they are not staggered, so they don't stick out at the back. 8J all round I think.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Welcome from the South Pacific.

My 2 Z3's run standard 16" wheels. Mainly because the tires wear out in two thus I've managed to avoid the need to consider changing all wheels and tires all at the same time.

Get your suspension sorted (new shock, struts, bushings etc) and you'll find that looks is the only reason for considering new wheels.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[billz]

I had 17" staggered when we had the Z3 and upgraded to 18" staggered and i did not notice any difference apart from the Z3 held the road better
The car when we bought her

After the Wheel change