M5 replica wheels?

Hey,
I've always been a fan of the E39 M5 wheels, but I an not sure about a few things. I know the OEM wheels are a gunmetal finish. Are the replicas here also gunmetal? http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BMWM/POR_BMWM_WHEELS_pg3.htm
I never liked chrome rims.
Also, who are these replicas made by? Are they clearcoated or anything?
The 17x7.5 or 18x8.5 at 40mm should fit my 1998 328i right?

-Robert

[Jeron]

Yes, the 40mm offset should fit. Dunno about the finishes. Choose tires carefully if you get the 18's. 245/35R18 I think.

I thought tire sizes were:
235/40-17 for 17x7.5
225/40-18 for 18x8.5

[Jeron]

The BMW TIS document I'm looking at shows 235/40R17 on a 7.5 or 8" width. The 7.5" width shows a 41mm and the 8" shows a 47mm offset.

It also shows 8.5" width with a 41mm offset and 245/40R17 but specifies rear axle. Basically these are the same specs as the E36 M3. I'm pretty sure your car has the same space available as the M3.

On and E36 M3 you can easily run the standard rear setup all around, which is 245/40R17 on a 8.5" rim. This translates into about 245/35R18 on an 8.5" rim. If you plan to go with the 17x7.5" rim you should use 235/40R17 IMHO, but that depends on your goal. Do you want performance, comfort or aesthetics?

In conclusion, your 17" size is good but 225 width on a 8.5" rim is too narrow. You should use at least 235 on a 8.5" width. I know that’s a lot to absorb (and I'm bad about mistyping) feel free to ask more ?'s.

Go here and choose "Tire Dimensions Made Simple" and use 245/40R17 and 225/45R17 as your max sizes.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoCenter.jsp

Anyone know who makes those replica wheels?

-Robert