so are you adding the wheel arches for a look or to be LEGAL?

At first is was for looks. Then I saw them on and it is to be Legal. Some people like them some people don't. You decide. http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/10/bmwx506_03.jpg

What's "legal" have to do with add-on wheel arches?

Because if you don't have them you will throw up more rocks and mud onto peoples windshields.

State patrol up here are a bit anal.

Is there a difference in in the off set between the style 177 and 87 wheel that would require the wider wheel arch? Seems to a lot of folks here have added 20" style 87 wheels without replacing the rear wheel arch. I was planning on buying a set of 20" style 87's for my 01 X5, but not so sure I want to go to the wider wheel arch.

So where are the pictures? :)

I like the look of the rear set up on the 4.8si. I think the arces are sharp looking. The price is a little crazy (900.00 =/-). In Maryland the flares would be required to pass state inspection. I don't run with a front plate so I would install them for the look.

So, you are saying that adding a non-stock wheel or,
a slightly wider wheel/tire pkg forces you to add those
wheel arches? :confused:

How 'bout mudflaps? Are those req'd too?

Your cops must have some serious time on their hands
if they are chasing down cars with wheels that aren't
"tucked in".

I live in Virginia
 

I really hope that the state inspectors do not require wheel arches for my new 20's. If they try to give me a hard time, I will just tell them that these are the wheels that came with the car. I highly doubt they will give me any trouble.....