[cruvon]

Hi, some basic questions on wheels since thinking of getting different ones

1) Am currently on 16s so do I need to get a new sensor(is that what's a TPMS?) if I went to 19's

2) If I were to change the wheels to non runflats, would I need to disable the sensors that indicate a run flats loosing pressure and how's that done?

3) Also am on stock suspension (that's what it's called if not lowered, right?), can I still fit bigger wheels without lowering?

4) Also how simple is it to do a DIY tyre change between 16s and 19s if I wanted to change between the two types as I pleased or would I have to run to a tyre change shop everytime I needed do that? What sort of tyre change kit would you suggest? I guess would be simpler if the sensors didn't need to be touched or do I need to connect sensors everytime a wheel change is done?

5) What are Offsets?

Thanks

[VGR00]

you dont have any sensors in your wheels. The tyre monitor system will operate the same whether you have RFT or not. I cant recall the full technical way in which it works but I think it uses the ABS system to detect differential in rotation spead between the wheels.

DIY tyre rotation is easy as long as you have a jack and wheel brace.

[WOPALX]

Answers in bold

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi, some basic questions on wheels since thinking of getting different ones

1) Am currently on 16s so do I need to get a new sensor(is that what's a TPMS?) if I went to 19's

Our system is different to the US which uses sensors in the valves. All you need to do is reset your cars computer once they are installed.

2) If I were to change the wheels to non runflats, would I need to disable the sensors that indicate a run flats loosing pressure and how's that done?

See above answer to #1

3) Also am on stock suspension (that's what it's called if not lowered, right?), can I still fit bigger wheels without lowering?

Yes, no need to lower your car to fit larger wheels.

4) Also how simple is it to do a DIY tyre change between 16s and 19s if I wanted to change between the two types as I pleased or would I have to run to a tyre change shop everytime I needed do that? What sort of tyre change kit would you suggest? I guess would be simpler if the sensors didn't need to be touched or do I need to connect sensors everytime a wheel change is done?

Easy to do with jack and tyre brace.

FYI 19's while they sound nice make tyre choices very expensive in Australia. Think about 18's, wider range of tyres to choose from, more complient ride and with your car you probably wont notice any difference in handling between 18's and 19's.


5) What are Offsets?

Offsets, rim sizes etc are complicated. Best to research via the tyre & wheel forum on the main section of this site as they have a nifty calculator that does it for you.

Thanks

[V1_R]

Offset

often described "ET" (German for intrusion or something??) eg "et40"
Determines how far (outside and inside) your rims will sit on your wheel hub.

Check the following link. http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

You will need to find out your cars current wheel offset to be able to compare.

I know my cars front wheels are 8" and et34... so if I wanted to buy wheels from Euro Division for example, the new fronts would be 8.5" et35.

plugging that into calculator produces:

Inner Clearance: 7mm LESS (the inside of the wheel to the strut housing)
Outer Position: EXTEND an extra 5mm (position of the outside edge of the wheel)

[johnnydad]

Agree re 19's vs 18's - for sheer function, big increases in wheel sizes are a bad idea. Roadholding is not going to be better with 19's unless you spend big to get lighter wheels and, as WOPALX says, then tyres are trickier.

I'd go the 18's and spend the extra on better tyres - car will quite probably ride and corner better.

[cruvon]

Thanks guys for getting back on my newbie questions, looking at different options for oem's too, while rims seem to be fine is it legal to import tyres from the US? Read somewhere they have to confirm to a local ADR standard or something like that to be considered roadworthy in Australia?? Is the standard stamped on the tyres?

Also are sparely used rims/tyres imported from overseas still taxed? I would reckon used tyres would be quarantined if had any sand residues/etc?

[V1_R]

not sure about ADR standards and taxes... but its a definate +1 from me for importing tyres from the US.

At tirerack.com you can save an absolute bundle if you're going for decent tyres like Pirelli's or Continentals. (4x staggered 19" Conti's delivered to Perth, Aus for AUD$1200 ... not sure about the import taxes yet)

If you're looking at the Korean brands, Ebay is usually pretty good too. Speaking of which, I see you live in Sydney. St George Tyres seem to be quite popular...

[cruvon]

Thanks, yupz in Sydney, will check that place out, what's the difference between staggered n non staggered? Those US prices surely look attractive, how much was shipping?

[V1_R]

Staggered just mean wider wheels in the rear.

The shipping I got quoted was US$215 for 4 tyres. This would be an estimate cost though.

[I335]

Here's a bit of offset info that's pretty easy to understand...

http://www.ehow.com/about_5374393_wheel-offset-faq.html

[johnnydad]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Thanks, yupz in Sydney, will check that place out, what's the difference between staggered n non staggered? Those US prices surely look attractive, how much was shipping?

Quotes vary a little with carrier, size, number shipped.

Somebody was quoted US$180 for a single tyre (18 inch) the other day, my pair of fronts (to Sydney) was US$215 and the rears US$225 but if you order all four you are looking at a bit under US$400.

[chappy]

If your still after oem wheels this site might help.

http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/


And this site-

http://www.bmminiparts.com/Home.aspx

They are a lot cheaper than buying in aus.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by perth335i

Staggered just mean wider wheels in the rear.

The shipping I got quoted was US$215 for 4 tyres. This would be an estimate cost though.

Thanks, that's a good shipping quote for tyres

[suff]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Thanks, that's a good shipping quote for tyres though I understand I could get badly burnt on shipping charges by as much as $1500 if I imported rims

Don't forget to factor in import taxes (GST etc) as you will definitely go over the $1k threshold)

[cruvon]

Thanks for the tyre import tips guys though I understand I could get badly burnt on shipping charges by as much as $1500+ if I imported rims

[Ninjaoz]

Originally Posted by chappy

If your still after oem wheels this site might help.

http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/

has anyone had any experienced with this mob at all? their price is very competitive!

[V1_R]

Originally Posted by Ninja333

has anyone had any experienced with this mob at all? their price is very competitive!

Not sure if prices are competative... they are all in Lbs

[cruvon]

Hi, a tyre query, what is the Z or Y that goes along with tyre sizes say on 19"s? Can I use either even if the specified size is a Y,
Thanks

[xcuzme]

speed rating. Z is a higher speed rating than y.

you will find most low profile 19" tyres are high speed rating because they are performance tyres.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by xcuzme

speed rating. Z is a higher speed rating than y.

you will find most low profile 19" tyres are high speed rating because they are performance tyres.

Thanks, thought was something to do with size, so both can be used interchangeably that is z can be used if y is specified?