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02-21-2010, 11:16 PM | #2 |
yodog
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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.
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02-21-2010, 11:28 PM | #3 |
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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
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02-21-2010, 11:50 PM | #4 |
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Well said.
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02-22-2010, 12:19 AM | #6 |
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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. |
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02-22-2010, 12:20 AM | #7 | |
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02-22-2010, 12:20 AM | #8 |
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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
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02-22-2010, 12:24 AM | #9 |
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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.
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02-22-2010, 12:40 AM | #10 |
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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 .
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02-22-2010, 12:53 AM | #11 |
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I have 20s with KWV3 coil overs. Firm but nice... all depends on what you want to do with the car?
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02-22-2010, 01:24 AM | #12 | |
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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. |
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02-22-2010, 02:20 AM | #13 | |
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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
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02-22-2010, 02:22 AM | #14 | |
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02-22-2010, 02:52 AM | #15 |
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02-22-2010, 11:33 AM | #17 |
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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). |
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02-22-2010, 01:05 PM | #18 |
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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,
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02-22-2010, 01:31 PM | #19 | |
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02-24-2010, 08:40 PM | #20 |
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True. And less unsprung weight!
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02-24-2010, 11:00 PM | #21 |
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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.
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