Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[Hoo]

I'm getting a new M3 coupe. I ordered the 18" wheels--I like the look of the 19"s a bit better, but ride harshness is of some concern. However, the main reason I went with the 18"s is cost. The $1090 invoice price difference is only a small part of it. I checked tire prices at Tire Rack, and there is a huge difference--This will be my 4th M3 & I can't tell you how many sets of tires I've gone through.
In any event, I'd like to get winter wheels/snow tires. I really like the look of the CSL wheels. Are there any good ones in 18" for the coupe--looks like most all of them are 19's? What is a good brand of replica CSLs--pricewise, but more importantly quality wise--are the VMRs, Miros, or Alufengen's any good? I'm not going to track the car--but I don't want vibration balance issues or the finish peeling off.

[bobbyd1961]

Originally Posted by Hoo

I'm getting a new M3 coupe. I ordered the 18" wheels--I like the look of the 19"s a bit better, but ride harshness is of some concern. However, the main reason I went with the 18"s is cost. The $1090 invoice price difference is only a small part of it. I checked tire prices at Tire Rack, and there is a huge difference--This will be my 4th M3 & I can't tell you how many sets of tires I've gone through.
In any event, I'd like to get winter wheels/snow tires. I really like the look of the CSL wheels. Are there any good ones in 18" for the coupe--looks like most all of them are 19's? What is a good brand of replica CSLs--pricewise, but more importantly quality wise--are the VMRs, Miros, or Alufengen's any good? I'm not going to track the car--but I don't want vibration balance issues or the finish peeling off.

go with 18s all around for winter and 19s for the best time of year and the ride with 19s is excellent

[SV Concepts III]

VMR makes a solid wheel, we've carried them for the past 5 years and they continue to be a great affordable option. I agree that 18s are the way to go for winter, there are many more tire options in that size. We can package the VMR 18s together with tires if you need a ready to go setup.

[Hoo]

How do the VMRs compare to the Miros? How is the fitment--no need for spacers, etc?

[anthony @ eas]

We can also stand behind VMR wheels as all of our BMWs here have them installed- they are very good wheels for the money. VMR makes their wheels with a variety of offsets so that you do not need to run spacers for a propper fitment. For the e92 M3, you will need the following sizes in the CSL (VB3) wheel:

Front: 18x8.5 et20
Rear: 18x9.5 et22

[SV Concepts III]

Originally Posted by Hoo

How do the VMRs compare to the Miros? How is the fitment--no need for spacers, etc?

VMRs will not need spacers, they are offered in the correct offsets for your car.

The VMRs have a more concave shape and cleaner spoke design IMO as compared with the Miros. Both are reputable brands in terms of strength and quality but I prefer the VMR design.

[LiM3y]

Any feedback on how VMR's perform as a 'track' wheel? Bending? cracking? long-term durability?

[david @ eas]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

Any feedback on how VMR's perform as a 'track' wheel? Bending? cracking? long-term durability?

Actually Peter @ VMR runs them on his E60 on Streets of Willow if you're familiar with the track. So if you think basically a 4,000lbs car can handle the track with these wheels, your car shouldn't have any problem whatsoever:





I hope that helps!

[LiM3y]

Thanks! Perfect!

[adc]

I have the VMR 18" in gunmetal grey (thanks EAS!), but I'd like to observe that I've had a hard time balancing at least one of the front wheels.

I'm running OEM TPMS on them and ContiExtreme Contact DWS in stock sizes. I like the tires very much for mild winter driving, but I must confess that the balancing issue concerns me a little bit. Not sure what to do next, perhaps I'll ask my dealer to try a rebalancing.

I also think the standard finish on the VMR is a little soft, fragile.



But I do like the looks, color, offset and they seem to be strong.