wheels for 2002 325CI - 19"?

I’ve decided I need to upgrade the wheels on my 2002 BMW 325 CI. Running stock 16”s now and will keep these for winter tires. Thinking I want to go to 19”s. Pic shows the wheel style I want, with a lip on the outside would be even better. Thoughts on brands? Planning to buy used this fall / winter and put on in the spring. Thoughts on wider in the back verse same size all around?

Welcome to the forum.

"Upgrade" to 19" wheels is not a need, but a want. Your entire car needs to be rebuilt from the ground up if you like your car to drive nicely and reliably. For starters, consider replacing the entire cooling system.

Also those wheels will slow you down, hurt your gas mileage, and your ride. Might want to reconsider if you are seriously set on buying wheels.

correct, wheels are a 'want', not a 'need'. Reconsider to what? I've done a few upgrades over the years to the car, but not the cooling; curious why you suggest that?

Originally Posted by RobinCO

correct, wheels are a 'want', not a 'need'. Reconsider to what? I've done a few upgrades over the years to the car, but not the cooling; curious why you suggest that?

Your cooling system will fail (one or multiple components) almost guaranteed in 100K miles. Mango wants you to spend $600 now so your car is good for another 100K miles and you don't overheat and warp your head. Click the link in his sig.

Anyway, if you want the wheels, get them. Everybody here likes the VMR VB3 CSL style wheels. They can be had for about a grand plus tires.

I'd recommend that you check out the VMR VB3 CSL style wheels. They're one of the most popular designs and will look great on your 2002 BMW E46 325ci. Below are various pictures for you to check out!

really?? Not sure my question needed 4 pics of a sic blue coupe posted on it.... but thanks, yes, that is the color I really wanted.

CSL esk wheel with a lip, MRR GT7s sound right up your alley. I have them avaible HERE in staggered or squared fitment.




As for Mangos comment, he's wants to make sure you know one of the main failure points of the E46 is the cooling system and encourages everyone to stay on top if it before something goes wrong.

Originally Posted by RobinCO

really?? Not sure my question needed 4 pics of a sic blue coupe posted on it.... but thanks, yes, that is the color I really wanted.

The sponsors always like to show sick cars with the products they sell on them haha.

The wheels in the OP post are Style 197's and are 18". They would be a great choice but 19's would not be wise in my opinion. Going 19" would require a good amount of suspension upgrades plus potential fender modifications. The loss of performance let alone expenses required for the change is enough to abandon the plan.

Like a few have suggested, our VMR VB3s are one of our most popular wheels. Here are some VMR V718s as well: