The best thing about our M3's stock 18-inch wheels compared to the optional 19s? Their finish. Instead of brightly polished spokes, the 18s have a slightly duller, matte gray color. I think BMW calls it ghost chrome, but I could be wrong about that. More importantly, a nice coat of brake dust barely shows up. In fact, you would have to neglect this car for weeks before you would ever notice the wheels were seriously dirty. And trust me, if you owned this car, or I owned this car, neglect would not be a problem.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor @ 60,842 miles
subytrojan says:
05:19 PM, 09/ 8/08
Chrome shadow, Ed. :o)
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL93&mospid=47714&btnr=36_0426&hg=36&fg=15
ptmeyer says:
08:12 PM, 09/ 8/08
Are they similar to BMW's Canine Repellent Alloy Protection system??? ;)
m_thrizzle says:
10:38 PM, 09/ 8/08
My friend neglected his 18" wheels on his M3 and the brake dust ate through the finish and now it has some really dark patches on them. But you switched out the stock pads with lower dusting ones. I hate the dust on my wheels and will be installing new pads soon.
dougtheeng says:
05:51 AM, 09/ 9/08
I'd be surprised if your new brake kid dusts as much as the stock ones. I wish all BMWs/MINIs came with this option.
sgude says:
05:59 AM, 09/ 9/08
Since I wash my 325i three times per week (I know, I'm crazy), brake dust isn't really a problem. But I see people with German cars, and Bimmers and Mercs in particular, with a ton of brake dust on the front wheels. Do they even care? I'm going to go with aftermarket pads next time I do the brakes, so it will be even less of a problem. I don't like the chrome shadow look of the E46 M3's 18" wheels. They look dirty to me. Give me a polished or matte aluminum finish -- but please, no chrome.
cjasis says:
08:03 AM, 09/ 9/08
Just keep in mind that leaving brake dust on the wheels will eat through the finish and eventually "etch" the wheel.
mdoan300 says:
03:17 PM, 09/ 9/08
I use brake dust as a gauge to tell me when I need to wash my car. :-)
stingray454 says:
01:54 PM, 09/15/08
I always liked the look of the E46 M3's factory wheels. The darker finish and the deep dish look of the rears give the car a nice stance.