What looks best -- Alpina or Original

benslick · Post by **benslick** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 02:07

What do you think...

spokey · Post by **spokey** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 08:52

I actually once saw an E21 323i Baur (not mine!) with the Z1 alloys on it.

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 08:55

They are both really nice rims. I would go with the Original wheels however because Alpinas can be found on all series of BMW. These standard wheels are only to be seen on the Z1.

Share them with the world!

carletti · Post by **carletti** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 09:27

Your pictures looks as it is from a advertisement

I believe you've a good camera as well. They looks fantastic & personally I'd prefer this than the original.

I attached a pictures with real Alpina wheels.

Racing Tortoise · Post by **Racing Tortoise** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 09:32

I would have said the originals until I saw those pictures. The Alpina ones look really rather good actually. Though I think I'd be tempted to go for 17"s. What do 18"s do to the ride and handling?

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 09:53

spokey wrote:I actually once saw an E21 323i Baur (not mine!) with the Z1 alloys on it.

Cool. I had an E21 323i several years ago. I didn't have a licence at the time (was only 14 or 15) but I had the car. Classic BMW. They don't make them like that anymore.

Chris Bangle !!! Grrrr!!!!

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 10:08

RacingTeatray wrote:I would have said the originals until I saw those pictures. The Alpina ones look really rather good actually. Though I think I'd be tempted to go for 17"s. What do 18"s do to the ride and handling?

Having done over 3,000 miles in mine since fitting the 18's (was kind of scary being the first in the UK to go for them!!

) I can honestly say that there has been no significant drawbacks!

I had initially thought they were a little harsher and more 'crashy' on bad roads - but after going back to the original wheels for a week to compare - I found no difference and I was probably looking at it too much and imagining it!

The 18's are marginally better on turn-in and give a little more response and feedback than the originals, making positioning and placement in corners more accurate and they give you a little more confidence to take an even tighter line!

The only drawback I can think of is the lower profile giving the alloy more chance of being kerbed! Something I found out when parking and I didn't notice one of the kerbstones jutting out.....SCRAPE!!!

One alloy with a nice 6" scuff on the rim now.

The main reason I took the plunge and went for them was beacuase of the look! I LOVE the look of the original alloys, but always felt that 16" was a little small for the generous arches of the Z1. Back in 1988, this was a large wheel, but these days - even my Smart has 16's!

I'd been looking for a replacement wheel for some time and went for these because NO ONE in the UK had fitted 18's and I thought I'd do something different!

They day they were fitted I couldn't believe the difference in the look - they made the car look a lot better, the proportions are perfect in relation to the arches and the car just looks 'right'!

Since fitting them, quite a few people have done the same and I sometimes wish I'd gone for a different style - but I guess it was inevitable!

I'd whole heartedly recommend them. I have the originals stored in the loft. The 18's are a LOT cheaper to replace if they get damaged (about 1/4 the price of the originals!!

) and they look the BIZ in the meantime! Obviously if I ever decide to sell the car, then the originals are in perfect condition to appeal to the purists out there......

Do it - you know it makes sense!

Regards,

Bruce.

P.S. Pics of mine with the 18's......

benslick · Post by **benslick** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 14:20

I have to say i agree 100 % with the above!

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 15:04

I object to this Poll..........for the following reasons:

The wheels are not Alpinas, they are BKRacing. (excl Blue Z)
Car A is a bright sunny day with a Lovely RED car and shiny rims, whilst Car B is a pinky coloured car with dull rims and dirty tyres.
Both sets of wheels must originate from same moment in time, 1980`s to be considered fair.
Where is the neutral button?

I demand a recount! (and a contact number for BKRacing!!)

carletti · Post by **carletti** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 15:25

This are Alpina-Replica wheels, aren't they! I would prefer the real Alpina wheels but there are only 66 units in the world.

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 18:15

Jet wrote:The wheels are not Alpinas, they are BKRacing. (excl Blue Z)
(and a contact number for BKRacing!!)

I never said mine were Alpina's - I've always acknowledged that they are replica's (even giving the BK model number etc...details of the head office etc...) and from what I can recall - Ben has too!

Here is the original post where Ben is asking about 18's....the first thing I do is mention that they are replicas.

I think Ben is talking about which looks better, not which is the better wheel? We all know what an original Z1 wheel looks like (don't we??

) so the quality issue of the bottom photo is not really a problem, unless you are purely swayed by that, and not your own knowledge of what a Z1 wheels looks like?

My reason for going for the 18's were 2 fold - to protect the originals (and at over £400 each - that seems sensible to me!) and also to update the look of the car without any detriment to the value (i.e. no permanent mods that can't be removed)

There are purists out there who like the Zed 100% genuine 'as god intended' (which I have no problem with

) - but I bought my Zed because it was VERY different from the run of the mill sports cars....but wanted to make it a little more different again....hence the wheels and clear front indicators.

Maybe I'm waffling on too much here??

Alpina's......LOVE THEM!!!

(too expensive for me!)

Original Z1 wheels......LOVE THEM!!!

(preserving them!)

18" BK 171's......LOVE THEM!!!

(cheaper and VERY well suited to the car!)

Regards,

Bruce.

carletti · Post by **carletti** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 19:05

I absolutely agree with you. It is glaringly obiously that your car looks fantastic! It would be dream for me to have one like yours. Probably I would buy those wheels too and they have a good price. I've just wanted to compare the real Alpina & the replica's.

I am pleased to attache my brother's Z1 again! If the car is polished the BMW Z1 looks great anyway.

Racing Tortoise · Post by **Racing Tortoise** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 20:08

In the word's of the mafioso at the start of the Italian Job, "Preetty car".

TR's quite nice too!

carletti · Post by **carletti** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 22:46

This is my father's car! Well, the sound of a TR6 is bombastically and is just a car for a real man!

TJS · Post by **TJS** » Thu 24 Nov, 2005 23:28

Sorry people, but as nice as the alpina wheels are I prefer the original FPS Kelsey Hayes

I seem to recall a number of German owners were exploring the possibility of replicating the OEM wheels in a 17 inch size. Not sure of the outcome.

TJS

benslick · Post by **benslick** » Fri 25 Nov, 2005 11:04

Hello all, Especially Bruce,

I bought my bk racing or replica 18inch Alpina Style wheels because they looked so fantastic on Bruce's Z1

I was offered a set of real Alpina Wheels from a friend in Germany but i did not want a set of real alpina wheels as i think 17inch wheels are still to small for the Z in my opinion.

My post was purly to see if people liked the original 16inch bmw Z1 wheels more than the 18 inch Alpina Relica wheels and not to pass them off as Original Alpina Wheels! I should of put Alpina Style Wheels!

I still have my original 16inch wheels and would never sell them anyway!

Bruce next year it might be nice to have a small Z1 gathering somewhere on the south cost, would you be interested?

All the best, Ben

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Fri 25 Nov, 2005 11:47

Ben,
My comment not to be taken serious, just having a joke.

One thing I would like to ask, what is the difference between a normal Z and an Alpina? apart from wheels, decals, is there an engine upgrade to 2.7ltr maybe?
And why would they make 2 versions of the Alpina? The black Z1 has entended wheel arches, but the blue one has not?
Were they intended for the Japanese Market?

Austin Powers · Post by **Austin Powers** » Fri 25 Nov, 2005 13:26

I'd say: original 16" or 17" Alpina's.
18" are just to huge...

BW
Austin

Linton · Post by **Linton** » Sat 26 Nov, 2005 04:51

The black Z1 has entended wheel arches, but the blue one has not?

Well spotted - I have not seen such wheel arch extensions before, they are not standard Aplina RLE and IMO they spoil the lines of the car.

I have 17in BK171s on my e30 because they were on the car when i bought it. I have had a lot of trouble with the hubcaps - they are very fragile and I have been ripped off several times trying to get replacements from England.

The BK 171s are also available as PCW ( Panther Custom Wheels ).

There are two styles of hub cap available, the Aplina style and a recessed cap with a big black plastic nut. I have a set of each and plan to remove the nut in the recessed cap and replace it with a polished shallow dome. When I ( eventually ) get around to it, they will no longer be fake Aplinas nor have fake centre locking nuts.

I have seen photos of an Alpina RLE (#39) with 17in genuine Aplinas ( and a good looking front splitter ) - the genuine Alpinas look better than the replicas with a crisper and deeper recess to the spokes.

The Kelleners S50B30 powered Z1 ( BMW CAR 3.97 ) has Hartge 8x 17 but I don't like the look of 2 piece wheels.

IMO the best looking Alpina style wheels are Breyton Magic with polished rim - are these available for a Z1 ? Thin 5, 6 or 7 ( Breyton Vision ) spoke rims don't seem to look very special on a Z1. Does BBS do the RC or CSL for a Z1 ? - they might look good.

There is something special about the Z1's 7 spokes - possibly the first 7 spoke wheels produced and now everybody has 7 spoke wheels ( 18 years after the Z1 was born).

The BK's on the Z1 do not inspire me but 17 or 18in wheels do look more up to date. For the moment, from what I have seen in photos, 17in genuine Alpinas look the best.

carletti · Post by **carletti** » Sat 26 Nov, 2005 10:05

@Jet

I just noticed the difference between the black & blue Z1 wheels I has entered after your statement. The black Z1 was manufactured by ALPINA in 1991 and was named ALPINA ROADSTER Limited Edition not ALPINA Z1!

Please go the the website : http://alpina-roadster.8k.com/ and on the left please push the link "RLE 36/66 (black)" and you'll find this car including all the details information.

rgds

carletti

ajbm325ic · Post by **ajbm325ic** » Sat 26 Nov, 2005 17:28

Where can i buy a set of 18" 4x100 Alpina replicas as fitted to the Z1. I've had a set of BK171 in 17" but thought that they were just a tad too small.
Is the centre bore 57.1mm too as i want to fit them to my E30 pictured below. All other 18" Alpina replicas seem to be 5x120 for E36,E46,E34 etc. No 4x100 PCD until i found this site. Would love a Z1 too.....too many £££££sss needed to keep both though as only toys for the summer.
Thanks in advance,
Andy.

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Sat 26 Nov, 2005 21:29

ajbm325ic wrote:Where can i buy a set of 18" 4x100 Alpina replicas as fitted to the Z1. I've had a set of BK171 in 17" but thought that they were just a tad too small.

Hi Andy - nice looking E30 you've got there! I've always liked the E30 325 cabs!

Unfortunately, unless you are able to do some wheel arch mods (grinding them out and having them rolled) then the 18's will not fit!

BK Headquarters (where I got mine from) had bought in quite a few sets of the 18's with the idea of selling them to E30 owners. Unfortunately, they tried them on a customers car and couldn't get them to clear the arches! (this car wasn't even lowered!!

)

The best thing you could do is to ring them yourself to clarify (they'll give you more accurate details than I can!)

The guy you want to speak to is John and his mobile number is: 07909 942484. He really knows his stuff! Give him a call and tell him I gave you the number (Bruce with the black Z1!)

Best of luck sorting something out - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you....

Regards,

Bruce.

ajbm325ic · Post by **ajbm325ic** » Sun 27 Nov, 2005 00:12

Thanks for the number Bruce, i've just found an E30 with these fitted using stock Mtech suspension so i think i'll deffo give them a go.
Piccy included of someone elses E30 with them fitted, god these are awesome in 18", thanks for the contact i'll post up some pics when i get them fitted.

[/img]
Right, no more non Z1 pics on your forum, sorry for the slight highjack folks i hope these wheels now transform the looks of my E30 as the have your Z1's.
Thanks again,
Andy

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Sun 27 Nov, 2005 11:01

Beautiful E30 325i convertible Andy. Just typing that is giving me goosebumps.

M-Tech II steering wheel visible too. Very tasty machine, m8. Keep looking after her!

ajbm325ic · Post by **ajbm325ic** » Sat 04 Feb, 2006 20:23

Big thanks to Bruce and all for helping me source some of these Alpina reps for my E30.
They fit perfect with no issues at all. Alpina badges are on the way.
Thanks again,
Andy
Couple of pics.
Now start saving up for a Z1!!!

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Sat 04 Feb, 2006 22:31

Oxford_gruen_II wrote: M-Tech II steering wheel visible too. Very tasty machine, m8. Keep looking after her!

Oxford, you have the eye of a sniper.

Andy you have a gorgeous E30 there.

Gazza.

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Sun 05 Feb, 2006 00:36

ajbm325ic wrote:Now start saving up for a Z1!!

Andy - if you do get a Z1 (and you must!!

) can I have first refusal on your E30??

I've always had a HUGE soft spot for E30 cabs and yours must be one of the nicest I've seen!

You've got everything just right - tasteful mods and stunning condition by the looks of it!

If you ever think of selling it - please PLEASE PLEASE let me know??

Glad you got the wheels BTW - happy boy now I guess??

Regards,

Bruce.

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Sun 05 Feb, 2006 15:39

garythefish wrote:
Oxford_gruen_II wrote: M-Tech II steering wheel visible too. Very tasty machine, m8. Keep looking after her!
Oxford, you have the eye of a sniper.

Andy you have a gorgeous E30 there.

Gazza.

When it comes to E30s, always. I love them. Cheers matey.

mez3 · Post by **mez3** » Sun 05 Feb, 2006 19:52

Andy, don't ever sell that e30 cab. It look's absolutely gorgeous and is a true classic in the making especially in that condition. It is so rare to see one that nice nowdays when 5-6 years ago there were plenty about. I almost bought a 325i sport in 2000 but got a 300 sl instead. They are still one of my favourite looking bmw's and with those wheel's it is hard to beat.Pure class!!

ajbm325ic · Post by **ajbm325ic** » Sun 05 Feb, 2006 22:01

Thanks for the kind comments, don't think i'll ever part really. I only do around 1000 miles max each year. Owned it for 7 years too Weather has got to be right. Rain/winter etc. a no no as it's too much hassle keeping it looking A1 new otherwise.
BTW wheels were £520 delivered, bargain!!!!!
Thanks again,
Andy

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Mon 06 Feb, 2006 14:27

ajbm325ic wrote:Thanks for the kind comments, don't think i'll ever part really. Thanks again, Andy

I wouldn't if I had that machine.

aurelius · Post by **aurelius** » Fri 24 Feb, 2006 21:06

Alpina. Pictured are genuine 16" Alpinas. My only regret is not getting 17 or 18".

zroadster.net

What looks best -- Alpina or Original

What Wheels look the best for my Z1

What looks best -- Alpina or Original

I object!

Re: I object!

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e30 cab