All-
I have an 98 m3 sedan and am considering replacing my current oem staggered DSII wheels with a set of staggered oem contour wheels. (I like the look of the contours better than the dsII's, and they would be easier to clean/wax).

I am a little concerned about the weight difference though. Contours a little heavier. Do you think that I would notice the difference between the two wheels at track days and autox's? (I am a novice at both types of events).

here are the differences per wheelweights.net (http://www.wheelweights.net/)
DSII's: front 20.7lbs, rear 21.9lbs
contours: front 22.3lbs, rear 23.4lbs

On the e36m3 list, I commonly read comments like "contours are heavy as *&^%", but I thought I would post the question here to see if track people really notice the difference at the track.

Go for it, if you like them better. At a novice level, you won't notice the difference. If you become a star, you'll probably want different wheels (size and/or weight) anyhow.

OTOH, maybe there is something you car needs more, unless you having unlimited cash. Event registration fees would be on the top of my list.

If you are going to by new wheels, why not go non-staggard? There are plenty out there that are innexpensive and light.

Allows the car to rotate better AND allows the tires to be moved around the car for better wear.

Ditto on not noticing.

How much longer is the season in Oregon? It's coming to a close here in the midwest, so why not wait a bit, save some money and get some better rims?

If you are going to by new wheels, why not go non-staggard? There are plenty out there that are innexpensive and light.

Allows the car to rotate better AND allows the tires to be moved around the car for better wear.

why go staggered? mostly because i dont know any better. I'm not a veteraned autoxer (done it ~3 times in 5 years) and have never done it in my m3.

There is also the issue that the DSII vs. Contour swap would be just that: a trade. No out of pocket expense.


How much longer is the season in Oregon? It's coming to a close here in the midwest, so why not wait a bit, save some money and get some better rims?
Again, i plead ignorance due to.. uh...ignorance. I am new to Oregon so i dont really know. I am sure that it is close to ending, if it has not already. Not only do we have the cold to deal with (which ends it in most states) but we also have RAAIIINNN from Nov-May. Think Seattle, maybe a little less, but you get the picture.

Since its free to you, go ahead and swap if you prefer the looks. If you progress, you may want different track wheels anyway.

Use the Contours if you like them. Try to find 4-17x8.5s so you can go non- staggered. You will be able to sell them in the future when you decide to change. Have fun!