1983 BMW 320i - E21 - Need some help guys:::

[puregroove]

We have a metallic smoke one in the family and I'm trying to research wheel options for it. From what I can remember, the bolt pattern is 4x100.

13s - I can, for sure, dig.

So far, I've found the Rota RBs. They have the classic look. 13x8 +4 offset should look good, regardless. I doubt honda offsets will do the car justice.



14s are prime choice.
15s - really don't want 'em but willing to compromise if the offset is nice.
Sportmax 513s - cheaper than the Rotas - 15x8 0 offset



Goal: Anything that looks better than stock.

I don't want to spend a fortune. 300.00 range or cheaper is my budget. I know the vdub guys have this on lock.

Edit - Here's a shot of the actual car:

[Thighs]

i wonder what 0 offset would look like on one of those? hmm...

you want a set of e30 bottlecaps?

[puregroove]

i wonder what 0 offset would look like on one of those? hmm...

you want a set of e30 bottlecaps?

Yeah, 0 offset would be interesting. The rims that are on the car now, are similiar to the factory bottlecap look, but thanks for offering.

i think 0 would lookpretty good honestly imo

needs a drop too lol

Yeah, a drop is in the future, but it will be a mild lowering. Nothing like what us youngins like.

0 offset and slam it! lol

I'll keep the thread updated.

I bet the offset is similar to the e30s. If you have nice e30 pics, post 'em up. I know there was a thread with a bunch of them. I'm going to sleep, though. Thanks, guys!

[TheGrillMan]

i think 0 would lookpretty good honestly imo

needs a drop too lol

[DVSRX-7]

0 offset and slam it! lol

[Thighs]

0 offset and slam it! lol

um no.

[JITB]

i dont like the wheels too much.. i think they arent old enough for the car..its too late to search.. but id like to see some of these on there



or a set of the E30 weaved bmw wheels (these are of course polished)

[quickdodge®]

i dont like the wheels too much.. i think they arent old enough for the car.

Are you joking? Do you know how long Panasports have been around? Later, QD.

[puregroove]

id say go with the 0 offset joins homie and slam it, that thing will be official..

i dont like the wheels too much.. i think they arent old enough for the car..its too late to search.. but id like to see some of these on there

or a set of the E30 weaved bmw wheels (these are of course polished)

I'm sure the latter choice is out of my price range. I think those might only be the 5-lug bolt pattern, as well. Thanks, though.

Be careful. There aren't that many wheels that will fit an E21 chassis. The offset on the original wheels was 13mm. That was for both the factory turbine wheels and the sport package basket weaves. The offset is nowhere close to an E30. You have to go with something that has a low positive offset, since the car's brake system is set up like an old school RWD car. Later model RWD drive cars typically still have front brakes that are similar in design to FWD cars.

E30 bottle caps will fit, but look...meh, at best, imo. The E30 basket weaves won't fit, iirc. Keeping 13" wheels on the car while a nice try to keep it closer to original yields really crappy tire choices. A 15" wheel will yield better performance and much better tire choices.

Oh, and that pic is of an E21 315 or 316, not a 320i.

I see. Yeah, I didn't think about the brakes. Now, I'm leaning more towards the 15s. I have always like the smaller wheels, for better gear ratios [Thanks Dave]. But you're right about the picture. I've updated the OP with the actual car. Thanks for the input. With the 15s, if it's dropped low enough, we can always roll and maybe pull the fenders.

Are you joking? Do you know how long Panasports have been around? Later, QD.

I saw some 13" beauty rings on ebay the other day. Starting bid for them was .99 .

Really Groove?

I expected a better selection from you...

I know, I know. This is my pops' daily driver. And the budget doesn't leave too many options. Plus, he likes more of that subtle look.

[JITB]

I'm sure the latter choice is out of my price range. I think those might only be the 5-lug bolt pattern, as well. Thanks, though.

the bbs basket weaves from the e30 are 4x100

Are you joking? Do you know how long Panasports have been around? Later, QD.

i know panasports havebeen around forever, but they wouldnt look right on that car...hat car deserves a classy wheel.

[quickdodge®]

i know panasports havebeen around forever, but they wouldnt look right on that car...hat car deserves a classy wheel.

Sheeeet. Some 15" Panasports and a drop just a hair over the tire (205/50-15) would look fierce. Later, QD.

[Revmaynard]

i dont like the wheels too much.. i think they arent old enough for the car..its too late to search.. but id like to see some of these on there



or a set of the E30 weaved bmw wheels (these are of course polished)

The second wheels are 4x100, I had them on my E30. The E21 is the same bolt pattern. I'd go with those if you can get a hold of some. I don't think the wheels you picked would match the style of car.

[EJ_Allmota]

id say go with the 0 offset joins homie and slam it, that thing will be official..

[StraightSix]

Be careful. There aren't that many wheels that will fit an E21 chassis. The offset on the original wheels was 13mm. That was for both the factory turbine wheels and the sport package basket weaves. The offset is nowhere close to an E30. You have to go with something that has a low positive offset, since the car's brake system is set up like an old school RWD car. Later model RWD drive cars typically still have front brakes that are similar in design to FWD cars.

E30 bottle caps will fit, but look...meh, at best, imo. The E30 basket weaves won't fit, iirc. Keeping 13" wheels on the car while a nice try to keep it closer to original yields really crappy tire choices. A 15" wheel will yield better performance and much better tire choices.

Oh, and that pic is of an E21 315 or 316, not a 320i.

[Random Hero]

Really Groove?

I expected a better selection from you...

[OG-Skinny]

Nothing will look "Good" until it's lowered. Stick with what you got, then buy some wheels after it's lowered. the wrong offset could hinder/hurt you if you don't lower it first.

[puregroove]

Nothing will look "Good" until it's lowered. Stick with what you got, then buy some wheels after it's lowered. the wrong offset could hinder/hurt you if you don't lower it first.

dang, you're right. I see why you're OG. Okay, lowering, it is. It should be good birthday present. +reps

[bigdare23]

Brings back memories

My father used to have a gold 323i back in the day .

[Thighs]

any of the wheels posted would look good. i dont think you NEED a 0 offset though. as long as the tire-fender fitment is nice (read - no poke, not sunken in) it will looks nice. i wouldnt slam it either. it needs to stay somewhat classy and old school looking.

[Revmaynard]

Here are the one that were on my car.




I think the gold looks good for factory finish.

[Thighs]

e30 convertible ftl. lol

jk man, i wish my e30 was that pretty.

[Revmaynard]

That was original paint on my '87 in '05. lol

[Thighs]

my car has original burgundy paint. some spots actually look really nice still, but others are missing the clearcoat completely. lol.

[puregroove]

Thanks all! I will update when the car has been lowered.

[xdavidscenex]

what are you going to do with the old wheels?

[puregroove]

what are you going to do with the old wheels?

I'll let you know if we decide to sell them.

[StraightSix]

Seeing a pic of the actual car, now, I've changed my recommendation.

Lower the car, keep the those 13s and put some 205/60/13 rubber on them. The size is tough to find, but there are some out there. They are lighter than any larger wheel. Here's pics of my old E21, the wheels on it are 14s, though. Mine was on Suspension Techniques springs and Bilstein sports.



E30 basket weaves just don't look right on E21s. The face is too flat for the styling of the car.

[puregroove]

Seeing a pic of the actual car, now, I've changed my recommendation.

Lower the car, keep the those 13s and put some 205/60/13 rubber on them. The size is tough to find, but there are some out there. They are lighter than any larger wheel. Here's pics of my old E21, the wheels on it are 14s, though. Mine was on Suspension Techniques springs and Bilstein sports.



E30 basket weaves just don't look right on E21s. The face is too flat for the styling of the car.

Thanks, man.

If you sell the previous wheels let me know.

My e30 has bottlecaps and they are nasty.

Not sure if 13's would clear the brakes though..

[StraightSix]

Thanks, man.

You're welcome. I wish I had some better pictures of that car. It's been gone for about 7 years. I miss it.

[Logan]

If you sell the previous wheels let me know.

My e30 has bottlecaps and they are nasty.

Not sure if 13's would clear the brakes though..

[thepolecat]

Thighs- PM me with a price if you have some bottlecaps (or anyone that has them for a reasonable price)

PureG- PM me if you want to sell those wheels

And I tell you all- the bottle caps on my car look pretty good after some refinishing. I got the four with tires that had some life for $50 and spent about $10 on paint and finish. Now they have Falkens on them and they are really nice.

I like the choices- you will like either one.

/ramble