New Wheels

[Frupal]

This just in: My front wheels were cracked along the outside spokes and have been declared irreparable. The rears have been leaking from ‘chromed alloy syndrome’ for over a year or so and are probably bent from 70k miles of use.

Found a brand new set of style 373s on eBay for a good price. They’ll be here next week. Not going to chrome them - I don’t think. Here are pics of her with factory Vs Chromed. How say you?

[Walt White Coupe]

My experience with chrome wheels has always been less than satisfactory. Primarily pitting from brake dust and air leaks over time.

My favorite is polished aluminum or bright silver paint.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe

My experience with chrome wheels has always been less than satisfactory. Primarily pitting from brake dust and air leaks over time.

My favorite is polished aluminum or bright silver paint.

Agreed!

[Frupal]

Does anyone know what size tire would have a taller sidewall, and still fit, perhaps to better protect my nice new wheels? They’re staggered 20x8.5 and 20x9.

[Walt White Coupe]

With larger diameter wheels you are probably going to have to go with a shorter sidewall for the tire to clear the front suspension.

And if you have X drive, you have to do the same thing on the rears so that the wheel diameters are close to the same.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe

With larger diameter wheels you are probably going to have to go with a shorter sidewall for the tire to clear the front suspension.

The replacement wheels are exactly the same as what came on the car.

[lalmoric]

I would advise against chrome wheels too, especially if durability is a concern. Stick with polished aluminum or silver paint for a classy look without the maintenance headaches. As for tire size, maintaining the same overall diameter is crucial to prevent any issues with clearance and your car's systems. Best wishes.

[Frupal]

So the guy at tire rack said that going one size wider 255/35/20 on the fronts would give me about a quarter inch more sidewall. He assured me that the size would work without interference. I wonder if that 1/4 inch would make enough difference to bother with. My current tires are still at about 60%.

I’m thinking about getting new fronts anyhow, what with the new wheels and all. The rears only have a couple thousand miles on them.

Was going to get a different car this summer, but now that I’ve invested so much in this one, I’ll keep it for another year or so.

What do you think about the front tires?

[Opie55]

Without regard to any issue with chrome, I just think it's too blingy.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Without regard to any issue with chrome, I just think it's too blingy.

Going to use the wheels as is - with stock sized tires - see if I can live without the bling!

[Walt White Coupe]

Sounds like a good plan.

[Chaos236]

I thought your car really stood out with the chrome rims, then again I usually drive a Porsche.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Chaos236

I thought your car really stood out with the chrome rims, then again I usually drive a Porsche.

I LOVED them on the car. Just don't know if I want to deal with the eventual chrome degradation/leaks. I'll leave the new wheels on as they are for a month or so, then decide. Should be done next week.

[JBF650]

Originally Posted by Frupal

I LOVED them on the car. Just don't know if I want to deal with the eventual chrome degradation/leaks. I'll leave the new wheels on as they are for a month or so, then decide. Should be done next week.

I agree with Opie, chrome finish is way to 'blingy'. Id stick with the factory painted finish Frupal. enjoy

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Frupal

Does anyone know what size tire would have a taller sidewall, and still fit, perhaps to better protect my nice new wheels? They’re staggered 20x8.5 and 20x9.

The 245/40/20 and 275/35/20 work. Added bonus, the circumferences actually match better than OEM!!

[MADBMWX5MC]

While they are chrome, the wheel style actually makes the overall car look good.