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[Jhoagg]

I just bought an E46 M3 that has 19” BBS LM wheels on it. Beautiful wheels, but roads are bad here and I’m an older guy looking for a bit more comfort. I’m going to put on 18” wheels of some type and sell the 19” LMs. I know you guys will probably say that’s stupid.

I know the BBS LM are forged, and some versions (I guess made by Enkie and others?) are cast, and there’s a big price difference between these.

Is there an easy way to tell if these are the forged or cast version? I want to price these fairly for both buyer and seller when I do sell them. Can you wheel experts tell me how to know which I have? The fronts are 8.5” and rears 9.5” if that tells you anything. Thanks for any help.

[335i54n]

general wheel rule is if the part# are cast into vs engraved (forged). arent lm wheels multi pieces? should be easy to tell

[Jhoagg]

You’re right that they are multi piece (at least the true BBS version). I’m a newbie, so don’t really know difference between “cast into” vs engraved. Would engraved have the appearance of sort of cut into the wheel after it was forged? Thanks again.

[335i54n]

yes, cut into wheel after vs part of the mold/casting

[Jhoagg]

Very helpful. Thanks very much.

[NorthernDancer]

If you have the room, I'd suggest keeping the 19 inch wheels. They may be very important to a future owner. E46 M3's will always be in demand and the more stock, the better.

[tcphoto]

I'm not crazy about the lower profile tires with poorly maintained roads in my area, so I went with 235/40/18 and 265/35/18 PS4S. Perhaps you can fit one size up on the ratio on your M3, a stock suspension should be able to accommodate the change.