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[mdrobc13]

Anybody have any strong thoughts on 18" wheels vs 19" wheels? Just wondereing as I've not seen many close or good pics of either and they seem the same to me somewhat. Are they run flats too like on the other 3 series models?

Anyway just curious on the whys and pros/cons at why others chose their wheel sizes on their upcomming M's.

Thanks
R

[FifthStreetz]

Not run flats, the 18'' wheels are cast while the 19'' wheels are forged. Its up to personal preference on the loots. If you do a search theres plenty of topics on wheels.

I personally got the 18'' because i plan to upgrade to aftermarket.

Move this to the wheel + tire forum please.

[varun]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

Not run flats, the 18'' wheels are cast while the 19'' wheels are forged. Its up to personal preference on the loots. If you do a search theres plenty of topics on wheels.

I personally got the 18'' because i plan to upgrade to aftermarket.

Move this to the wheel + tire forum please.

Good info, however I am ignorant and dont know the difference between CAST and FORGED. I guess forged sounds like they are lighter, therefore better?

I am ordering the 19's on the sedan, $1200 is a small price to pay for the larger size. Upgrading to aftermarket will be 2K upwards, not to mention the hassle of storing or selling the 18's.... unless someone makes me an offer for 18's in advance, car will be here in april

[FifthStreetz]

Originally Posted by varun

Good info, however I am ignorant and dont know the difference between CAST and FORGED. I guess forged sounds like they are lighter, therefore better?

Its the way the wheel is constructed, for example forged wheels require intense heat and pressure to make the wheel whole, cast is typically made by using a mold. Forged wheels are lighter and stronger.

[varun]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

Forged wheels are lighter and stronger.

Awesome! Another reason to justify the extra $ for the 19's! Cheers

[southlight]

L would say:


Best regards, south

[rvacha]

Originally Posted by varun

Awesome! Another reason to justify the extra $ for the 19's! Cheers

Yes... and no... 18" wheels have more rubber seperating them from the road, so the need for extreme strength is reduced. I've never had a shabby (i.e. bent) BMW cast wheel.

[lucid]

Originally Posted by southlight

L would say

There is plenty of discussion on this in the wheels section:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=119

[southlight]

Looks like you're establishing a new smiley "civilization."


Best regards, south

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

Just wondereing as I've not seen many close or good pics of either and they seem the same to me somewhat.

Why do people say things like this without looking.

[mdrobc13]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Why do people say things like this without looking.

That is because I spend SO much time in this and the delivery forum I never even noticed there WAS a wheels forum! Thanks for the gracious education.

[Jack's dad]

Just found this forum - lots of great information here...

I finalized my order this week and was told that 19's are not available for March production. I am OK with 18's, but am unclear on exactly what finish will be on the wheels on my car. I am inferring from previous posts here (did a search) that the finish on the wheels in the U.S. will be different than the "smoked" finish on European cars that are shown in car magazine reviews. The picture on the front of the U.S. Product Ordering Guide appears (it is a side shot as opposed to a straight on view) to be more chrome like and not smoked. Is this the satin chrome finish? Does anyone have a picture of the U.S. 18" wheels?

Thanks much,

Steve

[rvacha]

Originally Posted by Jack's dad

Just found this forum - lots of great information here...

I finalized my order this week and was told that 19's are not available for March production. I am OK with 18's, but am unclear on exactly what finish will be on the wheels on my car. I am inferring from previous posts here (did a search) that the finish on the wheels in the U.S. will be different than the "smoked" finish on European cars that are shown in car magazine reviews. The picture on the front of the U.S. Product Ordering Guide appears (it is a side shot as opposed to a straight on view) to be more chrome like and not smoked. Is this the satin chrome finish? Does anyone have a picture of the U.S. 18" wheels?

Thanks much,

Steve

I think they are more chrome-like than the earlier pictures were. If you can get your hands on the February Roundel there is a full page M3 add on page 2 where they definitely look chromier than smoked IMHO.

But then again, that pic isn't for a US spec car (no reflectors) so the picture is not conclusive

[badfish]

Do you guys think if you dropped the extra cash for the 19" wheels that you will recoup those costs in selling the wheels? I figure there's probably a good demand for the 19" wheels but will you get $1200 more than what you can sell the 18s for?

[Jack's dad]

I suspect that they will be more chrome like - they appear to be that way from what you can tell from the US ordering guide. Also the description is different, i.e. dark graphite in the Euro catalog vs satin chrome in the US. I received a US sales brochure today but it did not show the 18's, only the 19's...

[rvacha]

Originally Posted by rvacha

I think they are more chrome-like than the earlier pictures were. If you can get your hands on the February Roundel there is a full page M3 add on page 2 where they definitely look chromier than smoked IMHO.

But then again, that pic isn't for a US spec car (no reflectors) so the picture is not conclusive

Here's a so-so scan

[Jack's dad]

Thanks for the picture!

[rvacha]

Originally Posted by Jack's dad

Thanks for the picture!

You're welcome! Your name won't be Christian by chance? Are you stuck on an island?

[Jack's dad]

Not I...