[MHC]

I have subtle interest in upgrading my wheels and tires on my Touring, but can't justify what seems to be a 2k minimum investment for "the good stuff". After all, I've already got wheels and tires.

I was just skimming through eBay and came across these:
http://tinyurl.com/bm6bb

The have that TIS look that I like, they're 20 inchers (big, but not too big), and they're well within my price ra... wait a damn minute, those are dirt cheap! So immediately, the "piece of junk" radar goes off in my head. There's no quotes around the word "chrome" and the seller has a good feedback rating. But something must be amiss.

So, for us wheel newbies, can someone tell me why these wheels are so cheap? What makes the good brands the good brands? Weight, better chroming? Is there any sort of Consumer Reports in the rims world?

Thanks,
Christian

 

[joey]

You want to make sure the offset is correct. A couple of websites showed the bolt pattern of 5x115 with an offset of 10. The 300 offset should be somewhere between 15 and 22. An offset of 10 will have your wheel sticking pretty far out. The price looks good though. But one web site listed them at 40lbs, which is very heavy for 20"inchers. Those wheels are sold by many wheel websites. If you havn't already, you should shop around. Some sites have free shipping.

 

[Forza79]

Yes its tricky with wheel!. Here in Europe we look for rims in the states as they work out cheaper!. But on Ebay you will find rims that are almost to cheap!. These are often copies!.I dont really know what the difference is between copies and orginal??. Is it dangerous driving around with copy rims??.

 

[MrSseries]

If you have a "Discount Tire" located around you i would go through them. They will match any internet price and your buying from a local dealer i anything goes wrong. I just got 24's w tires, TPMS, and all warranty for $2100. My buddy just got 20's for $1300 w tires. PLus the local dealer will make sure offset and lug size is correct. If not its their fault. I know many dealers around my area price match as well.

 

[Forza79]

Thanks for your help. I live on the Canary Islands Spain. And its limeted here with companys. But i know of one good one!. What about size??. Is it not a comfortable ride with 22inch?. I know 20inch are fine. But everybody say different things??. I would like 22inch rims. But as i have 2 small babys and i want it to be comfortable as a family car but still look mean!!. So should i go for 20inch you think??. P.S The Bentley grille is getting installed as we speak. Doung a complete makeover. Best Regards

 

[MADDOG]

The larger the wheel size, the smaller the tire sidewall size which reduces the cushioning affect of the tire. 22's can make for a rough ride, especially when coupled with lowering springs that have a higher spring rate, i.e., stiffness.

 

[drksyd]

Unless you have really bad roads there, the 22's aren't that bad. One thing to keep in mind is that most of us use SUV tires with the 22's, SUV's have a higher sidewall rating due to the load they must encounter. Although you end up with a lower series tire, it may not be as bad if you get actual car tires and not SUV tires. This would mean you'd end up with 255 or 265/30/22's and 285 or 295/25/22 for staggered rears. I personally think you need to lower the car if you go with the 30 and 25 series tires as that leaves a large gap between the tire and fender. The 35 (265/35/22) and 30 (295/30/22) tires actually take up some of the gap but have stiffer sidewalls.

 

[MrSseries]

I have 24's 275/25/24 tires. The ride is awesome in my city. But when i go to tAMPA OR ORLANDO, FL the ride is horrible. All depends on the roads you will be riding on.

 

[TATTED1969]

Newby here, I purchased some used wheels and tires from a local Wheel place thats popular. They had to use adapters to make them work. Ever since then I have been nervous like they are gonna fall off or something. Can some one re assure me that adapters are safe? BTW this is an awesome site.

 

[Sodak]

Ummm ..what kind of adapters..Are they the ones that get bolted to the hub first ,then the wheel gets bolted to them. If so the only problem you may incure is some wheel vibration, the ones i had years ago were really hard to get balanced on the car.. always felt like a rim/tire was out of balance.

 

[TATTED1969]

Yes thats exactly what they were. Thanks Sodak, BTW beautiful ride!!!!I'm envious but also very impressed with the work, and knowledge and end result of these clean rides here at 3CF. Thanks I feel a little better....

 

[Sodak]

Hey no problem.. thats why i stick around this forum aswell.. Everybody is pretty laid back here. And thanks for the props.

 

[TATTED1969]

Much respect and well deserved. See ya on the inside....