The 3-Series looks ugly...

[Kowalski]

... if it's got the wrong wheels.

And they DON'T look any better when the car is moving:

In fact, it looks the car is going to swallow them!

So, if you are going for a 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d in ES trim, do everything in your power to get the extra 17 or 18 inch wheels. The 16-inchers are ruins the look of the car.

Compare the 320d above fitted with the ES 16 wheels to a 335i SE (below):

Much better. Quite Handsome, actually.

Of course comparing a base model to a top of the range is not really clever, but just shows how larger wheels improve quite a lot the looks of the 3-Series.

Go at least for the 17-inch.

 

[LaArtist]

those pics show me 2 things..
rimms does indeed matter alot ..
and the fact that this car needs a FL ASAP
it has NOT aged well

 

[Centurion]

The colour and the rim combo in the first pictures is terrible. Overall the car is aging like the current 7er, not good at all. It is a pitty that the rear isn't going to get some new treatment in time for the M3 sedan. It is starting to look bland, heck even the face lifted A4 is still standing strong against the 3er.

 

[bum-man]

A lot of cars these days look bad in the wrong rims.

 

[RICHBOY]

A lot of cars these days look bad in the wrong rims.

You can trust the rims aren't the only problem!

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Non of those are flattering pictures!

I still love the 3-er.

 

[Kowalski]

A lot of cars these days look bad in the wrong rims.

I knew it I was treading on a Landmine...

 

[Yperion]

Those rims are horrible but the problem is that the rear wheel arch is too big and any tire below 255/40R17 looks too small!!

 

[Zafiro]

E90 doesnt look aged at all, only the rearlights but the rest still look good, particulary the front. the front look aggressive and sporty, just like the new C-class with Avantgarde.

 

[Tarek]

The new C just made it worse for the 3 series,FL is needed ASAP!

 

[ree]

The standard rims are absolutely horrible...it's the same with the pre-facelifted E-Class Classic

 

[Yperion]

The standard rims are absolutely horrible...it's the same with the pre-facelifted E-Class Classic

That model had huge tires: 205/60R16 .

 

[klier]

those pics show me 2 things..
rimms does indeed matter alot ..
and the fact that this car needs a FL ASAP
it has NOT aged well

It still looks a lot better than the new C class.

 

[LaArtist]

^HAHAhAHAH

 

[Kowalski]

The standard rims are absolutely horrible...it's the same with the pre-facelifted E-Class Classic

I remember I saw an early W220 S320, 2001 model I think.

Anyway, it was a black pre-facelift S-Class W220 base model and it had those wheels. Normally the W220 is a good looking car, but those wheels ruined the look of it.

 

[VroomVroom]

What about this 1-Series...

 

[Zafiro]

Of course a car with small wheels can look bad. And its not only BMW. If its a problem for someone, just buy larger wheels. It's not difficult.

 

[vedjo01]

Standard wheels should be banned and destroyed is worst possible way !!Options look as they should on BMW(nice and elegant) .And this comparison only shows how important wheels are on overall look of any car.Nothing else.

 

[Amo]

What ever happened to the beautiful BMW 16" alloys they used to make for the E46...

 

[Tarek]

It still looks a lot better than the new C class.

,To each his own man