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Light Alloy Wheels? Not necessarily!
Just before last winter's snowfall I had a set of Michelin Alpin 205/55/16 tyres fitted to my BMW E46 320d Touring, on BMW supplied new 7x16 steel wheels.
That was great, since I did not once find myself unable to move in the snow and ice, but the improvement in ride quality was very significant and very welcome, in comparison with the car's normal Michelin Primacy HP tyres on standard 7x16 BMW alloys.
This week I have had the wheels changed back, and lugging them around I noticed that the steel wheels/tyres are much lighter than the alloys. Looking at the BMW parts catalogue confirms this: the steel wheels are 2.5kg lighter than the alloys. So much for light alloys!
The reduction in unsprung weight must have had some effect on ride quality, but also those Michelin Alpins are more supple riding and rather quiet too, so highly recommendable all round. I rather like the austere look of the black steel wheels and would happily use them in preference to the alloys if it meant a decent degree of ride comfort.
That was great, since I did not once find myself unable to move in the snow and ice, but the improvement in ride quality was very significant and very welcome, in comparison with the car's normal Michelin Primacy HP tyres on standard 7x16 BMW alloys.
This week I have had the wheels changed back, and lugging them around I noticed that the steel wheels/tyres are much lighter than the alloys. Looking at the BMW parts catalogue confirms this: the steel wheels are 2.5kg lighter than the alloys. So much for light alloys!
The reduction in unsprung weight must have had some effect on ride quality, but also those Michelin Alpins are more supple riding and rather quiet too, so highly recommendable all round. I rather like the austere look of the black steel wheels and would happily use them in preference to the alloys if it meant a decent degree of ride comfort.
Asked on 14 March 2011 by Shugs
Answered by
Honest John
Interesting. The main reason for alloys is the bling effect. I'd agree with you. I'm thinking of buying a set of 14" plain steel wheels for my FIAT 500 and fitting them with Alpins for next winter.
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