Blog · research notes

Articles about wheels

What we learn while building the configurators: changeovers, part families, the traps. Every article names its sources and how sure we are.

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12 October 202610 min read

Six wheels, three families: how to tell E46 factory wheels apart

Style 44, 45, 68M, 71, 119 and 135M: spoke pattern, size, square or staggered, and what BMW's European catalogue lists each for. For used-set buyers.

11 October 20268 min read

Before you pay: how to read a used E46 parts listing like a pro

A general guide to buying genuine BMW E46 parts in Europe: what a listing must show, why a headlight needs both sides, new versus used, VAT and shipping.

8 October 20267 min read

The wheel that fits an E46, unless the E46 is American

BMW's catalogue gives an E46 wheel the same number in the US and Europe but lists it for different cars. Why "fits an E46" depends on where the car was sold.

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