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[TheBigChill]

Just grabbed a 128i with sport package, and wanted to get some better looking wheels. Now, I've owned actual BBS RGR's in the past (R53 MINI) and know they're the superior wheel, but I'm not willing to spend $2500 again.

Kosei K8R 17x8 ET40 16.5lbs $160 each

Style 68 Staggered ~21lbs $750 w/ new tires

BBS rep 17x7.5 ET42 21lbs $125 each


The Kosei is obviously the winner in performance enhancement being so light, but I know light (daily) wheels can be fragile if not forged. The Style 68 looks great to me, but I wanted to avoid stagger if possible. The BBS rep is a cheap wheel, but should be plenty strong for cruising. I question whether or not it looks good in 17" size though.

What are your opinions on appearance?

[mmmusty]

option 1 being my favorite, and seemingly, the lightest wheels of the bunch.

[tock172]

Slightly off topic, but I run Kosei K1Rs for the track and I love them. They're a bit too fragile and lightweight for daily driving and they don't have center caps, but I love them and they're nearly a perfect fit. They look very cool too. I'm running 17x8.5 with 235-section tires.

Also, I've owned 4+ sets of Style 68s (or M68s as some call them) over the years when I was driving an E46. I think they're probably one of the best wheels BMW offered and you can get them cheap. I know you said staggered in your original post, but would you consider buying two sets and running 4 of the 7.5" fronts? I'd honestly like to pick up a set myself. They clear the brakes on the 135i just fine!

[TheBigChill]

Originally Posted by mmmusty

option 1 being my favorite, and seemingly, the lightest wheels of the bunch.

Thanks for the input. No doubt that after changing wheels and ditching the RFT, I'd notice a big difference due to lower weight. The Kosei are growing on me, with the only hesitance they're durability in Upstate NY (craters..). I do wish that they accepted center-caps, too...

Slightly off topic, but I run Kosei K1Rs for the track and I love them. They're a bit too fragile and lightweight for daily driving and they don't have center caps, but I love them and they're nearly a perfect fit. They look very cool too. I'm running 17x8.5 with 235-section tires.

Also, I've owned 4+ sets of Style 68s (or M68s as some call them) over the years when I was driving an E46. I think they're probably one of the best wheels BMW offered and you can get them cheap. I know you said staggered in your original post, but would you consider buying two sets and running 4 of the 7.5" fronts? I'd honestly like to pick up a set myself. They clear the brakes on the 135i just fine!

Being a similar weight and also flow-formed cast, I worry that the K8R is just like the K1 in their inability to withstand bumps/holes during commuting. Maybe they'd be fine?...

Agreed on the Style 68's, and finding 4 fronts was my first thought. I've looked for 4 of the 7.5" fronts, but couldn't locate 4 nice ones without paying $200/ wheel for reconditioned units. I think they look great on the E82.

[rho123]

Originally Posted by TheBigChill

Thanks for the input. No doubt that after changing wheels and ditching the RFT, I'd notice a big difference due to lower weight. The Kosei are growing on me, with the only hesitance they're durability in Upstate NY (craters..). I do wish that they accepted center-caps, too...

Being a similar weight and also flow-formed cast, I worry that the K8R is just like the K1 in their inability to withstand bumps/holes during commuting. Maybe they'd be fine?...

Agreed on the Style 68's, and finding 4 fronts was my first thought. I've looked for 4 of the 7.5" fronts, but couldn't locate 4 nice ones without paying $200/ wheel for reconditioned units. I think they look great on the E82.

My vote is 68. I have them on my 128i DD and think it looks great.

[TheBigChill]

Originally Posted by rho123

My vote is 68. I have them on my 128i DD and think it looks great.

Are you running the 68's square?

Any photos?

[shawnj]

Damn I was about to go to the K8R's but if you guys are saying they are fragile for DD, then, not worth the risk

I have a short commute, but I do a lot of canyon driving.

[TheBigChill]

I can't say factually if they are or not, so don't quote me. I just know K1's were fragile, and they use the same manufacturing process.

[rho123]

Originally Posted by TheBigChill

Are you running the 68's square?

Any photos?

I run staggered. I want to try running square if I can find two more fronts.

[John_01]

With your setup using Dinan camber plates on the front, I would look for a 17x8.0" ET45 wheel.
Then you will be able to fit 245/40/17 all round!

[TheBigChill]

Thanks for the sentiments, but for my application a 245 all-around is unnecessary for a 200whp car. On my 350hp MR2? Sure, that makes sense.

[BimmerAg]

Originally Posted by rho123

I run staggered. I want to try running square if I can find two more fronts.

There's a pair of front wheels for sale here locally to me for $100, that I'd be happy to try and scoop up for you. Shipping would probably be too much to be worth it though
https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/wt...224689285.html

[TheBigChill]

Originally Posted by BimmerAg

There's a pair of front wheels for sale here locally to me for $100, that I'd be happy to try and scoop up for you. Shipping would probably be too much to be worth it though
https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/wt...224689285.html

Thanks for the offer. I talked someone on Ebay into selling me 4 reconditioned fronts for a good price. Now.....I just need to pick these over the BBS RGR reps. I wanted some contrast against my silver car, and the HYper Black offers that. I'll probably never decide

[ShocknAwe]

Of those, get the 68s. Look like they belong on the car.