would a dealer make a deal in trading stock 18" rims/tires
 

for the 20"'s. and i pay the difference??

I doubt they would after the vehicle has been delivered. Maybe before. The answer is just a phone call away.

I was quoted US$380 for four wheels and new tires! Not much value to them unless they fit other cars e.g. the E53???

My dealer wouldn't give me any credit for the 'original' rims/rubber.

If I were you, I would take delivery, buy the 20" wheels on my own, and then sell the 18's as a "winter" setup on ebay or Craig's list. I have considered taking delivery of the 20's, buying 21's on my own, and then selling the 20's.

With a gazillion options that BMW provides, I don't know why BMW won't offer the "pick your wheels" option from the factory.

"18 Rims
 

I would have interest in buying a set of e70 rims for winter wheels:confused:

:iagree: ...and, the mkt exclusions, for really "normal stuff", vis a vis US-CDA-Europa
ordering cans and cannots, doesn't make a lot of sense either.

If someone wants that new ride sitting on the dlr's lot, fine; if someone
is willing to do the wait for an order, how hard can it be to produce with
wheels of choice, leather color, etc. :confused:

I understand that's a few more parts "on hand", but "choice" and accommodating
the customer is what distances the top companies from the me-toos, imo.