Some pics of step lip vs reverse lip for Black Gold
 

HRE 500 series step Lip

https://store1.yimg.com/I/wheelsperf..._1844_70147945

https://store1.yimg.com/I/wheelsperf..._1844_70968694

https://store1.yimg.com/I/wheelsperf..._1844_72448709

HRE 500 R series reverse lip


https://store1.yimg.com/I/wheelsperf...1844_173366988

https://store1.yimg.com/I/wheelsperf...1844_170669064

note the step lip has an 18" center on a 19"wheel whereas the reverse lip has a 19" center on a 19" wheel

Good luck

Lou

So if I understand you correctly, does the reverse lip spoke meet the lip? Is that the difference.

BTW, I love the wheels on the yellow & silver TT. Sweet!

Adam

Well.......not to butt in here.....but both 'centers' meet the lip or rim. It's just that the flat lip/rim of a reverse drop wheel has no visable 'step' in (drop) of a traditional rim so the wheel center is that much larger.
The wheels in front are traditional step rims.....immediately behind on right are reverse drop flat rim 19s (w/19" centers :) )...pay no attention to AMGs & others.

http://www.986host.com/albums/GreggT...pile.sized.jpg

Is there any strength or ride quality given up with an 18" reverse lip as compaired to the same wheel with a standard lip?

Which one is which on the turbos?

Do the silver Turbo and Yellow Turbo have the same wheel? The R series? Thanks for the help.

loving the step lip on that black Turbo. With a black faced wheel it doesnt make the wheel look smaller cause its hard to distinguish the spokes length

I believe the reverse lip design also involves a reverse drop center construction (all R-Series HRE wheels and R-Series Kinesis Wheels have the reverse drop center construction) which for some reason allows the rim center to retain water while driving. This means while driving in rain, water can accumulate inside the rim and make it feel as if the wheel is unbalanced or has thrown its weights. This condition can easily be rectified by pulling over and letting the water drain out..but I would think that would kind of be a pain.

**I dont have HREs but have heard of this being the case. If its not true I would certainly consider some 547R or 841R for the M3.

Just an FYI.

yes same wheel , R lip, not step

Black Gold, I could be wrong, but, I don't know anyone buying step lips anymore. They are an old design. What that means for you is that spending the additional $500 now for the reverse lip will save you TONS when you try to resell. Reverse lip rims are a much much easier sale when you go to resell them.

JohnFrom Jersey,

Below is a a pic of the step lip 547 and below that is a pic of my car with the 547R reverse lip. I really think it makes a big difference. Anyway, decide for yourself..............

HRE 547(step lip 18" center on 19" rim

https://store1.yimg.com/I/wheelsperf..._1844_70968694

HRE 547R (reverse lip 19"center on 19" rim on my car

http://hobbystage.net/porsche/lsm/1114125982-015326.jpg

http://hobbystage.net/porsche/lsm/1114125982-015324.jpg

Good luck

Lou

Lou,

Have you ever noticed the water collection I mentioned? I really have only heard very few complaints and more about it "in theory"...just wondering if it is noticeable.

EDIT** I searched on Bimmerforums and came up with a few threads...this one being the best describing the problem and cause:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=113768

Any HRE owners please chime in if you notice this.

Anyone have a set of those ugly 19" stepped lip rims sitting around collecting dust that they might want to sell CHEAP ... Oh, and I need a couple of 12" wide ones ;)

IMHO, I think the stepped rim looks mean and functional while the flat lip looks a little trendy.

G

The inner barrel collects TONS of water. But............I just have the guys at the car wash dry it, not really an issue.

Lou

Stepped lip still has its place, looks better on certain muscle cars such as the Viper or Vette. It is a more muscular look. The reverse lip with the huge lip is more of an import / Japanese styling that is catching on now. On the Porsche you can go either way and it looks nice.

ive always like stepped lips on sports car, they look much more aggressive...JMO

Perfect. I can see the difference now. The "R" it flat all the way to the blades, while the stepped lip rises up (or has a notch) before meeting the blades. The "R" looks like it has a full 19 inch blade (or center) and the stepped has the 18 inch blade due to the step.

Whew. THANK YOU LOU!