rims and tires for my 1988 BMW 325 (e30)

My search for lightweight summer rims and performance tires for my 1988 BMW 325...

rims

While many different kinds of rims and tires can be forced to fit a 1988 325, only a handful are considered a "perfect fitment"--wheels that can be mounted with no spacers or modifications. For a guaranteed perfect fit, I considered only rims that met the following requirements:

15" or 16" diameter
25mm offset
57.1mm centrebore ("hubcentric")
4x100 bolt pattern

Here are the specific rims I considered:

Original BMW cross-spoke "basket weave"
As of 2007 these were still available from any BMW dealer, but I ruled them out based on style and cost: too complex for my taste and over $400 each from BMW.
Original BMW alloy rim "bottle cap"
As of 2007 these were still available from any BMW dealer, but I ruled them out because I already run bottle caps in the winter (with Michelin X-ICE tires), and I wanted a summer look. The bottle caps were also over $400 each.
Original BMW star-spoke
As of 2007 these were still available from any BMW dealer, but I ruled them out based on style and cost: too "plasticky" looking for my taste and, again, over $400 each from BMW.
Ronal E38
Ronal makes an entire line of perfect fitment rims for e30s. In particular I liked the E38 model (below), but I eventually ruled them out based on weight. The E38s are 22 lbs compared to my final choice (the Kazera KZ-M), which is less that 14 lbs. According to my research, lighter wheels means improved acceleration, deceleration, and handling. My final rims are a total of 32 lbs lighter than the Ronal E38s. Some estimates claim that 32 lbs less "unsprung weight" (weight not carried by the car's suspension) is equivalent to 320 lbs of sprung weight (e.g., driving with 2 or 3 passengers!)
Team Dynamics Pro Racing 2
The Team Dynamics Pro Racing 2 rim is often used by folks racing stock e30 BMWs. The 15" size weighs 14.1 lbs, which meets the minimum 13 lb limit for spec e30 racing. Known for its extreme toughness, the Pro Racing 2 was in my top three rims, but I wasn't sure I would like the look on my car. Luckily, I found a 325 in the wild with the rims in black (anthracite), shown below. Once I saw the Pro Racing 2 rims in person, I decided I didn't like the open styling.

To order Team Dynamics rims, use the contact form on the Team Dynamics web site and ask for a local dealer, or order online from bimmerworld.com.

Kazera KZ-M
In early 2007, Jack Money from Elephant Motorsports contacted Kazera and arranged for a new perfect fitment rim for e30 owners. The result is the current availability of the Kazera KZ-M in a 15" diameter with a 25mm offset and 57.1mm centrebore. The KZ-M is as light as the Pro Racing 2, and I prefer its styling, so I chose it for my car. The Kazera KZ-M is available through the Tire Rack or Elephant Motorsports.

tires

For tires, I wanted something with high-performance for street use and occasional autocross driving school sessions. I considered the following tires:

Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
Falken Azenis RT-615
BFGoodrich G-Force Sport
Yokohama AVS ES100
Hankook Ventus R-S2 (Z212)

The appropriate size tires for a 15"x7" rim on an 325 e30 are as follows:

205/55/R15
225/50/R15

A maxbimmer.com forum moderator ("Mystikal") described the pros and cons of 225 over 205 width tires as follows:

Pros of a 225:

Shorter stopping distance
Increased lateral grip
Aggressive look

Cons of a 225:

Decreased steering response
Decreased hydroplaning resistance
Increased tramliming

In the end I chose the Falken Azenis RT-615 (205/50/R15, 3.8% undersized), because they're good enough for driving school sessions but also usable for street driving. They have a reasonable tread wear rating (200), and were only $73 each when I bought them. Now that I've driven the 205/50/R15 Falkens I can say that they're increcibly fun, and easily sporty enough for an amateur. The tramlining effect is noticeable even on 205s. I don't think I'd want more tramlining, and I think 225s would be visually too wide on the car for my taste. The 205s look great without seeming like overkill on a sedan.

Here are some pics of the Azenis tires before they were mounted: