Initially my thoughts were to run winter tyres all year round...
However, further research (plus me realising how much hassle it would be to swap tyres over on the same rims every winter/spring) meant I decided to purchase some rims to mount them on.
I've since been trying to purchase a set of Genuine 132 Style BMW 19" rims . My efforts on Ebay all came to nothing as I was constantly being outbid in the closing moments as bidding often went way above what I thought was a reasonable amount for a set of well maintained rims in good condition. More often than not, the rims were finally selling in excess of £400 - and some breakers were (and still are) offering them up at £699.
Another point that was starting to concern me was the history of any secondhand rims. I realise that probably 99% of the rims advertised are from those people who are upgraded and are absolutely perfect - however I had a nag about buying rims that could have been involved in an accident and/or received damage such as cracks etc
So, I started to cast my net wider - and bearing in mind the rims will be used to take the familly on a 1600 mile on trip to Austria skiing this winter - started to consider the purchase of a new set of rims. I would get the quality/condition I wanted - and also have the reassurance of buying new.
Having looked at the major alloy wheel suppliers without much success (fantastic wheels, but I could not justify their use as winter tyres) and looking at 'replica' wheels (with no confirmed manufacturer) I finally contacted my BMW main dealer.
Whilst I nearly fell over backwards at the price of 132 style rims, I noticed a style in the E53 accessory brochure called '75'. Whilst I did not like the style at all, I asked the parts guy to price them for me. After a few moments of looking at his screen, tapping the keyboard, double checking his screen again, he said, that as far as he could tell, BMW were offering these at a significant saving - and he could do them for £550 inc VAT for the set..
The rims were ordered there and then (Tues) and were to be sent by BMW from Germany. Thursday I receive a call to say they have arrived at the BMW main dealer near my home. I've now had my winter tyres fitted to them.
Whilst I am not that struck at all on the style (they remind me of a giant snowflake - which I suppose is fine for winter wheels
) and appear to be made of two halves bolted together - the price and the fact they are genuine BMW (for X5) and do not invalidate my insurance (I declared the car as standard except the fitment of genuine BMW accessories) has compensated...along of course with the BMW gurantee. Some photos below....(I've not fitted the centre caps yet...which are styled like one large single bolt!)
but you still got some decent Avons 