OEM Style 224 or 203 on 2.5i?

[SimpleMan]

Guys,

I've decided to go with a brand new set of OEM 224's or 203's. I really like both wheels.

BTW, I'm going to go with a squared set since they are going on a 2.5i.

224's shipped: $1561
203's shipped: $1313

The 203's seem to be pretty rare and are probably a lot easier to clean.

What do you guys think? 224 or 203? Keep in mind they are going on a 2.5i.

Lastly, I will have a set of mint turbines for sale if anyone is interested.

Here's my car:



Here's a roadster with 203's:

[psygnosis]

203s by far

But if I was spending that much on wheels I wouldn't be going for OEM.

[SimpleMan]

Originally Posted by psygnosis

203s by far

But if I was spending that much on wheels I wouldn't be going for OEM.

Yeah I'm really leaning towards the 203's. I thought about aftermarket but couldn't find anything I really liked. Plus, this keeps the car close to stock.

[pokeybritches]

Why are you concerned about appearing stock? If it's for resale, why not keep the OEM turbines?

I've had good luck with Sportline CS.16's. They are an OEM-look wheel, but much lighter due to their flow-formed construction. They look like an OEM CSL wheel, except mine are 18's and OEM CSL's are 19's (Sportline also produces a 19" version). The only reason to go for an OEM wheel is to be able to say it's an OEM wheel... and many OEM wheels are rebranded BBS wheels, minus the performance typically associated with BBS due to their cheap cast construction.

If anything, look at getting a mint used set. Paying that much for cast wheels is insanity. I've made three mistakes with my 3.0i in seven years of ownsership - replacing a cracked front bumper with a non-aero bumper; replacing a side skirt with a non-aero, and replacing an OEM wheel with the same instead of going aftermarket.

[SimpleMan]

I looked at aftermarket wheels but couldn't find any I really liked. I've never liked the Sportline CS.16 style of wheel. I know a lot of people do, but they just don't do anything for me.

I went ahead and ordered the 203's. getbmwparts says they're on backorder so it's going to be 2-3 weeks before they get them from Germany. I think it's going to be a nice upgrade (as far as looks go) from the 17" Turbines.

BTW, I spent months looking for a used set of 203's (I even considered a re-manufactured set). I almost had a used set off ebay ($400 shipped) but the seller took too long getting back to me and they were sold to somebody else. So I basically gave up trying to finding a used set.

Thanks for the input guys!

[pokeybritches]

The 203's do look good. Congrats!