Factory option wheel sizes for '94 325i?

[Kirby]

I'm looking at wheels/tires for my '94 325i for Autocross use. I need to decide if I want to run Stock class or Street Prepared. If I run stock class, I MUST use a wheel/tire size that was factory available for the 1994 3 series.

The owners manual lists 15" and 16" wheel/tire sizes. I was hoping for 17" stock size. Is there any good reference for factory options besides the owners manual? I'm hoping that 17" was available as well, just not in the manual. Did the 325is offer a 17" setup?

Any suggestions?

 

[brahtw8]

I believe 16" was as large as they went. I think they were 16 x 7.5 or 16 x 8. You can run a 225/50/16, and perhaps larger?

Do you already have 17s? If not, I don't think 17s give much if any advantage over a 16, indeed, the 16s may be preferable.

 

[Kirby]

Right now it has 15" rims with 60s. I guess I need to find some info on how much difference 16" vs. 17" makes in terms of sidewall flex and performance. If 16" provides almost equal performance then that's great. I'm not into larger rims just for looks. I'm just guessing that 17" would be better performance - perhaps not?

 

[brahtw8]

I think you will be able to get just as much if not more performance from a 16. The 16 is, all things equal, lighter than the 17. Tires will most likely be cheaper. If you run 16s, you will be running 225/50/16, which has a pretty narrow sidewall. I don't think tire flex would be much of an issue if you used high performance rubber with a reinforced sidewall.

Larger rim sizes are largely cosmetic, and often reduce performance rather than increase it. Many people still race on 14s and 15s with much success.

 

[Kirby]

I checked on some AutoX boards for suggestions and they agree with you. The general thought is that 17"+ rims add weight but no additional performance. 16" seems to be a good balance for weight, cost and performance, and there are tons of 225/50/16 tire choices on Tire Rack. Not nearly as many rim choices in 16" (maybe 15 out 80) but there are plenty of nice choices and they are less expensive.

 

[[email protected]]

I have a '94 325i convertible, I have 17'" M3 wheels currently that fit and look good. I believe I am running with 235/45/17 sized pirelli's. the 17's added a great feel to the handling, but I went from the stock 15's.

The front and rear rims are of equal size (some M3's have wider rears which would rub). Hope this helps.

 

[frolf]

ok, here's the deal. i can't remember precisely but in 1994 there was a car called the 325iS m-technic, it was pretty much a predicessor to the e36 m3. it was nuts! i can't remember if it came with 17's but there is a good chance. that is the closest you'll get to 17s in a stock 94 e36