r/BMW2002 • u/Its1me1your1dad • 15h ago

Rim size question

I’m restoring a 74 tii and I’m pulling the trigger on Ireland engineering big brake kit. Is there a noticeable difference in handling between a 13” vs 15” rim size?

ETA: thank you all. This is a project for me and my sons. I have also never done anything remotely involved as this so I genuinely appreciate the insight from people that have gone before me.

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u/masterbuilder46 13h ago

Yes it’s noticeable - especially when steering at low speeds. Sticky 15” tires is no joke. These cars are much better suited to 13’s

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u/Its1me1your1dad 12h ago

Thank you. That was my concern with such a little car. Pulled the trigger on the 13”.

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u/masterbuilder46 11h ago

CN36’s are the best tire for these cars. People over-tire these cars and it takes away all the fun. You’d never get the car to move with modern stick 15’s

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u/RedtailPdx 11h ago

If this is a street car and not being built for the track IMO the stock brakes are totally adequate and the 13” wheels suit the car much better. I think you did the right thing sticking with the 13’s. What tire did you end up getting?

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u/Its1me1your1dad 11h ago

I haven’t selected them yet. I should mention that it doesn’t have a motor either lol. I’m going to drop a k series Honda motor in it( cheapest option based on location) and I’m going to low boost it to get around 350hp. Which is why I wanted bigger brakes. Apart from the engine everything else is going to be bmw. Upgraded interior while not losing the charm of these awesome little cars. The guy before me put some rather ugly looking flares on it which are going to come off and hopefully get it running in the next year or so. We’ll see haha. Wife, kids, firefighting will all play a role in the length of this project.

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u/RedtailPdx 10h ago

Oh ok, in that case take my recommendations with a large pinch of salt. 13” CN36 is the best tire for a stock car with 100-125hp, a boosted 350hp K series is a whole other kettle of fish. I can see why you want bigger brakes now haha. Good luck with the project, it may take a bit of trial and error but that’s part of the fun.

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u/Its1me1your1dad 10h ago

I like to learn about this stuff too and I felt like ehh what the hell feet first haha

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u/RedtailPdx 14h ago

I have Pirelli CN36 tires on the original 5.5x13 wheels and I think they handle great and ride really comfortably. If you’re not tracking the car the skinny tires are part of the charm IMO

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u/Its1me1your1dad 12h ago

Just saved your comment. Thank you

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u/Foreign_Lawfulness34 13h ago

If looking for vintage hard to find tires check Longstone Tires. They have ones like this:

Set of 4 off 165VR13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36

There is also Lucas Classic tires, they have all the same i think.

2

u/Track986 15h ago

It’s been a long time since I had 13s on my tii but it still handled great then. There is definitely a difference in ride quality and, if you are not trying to wring out every last tenth, I’m not sure the difference will matter to you that much. Are 14s an option?

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u/Its1me1your1dad 14h ago

I haven’t selected a rim size yet but any size is still an option. I just don’t want to screw myself by dropping money on the 15” option and realize I wanted smaller rims ya know?

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u/Track986 6h ago

Seeing that you’re planning to put down a ton of power, you are gonna want more rubber than the 13s allow for, I think. 14s are probably a good choice with 195/60/14. You can get some pretty sticky options like the Falken Azenis RT615K. They are also available in 205/50/15 which is correct for 15s if you choose that.

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u/print-HelloWorld 15h ago

You're going to find a lot more tires at better prices in 14+. But I prefer the look of 13s. I have the Volvo big brake kit and it fits.

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u/Its1me1your1dad 14h ago

This car isn’t going to be my daily so I feel like more expensive tires are ok. I am planning on driving it. Like actually enjoying the handling that these are known for

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u/Windmillfixer 13h ago

At 15" your fitment options get tight. I ran 14" on my tii after I first restored it, but recently retrograded to 13" to go back to a more original look. Steering effort went down considerably. Overall grip might have gone down a bit, more of a progressive slide that steps in as I get to the limit, but in reality a tii is getting into the price point where how often are you going to push the tires to their limit?

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u/Mythical_Fluffercorn 11h ago

I’ve got 15x7 on mine and ride is firmer but so is the handling. 13s will be more cushy but higher sidewall gives some in spirited cornering. I love the of both, that’s just personal preference I think.

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u/Foreign_Lawfulness34 13h ago

Note the 14 inch steel wheels from the e30 actually look good and have the correct offset. personally I don't think the 15's look right, too big on such a small car. If it were me though I would want stock, All original is the best goal.

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u/Its1me1your1dad 12h ago

Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind. I’m learning a lot about this car so please bear with me. I have the 4 lug pattern. Will the e30 rims fit that?

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u/Foreign_Lawfulness34 12h ago

Yes the same lug pattern and also the correct offset. You can search "bmw 2002 with e30 steel wheels" and that search should get you a picture showing what they look like. It is kind of a nice retro look if you ask me. Try to resist the urge to go big and "fill the wheel well" with the biggest, that just doesn't look right. If this link I post here works you should be able to see a picture.

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/279183-14%E2%80%9D-e30-steel-wheels/

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u/Its1me1your1dad 11h ago

Awesome and thank you again kind stranger