BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Wheels + Tires Sponsored by The Tire Rack
  TireRack

KEEP M3POST ALIVE BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER LINK!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-21-2010, 11:05 PM   #1
Fconic
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
35
Posts

Drives: Lexus IS350
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Orlando, FL

iTrader: (0)

18'' tires vs. 19'' tires

Any benefits from the 19'' tires besides looking amazing ?
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2010, 11:16 PM   #2
MrHarris
yodog
MrHarris's Avatar
United_States
196
Rep
5,026
Posts

Drives: '86 Corolla
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Diamond Bar, Ca

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2009 BMW  [10.00]
I believe the 18's give the same handling (not sure if better), more comfort, better protection against potholes and uneven roads, and cheaper cost.

The 19's do look more "right" for this car IMO, but if going for a track look I do prefer the look of 18s.
__________________

2009 E92 M3 | Alpine White | Black Extended | Advan RS | Turner Test Pipes | Dinan Axle-Back | OETuning | Eibach Springs | UUC SSK | VRS Front Lip | VRS Type I Diffuser | Matte Black | RPi Scoops | MS Filter | Yokohama AD08 | F1 Pinnacle
Special Thanks: Gintani | OETuning | eAs
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2010, 11:28 PM   #3
captainaudio
World's Foremost Authority
captainaudio's Avatar
United_States
1181
Rep
4,535
Posts

Drives: M4 Cab - Cayenne GTS - Jag XK
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Upper East Side Manhattan - Boca Raton FL - Lime Rock CT

iTrader: (0)

There is definitely dimishing returns to larger rims and I think in the case of a BMW it may come at 18". A certain amount of slip angle is desirable and with too liitle sidewall that is difficult to achieve. Also larger rims have higher unsprung weight.

The flexing of the sidewall is part of the suspension. In the case of Forumula 1 cars, which do not have low profile tires and have limited suspension travel it is an important part.

I personally am not a fan of the look of huge rims and I think that it in a fas that in a few years they will look as dated as gold plated trim and vinyl roofs do roday.

CA
__________________

Drivers Club at Lime Rock - International Motorsports Research Center - Society of Automotive Historians - Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society (0nly a VP) - BMWCCA - Porsche Club of America - M Gruppe - Polish Race Drivers of America (PDRA) - Glen Club (Watkins Glen International) - Jaguar Club of Southern New England
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2010, 11:50 PM   #4
Finnegan
Dog Listener
Finnegan's Avatar
United_States
701
Rep
7,850
Posts

Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Teaching the dog to slalom

iTrader: (22)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrHarris View Post
I believe the 18's give the same handling (not sure if better), more comfort, better protection against potholes and uneven roads, and cheaper cost.

The 19's do look more "right" for this car IMO, but if going for a track look I do prefer the look of 18s.
Well said.
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2010, 11:55 PM   #5
mcs889
Dakar Yellow M3
Taiwan
0
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: BMW M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

i got 18" on my m3....they are ok, but I still like 19"...^^
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 12:19 AM   #6
OMID INC
Lieutenant Colonel
OMID INC's Avatar
92
Rep
1,562
Posts

Drives: E70 X5
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (6)

I have the oem 19s but would love to grab a set of 18s, heres why:

1. The cost of replacing tires is much easier to manage. There are more 18in tires on the market, not just the high performance brands.
2. Greater chance the ride will be smoother. Thicker sidewall to absorb some shock.
3. Potentially lighter wheels. Some 18s are heavier than OEM 19s so make sure you look for good quality. The extra rubber on the tires may or may not end up balancing out the weight. I am not sure but generally, 18s will be lighter.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 12:20 AM   #7
EJ_92606
Ultimate Driving Machine
United_States
16
Rep
381
Posts

Drives: '13 F10 550i; '11 R1200GS
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by captainaudio View Post
There is definitely dimishing returns to larger rims and I think in the case of a BMW it may come at 18". A certain amount of slip angle is desirable and with too liitle sidewall that is difficult to achieve. Also larger rims have higher unsprung weight.

The flexing of the sidewall is part of the suspension. In the case of Forumula 1 cars, which do not have low profile tires and have limited suspension travel it is an important part.

I personally am not a fan of the look of huge rims and I think that it in a fas that in a few years they will look as dated as gold plated trim and vinyl roofs do roday.

CA
In another thread, weights were posted of the stock 18s and 19s and the 19s were a few pounds lighter.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 12:20 AM   #8
TRZ06
Lieutenant Colonel
TRZ06's Avatar
United_States
629
Rep
1,755
Posts

Drives: 16' M3
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

My M came with 18's and I added 19's and DID notice a handling increase, not by a huge margin, but enough to notice. The car feels a little more stable with the reduced sidewall and has a sharper turn-in.

The 18's did ride better obviously though. If you read Edmunds.com long term test of the M3, they even make mention of a handling limit increase with the 19's over the 18's.

Also I believe it has been proven if you search, that the Forged 19's actually weighed less then the cast 18's
__________________
18? Camaro 2SS 1LE
16' M3 MG Ext. /SO Int. (DCT, Ohlin R/T, 19" wheels)
15' Audi S4
13' Audi TTRS (APR stage 1, MSS springs)
09' C6 Z06
08' M3 Interlagos Blue: 6sp, Tech.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 12:24 AM   #9
OMID INC
Lieutenant Colonel
OMID INC's Avatar
92
Rep
1,562
Posts

Drives: E70 X5
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (6)

I have read that the oem 18s with tires are HEAVIER than the oem 19s with tires. Since the tires are difference sizes I cannot equate them and say that the 18s are heavier than 19s definitively, but i think it is a safe assumption.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 12:40 AM   #10
EJ_92606
Ultimate Driving Machine
United_States
16
Rep
381
Posts

Drives: '13 F10 550i; '11 R1200GS
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (1)

I'm curious that for those with 19s that live in urban areas or areas with poor roads, are you unhappy with the ride harshness at all...also, please note if you have EDC or not. Trying to decide between 18 and 19s .

thanks,
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 12:53 AM   #11
Bob MG
Moderating
Bob MG's Avatar
United Arab Emirates
416
Rep
2,047
Posts

Drives: like a muppet
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Dubai

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ_92606 View Post
I'm curious that for those with 19s that live in urban areas or areas with poor roads, are you unhappy with the ride harshness at all...also, please note if you have EDC or not. Trying to decide between 18 and 19s .

thanks,
I have 20s with KWV3 coil overs. Firm but nice... all depends on what you want to do with the car?
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 01:24 AM   #12
OMID INC
Lieutenant Colonel
OMID INC's Avatar
92
Rep
1,562
Posts

Drives: E70 X5
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ_92606 View Post
I'm curious that for those with 19s that live in urban areas or areas with poor roads, are you unhappy with the ride harshness at all...also, please note if you have EDC or not. Trying to decide between 18 and 19s .

thanks,
I have oem 19s and the ride is not hard IMO at all. But I have not drove similar roads in an M3 with 18s so I may not be able to give a great comparison.

I did have EDC for a good 10k miles and the EDC made driving on the highway very nice and smooth. I have kws now and though its a little stiffer than EDC normal (im between normal and sport right now), it still rides pretty good and does not bother me.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 02:20 AM   #13
captainaudio
World's Foremost Authority
captainaudio's Avatar
United_States
1181
Rep
4,535
Posts

Drives: M4 Cab - Cayenne GTS - Jag XK
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Upper East Side Manhattan - Boca Raton FL - Lime Rock CT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ_92606 View Post
In another thread, weights were posted of the stock 18s and 19s and the 19s were a few pounds lighter.
If that is the case then I stand corrected. Certainly it is possible to make a 19 inch rim that is lighter than certain 18 inch rims. All things being equal a 19' rim will be heavier than an 18" rim of the same design.

Ride quality is very dependent on wher the car is driven and what kind of tires are on the car. Since the M3 does not have RFTs as do the 335 and the 328 it is going to have an advantage in that area.

I would venture to say that an M3 with 19s will have a better ride quality than a 328/335 with sport suspension 18" rims and RFTs.

CA
__________________

Drivers Club at Lime Rock - International Motorsports Research Center - Society of Automotive Historians - Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society (0nly a VP) - BMWCCA - Porsche Club of America - M Gruppe - Polish Race Drivers of America (PDRA) - Glen Club (Watkins Glen International) - Jaguar Club of Southern New England
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 02:22 AM   #14
captainaudio
World's Foremost Authority
captainaudio's Avatar
United_States
1181
Rep
4,535
Posts

Drives: M4 Cab - Cayenne GTS - Jag XK
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Upper East Side Manhattan - Boca Raton FL - Lime Rock CT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob MG View Post
I have 20s with KWV3 coil overs. Firm but nice... all depends on what you want to do with the car?
What condition are the roads you drive on in?

CA
__________________

Drivers Club at Lime Rock - International Motorsports Research Center - Society of Automotive Historians - Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society (0nly a VP) - BMWCCA - Porsche Club of America - M Gruppe - Polish Race Drivers of America (PDRA) - Glen Club (Watkins Glen International) - Jaguar Club of Southern New England
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 02:52 AM   #15
Bob MG
Moderating
Bob MG's Avatar
United Arab Emirates
416
Rep
2,047
Posts

Drives: like a muppet
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Dubai

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by captainaudio View Post
What condition are the roads you drive on in?

CA
not bad, but a pot hole would definitely fuck me up, I just have to avoidthem with my K.I.T front scanner lol
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 08:51 AM   #16
Fconic
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
35
Posts

Drives: Lexus IS350
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Orlando, FL

iTrader: (0)

So are the 19in really worth it . Thank you all for your help in advance
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 11:33 AM   #17
JCtx
Major General
256
Rep
5,012
Posts

Drives: No BMW yet
Join Date: May 2008
Location: El Paso TX

iTrader: (0)

I'm not a fan of huge wheels either, but 18s just look too small on the M3 IMO; 19s look perfect. Besides, the 19s are lighter, stronger, and nicer looking. The downsides are their extra initial cost ($1,200), and more expensive tires.

But my biggest disappointment on either size is that only summer tires are available for stock sizes (especially the rear).
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 01:05 PM   #18
EJ_92606
Ultimate Driving Machine
United_States
16
Rep
381
Posts

Drives: '13 F10 550i; '11 R1200GS
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by captainaudio View Post
I

I would venture to say that an M3 with 19s will have a better ride quality than a 328/335 with sport suspension 18" rims and RFTs.

CA
I agree with you on this. My 335ci sport currently has 18" non RF and the ride quality on the M3s with 19s that I have tested seems comparable and definitely better than the RFTs on the 335. But new tires do ride nicer and its hard to judge from a short test drive, so I'm doing my homework to make sure I make the right decision. Thanks,
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2010, 01:31 PM   #19
Green///Hell
Colonel
Green///Hell's Avatar
United_States
183
Rep
2,873
Posts

Drives: 991 GT3, F15 X5, 1199S
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by elp_jc View Post
I'm not a fan of huge wheels either, but 18s just look too small on the M3 IMO; 19s look perfect. Besides, the 19s are lighter, stronger, and nicer looking. The downsides are their extra initial cost ($1,200), and more expensive tires.

But my biggest disappointment on either size is that only summer tires are available for stock sizes (especially the rear).
I think 18's look just fine with an aggressive drop. Anything bigger gets on the way too big side

Appreciate 0
      02-24-2010, 08:40 PM   #20
dhoggm3
Major
dhoggm3's Avatar
United_States
269
Rep
1,281
Posts

Drives: 850i C, Gated R8 5.2, E63
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Central PA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrHarris View Post
I believe the 18's give the same handling (not sure if better), more comfort, better protection against potholes and uneven roads, and cheaper cost.

The 19's do look more "right" for this car IMO, but if going for a track look I do prefer the look of 18s.
True. And less unsprung weight!
__________________
M850i Vert with RaceChip
E46 M3, Euro Headers, Rasp Pipe, Kassel Tune
Alpina B8, zero performance mods
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2010, 11:00 PM   #21
MrHarris
yodog
MrHarris's Avatar
United_States
196
Rep
5,026
Posts

Drives: '86 Corolla
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Diamond Bar, Ca

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2009 BMW  [10.00]
I would like to drive a car with 18's just to feel the difference in comfort, if there is a big difference at all. 19's feel "normal" to me, and not like I'm riding on a thin sidewall.
__________________

2009 E92 M3 | Alpine White | Black Extended | Advan RS | Turner Test Pipes | Dinan Axle-Back | OETuning | Eibach Springs | UUC SSK | VRS Front Lip | VRS Type I Diffuser | Matte Black | RPi Scoops | MS Filter | Yokohama AD08 | F1 Pinnacle
Special Thanks: Gintani | OETuning | eAs
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2010, 12:32 AM   #22
WPBM3
New Member
2
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: 2009 E90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

I went with OEM 18"s, and I am very happy with the look, the ride and the handling.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:41 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST