So I have found a set of 4 17x8.5 (non staggered) e36 M3 rims (the Contours) and I am seriously considering putting them on my e46 330i ZHP.

So here are my pro's:

* cheaper tires (about $150 per set according to tire rack) = savings
* non staggered setup means I can rotate and extend tire life
* 17's are SLIGHTLY less prone to road hazard than 18's
* Increase front tire traction from 8 to 8.5
* I can sell the 18"s for lots more than I paid for the 17'"s = profit
* profit + savings = more mods


Cons:

* Taking away the OEM wheels potentially diminishes the value of the Performance Package
* Loss of "style" by not having 18's
* Decrease rear tire width from 9 to 8.5

Of course there are opinions to be had as well. Mine are:

* Opinion: The Contours are the best looking wheel ever made
* Opinion: I dont like the "spoked style" of the OEM ZHP wheels

Finally, here is a pic of the same e36 wheels. Note that this is not a ZHP but it is the same color as my car: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...5#post11065935

Anyone have any thoughts on Pro's vs Con's?

Shouldn't this be in the Tire and Wheel forum?

This is not a for sale thread. This is a style qstn. Thats why I wanted to be in the general e46 forums...

This is not a for sale thread. This is a style qstn. Thats why I wanted to be in the general e46 forums...

This is the Tire/Wheel Classified section..

The mod moved it here. I wanted to be posted in the general e46 section. I think my thread is now dead :-(

I like your thinking. I think the plus sizing of wheels is way over done--to the point of detracting from performance and making our rims much to sensitive to regular street driving. I am all for minus-1 and was thinking about going from the stock 17x8s on my 2002 325i Sport to 16x7 or 16x7.5. Two other pros you didn't mention are generally lighter weight in the smaller wheel size and the wheel weight is closer to the center so less load to spin them.

Check the link on the pic to the post. It didn't work for me.