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[MisterBMW]

The 19 wheel that we see on the BMW configurator. It looks like a forged wheel, it has to be I guess.

Any idea how light it is and how does it fair vs. aftermarket forged 19s. I bet some us dont really find the OEM 19 option design very exciting and already looking at other options available in the market when we receive our M3.

[swamp2]

OEM 19s on the E92 M3 are forged, per the one of the BMW press releases. The 19s on the E46 were forged as well and (pretty sure) they weighed 26 lb R, 25 lb F. You can find lightweight 19s that weight typically around 20 lb or less.

[ChitownM3]

I'm not going for the 19's. I actually like the design of the 18's better, will stick with those for a bit and look at some aftermarket options once I get the car.

[dab33d]

man.. those 18s are tiny though ! i think the 19in upgrade is going to be a must for everyone.

[kishg]

Originally Posted by dab33d

man.. those 18s are tiny though ! i think the 19in upgrade is going to be a must for everyone.

if looks are your main concern then 19s is what you want. i'm more concerned about how the car handles, so i'll stick to 18s. the pot hole ridden roads around here are not conducive to 19s to begin with, not to mention added unsprung weight and rotational inertia.

[MisterBMW]

I hope the production 19s weigh about 20 ibs or so just like most aftermarket high quality forged wheels. Else I ll get the car with 18s and look for forged 19s elswehere.

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by MisterBMW

I hope the production 19s weigh about 20 ibs or so just like most aftermarket high quality forged wheels. Else I ll get the car with 18s and look for forged 19s elswehere.

Based on the similarity in appearance of the new 19s to the E49 M3 19s I'd bet very similar weights, meaning much closer to 25 than 20.

[MisterBMW]

I see. I wonder then why M GMBH doesnt choose a lighter 19 forged wheel. Cost reasons perhaps?

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by MisterBMW

I see. I wonder then why M GMBH doesnt choose a lighter 19 forged wheel. Cost reasons perhaps?

They do not "choose" a wheel they design their own, perhaps what you meant, just making sure. Just like the rest of the car wheels are a compromise. They need to be a balance of strong and light weight. They certainly need to be able to handle some small curbs and large pot holes. Super lightweight racing wheels and those that weigh the same as racing wheels can not stand the abuse that the OEM BMW wheels will stand. Eveything is a balance, BMW just made the (good, IMO) decision to err a bit on the conservative side.

[MisterBMW]

Originally Posted by swamp2

They do not "choose" a wheel they design their own, perhaps what you meant, just making sure. Just like the rest of the car wheels are a compromise. They need to be a balance of strong and light weight. They certainly need to be able to handle some small curbs and large pot holes. Super lightweight racing wheels and those that weigh the same as racing wheels can not stand the abuse that the OEM BMW wheels will stand. Eveything is a balance, BMW just made the (good, IMO) decision to err a bit on the conservative side.

Thanks Swamp.

I was of the impression forged = very very strong

[FifthStreetz]

IMO both wheel designs are pretty ugly, im just gonna settle for the 18in then pick up some DPEs

[Coyot]

Originally Posted by kishg

if looks are your main concern then 19s is what you want. i'm more concerned about how the car handles, so i'll stick to 18s. the pot hole ridden roads around here are not conducive to 19s to begin with, not to mention added unsprung weight and rotational inertia.

Brilliantly put!

In case someone's interested in substance and looks as well, and, for some reason, doesn't like the OEM 18s, are 166M-type (M5) replicas [18X9] by "eurowheelsusa" (available at e-bay) a good solution?

Does anybody know anything about their quality and weight?

Hartge's Classic and Classic2 18s are excellent but they won't do, unfortunately, since their width is 8,5 (not enough for a 265 tyre, if I 'm not mistaken).