[SpectreMech]

USAF posting for the first time. Live about 20 miles from Aachen...

Bought a 2007 US spec space grey 328i coupe (my third BMW - had a 3.0 Z3 and a 330ci) that I really love, despite letting my wife talk me into an automatic for the first time in my life.

What I don't love are the sports package 18" cross spoke 197's with RFTs. My better half is buying me a birthday present - I know alot of folks on this forum like the 197's, but I don't. I've narrowed my choices to BMW style 230's (the twisted star spoke), or AC Schnitzer type IVs (plain silver), both in 19", I think... Would prefer not to make a very costly Euro mistake.

I've spent the last four hours reading this forum, and have two critical questions:
1) tires - with stock sports suspension I'm looking at non-run flat Michelin 235/35R19 on the front and 265/30R19 on the rear. Is this a good choice? I don't want to get into fender rolling, spacers, etc. Hey, I'm an old guy.
2) how much performance degradation are we talking about? I'm perfectly happy with 230 hp, but lots of the driving here in farm country is passing tractors on twisty two-lanes, not bombing down the autobahn, so I'm not willing to give up much acceleration for looks. 335's may have power to spare, but I don't. Is the car going to be significantly slower?

Lastly, don't see much comment on AC Schnitzer - anything I should know? Their showroom sure is beautiful. I'll post some pics after this weekend.
Sorry so long - thanks for any help!