My daily driver 2003 XJ8 has Lunar wheels. I also recently acquired a 2002 XJ8 for an LS swap that has Starburst wheels. Once swap done planning on selling the 2003. Considering swapping wheels. Taste is a personal decision, but thought it would be interesting to get input. Is one style more rare?


Starburst


Lunar

 

solar

 

They both look good. There is really not much of a difference. I am sure either one will look
great. The lunar wheels appeal to me.

 

Solar for sure if you can find them (and switching to 17" makes sense for your usecase).

I just don't think 7-spoke wheels belong on 5-bolt hubs, especially when the lugs are exposed, so Lunar are disqualified. Starburst wins my vote by default.

 

Starburst for sure if those are the only two options.

 

Starburst I believe were on most base models sold in the US. That's what my XJ8 has and seems like that's what I've seen the most of. But I tend to agree with John, they really do look better than the Lunar wheel which was optional. But if I were doing an LS swap with no concern for originality or brand consistency, I might be tempted to go with something aftermarket, something subtle just to set it apart visually from a base XJ8.

 

I missed the part about you LS-swapping the car. I'd definitley be looking for a set of XJR or aftermarket wheels if that's the case. XK8 wheels look great on the XJ as well and the rears are a bit wider.

 

Now that you say that I really see the poor symmetry.

 

Still like the Lunar better, maybe cause they are less "fine" than the Starburst's, or maybe cause I see them less.
Very similar wheels though.

 

Of the two, my vote is for the starburst.

And, for what it's worth, my vote is that the next time they're balanced get the shop to mount the weights to the inside the rim, not the outside.