I drafted this long post about choosing new wheels for my new XF which included plenty of commentary and pictures. Then I accidently closed my browser. So here's the short version: I wanted 21" wheels for my new XF to replace the forged 22s from my old XF but didn't want to pay for forged/multi-piece wheels. There aren't a lot of 21s available unless you're looking for a forged wheel.

I had made up my mind to get these TSW Nurburgrings:

over these Avant Garde M510s:


Then I stumbled across these Niche Essens and pulled the trigger:


The spoke design isn't what I usually go for but they were the least expensive out the bunch. The concave profile made them more visually interesting than the TSWs and I liked the silver/machined finish better for a black car than the all silver of the AGs. Check out the pics and share your opinions on my set-up below even if you hate them. Vote above on which wheel you think I should have picked.








I'll paint the calipers soon and am considering lowering.

 

Looks excellent!

Seems like your offsets are spot on as well. Would you mind disclosing the exact size (width) and offsets for your current setup?

 

Thanks. 21x9 +38, 21x10.5 +45.

 

Duke, I think you made the right choice. They look sharp. Where did you get them? What were the stock wheels? Do you miss the SC?

 

Those look great! You couldn't have gone wrong with any of those though. The ones you chose would look even meaner if you powdercoated them dark gunmetal or black...but I don't know if that is the look you are going for

 

Thanks. Wheel N Tire Depot. Stocks were 19" Aquila (pic below). Nah, I actually don't miss the SC - the car feels very much the same and the upgrades were worth the loss of a little power and handling for me.

 

Thanks. They come in black as well. Down the line, if I get bored with these I may paint the windows or do a full color change.

 

That looks pretty sweet. The polished finish looks great on black.

 

I agree with all the others, you chose the best wheel from that selection. Looks really good!

 

Looks good, I was lowered with 22's when I had my XF and was not thrilled with the ride. Those look great. TC

 

Duke,

You have great taste in wheels my man. I had to go with the TSW as my favorite, but any of the 3 would have been good to go. Just my personal opinion but I'm glad that you stayed with the silver look instead of a dull black or gray "cop car" look.

 

Looks great, I was just on the phone last week with Need4Speed asking about those very same wheels. Haven't decided on black, or silver yet. My car is white, but I think both would look good. What size tires did you go with. I'm lowered on H&R so curious as to what dimensions you went with. Any advise would be great.

 

Thanks. I like the look of the silver against white but I'm generally not big on black wheels. I'm sure you've seen the pic of the white 6-series with the silver Essen's on Niche's/Need4Speeds sites. I'm running 245/35 and 285/30. I'll be very interested to see you car with these and the H&Rs.

 

Thanks TC. Which lowering springs did you have? BTW - I saw the treatment you gave the XJ. Love the color.

 

I got H&R springs but they rubbed slightly in the front with my wheels. If I was to lower a XF again, I would recommend Eibachs instead. It has a slightly softer spring rate than the H&R springs and they are 0.2 inches higher. TC

 

Hello Duke_Dallas;


I really like your setup, and I have been looking at the same wheel for a while. Your care made decide to go with them. But I will go with 20s instead. I have also contacted the same place you bought them from, but I have an issue.


Beside those spec you mentioned, did you have to mention the diameter for the centerbore as well (I guess the hole in the center)? How "exactly" did you specify your order (all the specs)? I have only one shot since it is an online order.


This will be my very first set of wheels so I am a bit nervous to be honest.


I will go for 20x9 +38 front and 20x10 +40 in the back.


Any help is truly appreciated.

 

I didn't specifically spec the centerbore. I told them my application and asked if the wheels were hubcentric. They said yes and IIRC, quoted the right centerbore so I was good with that. I did my transaction via email with a guy name (Gasper). He was helpful, so you may want to email them rather than ordering on their website..

I spec'd my order like this - "staggered 21” inch Niche Essen for a 12 Jaguar XF Portfolio in silver/machined. Think the fitment would be 21x9 +38 and 21x10.5 +45, 5x108." After exchanging a few emails they sent me an invoice and I paid through Paypal.

 

Much thanks for responding so quickly. Yes, Gasper is the same person I have been dealing with and he is very helpful. I will get back to him with this information you gave me. Truly helpful! Much thanks!

 

I ordered my custom wheels from a supplier that guaranteed the fit. First time I ordered wheels after three tries they didn't get it right, but I didn't pay for it. See if your supply place guarantees fit.

 

Do you mind sharing price? I would like to compare with what I have found. You can pm me if you don't want to put on open thread. Thanks.