15 inch wheels

[yatisr]

I am coming to the realisation that it is not possible to get good tyres for 13-inch rims in Malaysia, and I therefore have no option but to consider upgrading to 15-inch rims to have access to a wider range of tyres.

The proposed plan is to get a set of Alpina replica 15 x 6 ET12 wheels from possibly Ireland Engineering or some other source. Before I make a final decision on this, I have some questions that I would be grateful if people on the forum can help me with:

(a) Firstly, my car (a 323i) does not have power assisted steering. Will this be a problem with 15-inch wheels?

(b) Secondly, how will handling be affected by the fitment of 15-inch wheels, especially on less than well cambered roads with poor and potholed surfaces?

(c) Thirdly, my plan with 15-inch wheels is to go for a four 15 x 6 ET12 set-up, in other words not using 15 x 7 ET12 in the rear for a staggered arrangement. Will this cause any handling issues?

(d) Fourthly, does anyone have any views on the Alpina replicas from Ireland Engineering?

Thank you in advance for any advice offered.
Yatis

[Manitoba]

Hi Yatis, I drove my e21 (also 323i) on this exact same square setup for years, without power steering too. Only when driving at parking speed it's a little bit more hard work, but otherwise no big issues. I switched to both powersteering and the 7" on the rear a little while ago. It surely improves the looks and handling, but it's not a must.

I do not have any experience with Ireland Engineering (I believe member UwBuurman (also from NL) does).

Greetz,
Walter.

[Jeroen]

I can imagine you are considering this move. As Walter pointed out this should work fine with 6J all round and without PAS.
Over here these are offered widely as well and they are a good and affordable alternative (in the Netherlands we can buy these here)

Handling will improve, but with considerably less sidewall, yes you will definitely loose some comfort, and there's more chance of damaging the wheels ofcourse. Solutions can be a move to softer springs, or to find 14" alloys in the right spec (especially ET or offset) as this may also give you more options regarding tyres. At least, that used to be, haven't checked recently. But: 14" alloys in the right spec may be pretty rare too.

[yatisr]

Thank you Walter and Jeroen for your useful advice. Thank you as well Jeroen for the alternative source for wheels. I have one follow up question:

Based on what Jeroen has said, I understand that I will lose some level of comfort with 15 inch rims. Would this be a serious issue in an E21 that is used as a daily driver? (Bear in mind that I will be 57 this year and am not getting younger, but still wish to use my 323i, which is my only car, as a daily driver for a few more years yet!)

[Manitoba]

I'm 53... Must say my 323i is not my daily, but I think I'd rather have the improved handling on 15" than a little more comfort. It also depends on whether your e21 is lowered and to what extent. In my opinion that will make a much bigger difference than changing from 13" to 15".

Good luck with your considerations.

Greetz,
Walter.

[yatisr]

Thank you Walter for your advice. My E21 is riding on standard springs and Bilstein B6 shock absorbers. I suppose that this should be fine to be paired with 15 inch rims.

Yatis

[Manitoba]

I think so too.

Greetz,
Walter.

[Jeroen]

I think that will work fine indeed, and I'm also about the same age, just spent 5.000 kms on vacation in my 323i: 15", Bilstein, Eibach. Loved every mile!



Btw report coming up

[yatisr]

Thank you Walter and Jeroen for the assurance that 15-inch rims will not rattle my middle aged frame too much. May we all enjoy our E21s for many years to come. These cars were, after all, made in an era when BMW built cars to last a lifetime.

Yatis

[Manitoba]

Amen to that!

Greetz,
Walter.

[Jeroen]

...These cars were, after all, made in an era when BMW built cars to last a lifetime.

as opposed to the rubbish they produce these days with hollow camshafts, plastic valve covers and more, much more

[yatisr]

There are some refurbished 15-inch Alpina rims for sale on E Bay for USD3,390. Is this what one has to pay for original Alpina rims?

I can understand that original Alpina rims will command a premium over reproductions,but is this premium worth it?

Thank you all in advance for answers to my questions.

Yatis

P.S. Jeroen, I contacted the Dutch supplier you recommended. Unfortunately, they cannot ship rims to Malaysia.

[Jeroen]

Well good survivors are bcoming more rare every day and prices are increasing all the time, a used set easily fetches 2.5k these days and a proper refurb isn't cheap either anymore. Are they worth it? For one wanting the original as the icing on a costly full resto cake, yes, probably it is. But the replicas from Maxilite are not inferior in quality as far as I know, and there are many more suppliers. Looked up a few and Google will be your friend for many more suppliers. At least some must be willing to ship to Malaysia?

https://www.partsforclassic.com/shop/bm ... s-e21-bmw/
https://www.myclassicparts.com/product/ ... 0-1-piece/
https://shop-us.maxilite-wheels.com/Alpina-Style-7x15
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Wheels-Tire ... 02tii.html
https://www.mecatechnic.com/en-GB/alpin ... L60340.htm

[yatisr]

Thank you Jeroen for the links and the advice on Alpina rims. You are right that at least one or more of them will ship parts to Malaysia. As my car is a daily runner, new reproductions make better sense in terms of both cost and durability. I think a source from Europe would be better as I believe that the rims sold there will have to comply with tougher regulatory requirements. Therefore, I have got in touch again with the Dutch supplier you recommended earlier. They say they can ship the rims to Germany at a reasonable price. Now, I have to convince my fiancee to post the rims from Germany to me here in Malaysia. That will be the difficult part!

Yatis

[Jeroen]

Fingers crossed!

Even better: she can bring them over haha!