Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[firstbimmer]

Okay, I am officially confused now. I have looked through the tire/wheel threads with no obvious answer and I need help before I decide to upgrade to an M3 coupe.

I thought all 18 inch stock rims had a gunmetal finish. But when I was at the lot this week, there was a black 2011.5 e92m3 that had the stock 18 inch rims but in silver instead of gunmetal. Huh?

Do the color of the 18's depend on the color of the car or did they change the finish on the 18's for this model year? I am looking IB and really like the gunmetal with that color, but do not like the smaller stock 18s when they are in the silver color. Can anyone here enlighten me?

Thanks.

[M3PGH]

They changed the 18 inch wheel finish to silver in the beginning of 2011

[firstbimmer]

Nooooooooo!... Seriously? That is a total bummer. I really liked the look of the gunmetal 18s but just not feeling the silver version of them.

So I guess I have two options.
1) Stick with 18 and get them powdercoated
2) upgrade to 19s which I really didn't want to do since the ride on the 18s is better for my back.

I wish they would change the build your own picture on BMWusa's website. That totally changes my plans now

[foosh]

You have a much more obvious option. A lot of people really disliked the 18's, and they were dumped in large loads by people who upgraded. I haven't checked lately, but in the recent past, people were "giving them away."

[sensi09]

Powdercoating or getting them painted would not cost that much, though there is some debate as to whether powdercoating will effect the integrity of the wheels.

The dealer probably has some 2010 models with gunmetal 18s that they would switch out to get a deal done.

[firstbimmer]

I was going to do european delivery so I'm guessing the dealer wouldn't switch them out once they were used. Sounds like switching them with someone who doesn't want them is my best bet, but I would really hate to get stuck with them if I couldn't find anyone who wanted to trade.

This just puts a damper on the whole process because its one more thing I need to deal with when getting the car. I'm kinda surprised they switched to the silver finish, it really doesn't compliment the color or agressiveness of the car in 18s.

Oh well, I can't change what I can't change.

[sensi09]

What color is the car? Silver on a lighter car should look good and will probably grow on you.

[firstbimmer]

Was going for Interlagos Blue but this changes everything now. I was sticking with the 18s b/c I have a back issues but I just really don't like the look of the silver 18s.

This sounds goofy, but I really need to reevalate right now. I don't really want to have to run around and try to change the wheels out or pay more money to get rid of these, and it looks like powdercoating is out.

But again, I can't complain since the options are what they are. We were planning the purchase for Eur. Del. around our honeymoon so if I want the 18s, I have to get the stock silvers. I really liked the IB color. In all honesty, I will probably end up getting the comp package just for the rims instead of having to deal with trading out the rims later. Just another ~$3K after taxes that I wasn't planning on spending.

haha...hey darling, no spas on the honeymoon, I have to pay for these rims...makes me chuckle just thinking of trying that on for size

[J08M3]

The 18s will have no difference on your back than the 19s, I own both and yes you can feel the 18s are softer, but it's minor and just barely enough to feel. It will certainly not make a difference which wheel you have if back problems are your concern.

[Sedan_Clan]

I like the original darker color as well. I'm not feeling the same wheels in silver.

[saeedg48]

yes the ugliest rims now. I have the originals in gun metal and what a difference.
went to the local dealer for service parked my car next to a space gray with the new silver 18z.. All I could say was wow - major dislike.

[enricob]

Originally Posted by firstbimmer

Okay, I am officially confused now. I have looked through the tire/wheel threads with no obvious answer and I need help before I decide to upgrade to an M3 coupe.

I thought all 18 inch stock rims had a gunmetal finish. But when I was at the lot this week, there was a black 2011.5 e92m3 that had the stock 18 inch rims but in silver instead of gunmetal. Huh?

Do the color of the 18's depend on the color of the car or did they change the finish on the 18's for this model year? I am looking IB and really like the gunmetal with that color, but do not like the smaller stock 18s when they are in the silver color. Can anyone here enlighten me?

Thanks.

I have new 18's in gunmetal finish but i like in silver. Do U want to exchange?

[AMPowerJ]

Originally Posted by J08M3

The 18s will have no difference on your back than the 19s, I own both and yes you can feel the 18s are softer, but it's minor and just barely enough to feel. It will certainly not make a difference which wheel you have if back problems are your concern.

+1

[PKL]

Originally Posted by enricob

I have new 18's in gunmetal finish but i like in silver. Do U want to exchange?

BOOM, there ya go

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by firstbimmer

Okay, I am officially confused now. I have looked through the tire/wheel threads with no obvious answer and I need help before I decide to upgrade to an M3 coupe.

I thought all 18 inch stock rims had a gunmetal finish. But when I was at the lot this week, there was a black 2011.5 e92m3 that had the stock 18 inch rims but in silver instead of gunmetal. Huh?

Do the color of the 18's depend on the color of the car or did they change the finish on the 18's for this model year? I am looking IB and really like the gunmetal with that color, but do not like the smaller stock 18s when they are in the silver color. Can anyone here enlighten me?

Thanks.

Whatever you do. dont Chrome it

[sensi09]

Originally Posted by PKL

BOOM, there ya go

The Italy thing might get in the way ha

[Locksmythe]

He could drive to Italy on his ED. Extended honeymoon.