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[DetectiveLoki]

So I've been contemplating on whether to get 18" wheels or 19", but can't seem to decide. I notice most forum members have 19". My current stock is style 185 17". I need help deciding on the wheels before I fix up my suspension. Thanks all.

[EricP3]

I was trying to decide the same thing and ended up going with 19". The benefits of 18" are that they are cheaper and you will be able to replace the tires for less $$ and the additional sidewall for protection.

If I would have gotten 18" I would have regretted it. 19" just looks so much better.

[Bimmerfan14]

I think 19 are perfect for the 3series and make sure you get staggered set up

[cbad335]

Originally Posted by EricP3

I was trying to decide the same thing and ended up going with 19". The benefits of 18" are that they are cheaper and you will be able to replace the tires for less $$ and the additional sidewall for protection.

If I would have gotten 18" I would have regretted it. 19" just looks so much better.

I'm running 19's now, but sure miss the 18's I had on my saloon. In my opinion, aside from appearance, 18's are better in every way, including weight, comfort, ride quality, wheel protection, and braking. If I replace the stockers on my current ride, I'll definitely consider returning to 18's. The only reason to run 19's on our cars is looks.

[~XxTeexX~]

18s are the best on 3ers

[RIDERDIE]

If you are doing any downtown driving or on crummy highway roads riddled with potholes go 18. Im in the same boat as you but my daily commute is just to rough of a ride. While I want 19's I feel 18 is a smarter bet. Would hate to bend a rim.

This may be me commenting to further talk myself out of the 19's, Good luck!

[DetectiveLoki]

I'm more of performance over looks. I take my car to the mountain and i drive pretty aggressive up there.

[RicheyBMW]

Funny how I was just talking to my friend about this and how I would of possibly taken 18s if I can go back in time. I've had 19s on my car for about 5-6 months already and I live in the city where the roads are not so good. I've survived so far and it's not too bad at all really if you're careful, however, the ride comfort is the only thing that bothers me at this very moment. My guess is 18s would definitely be more comfortable and adds a little more peace to my mind with more tire/sidewall protection. The good part is 19s does look better. Whatever u gain you lose on the other end. 18s better comfort but doesn't look as good. 19s look good but you're sacrificing ride comfort.

[aph335i]

Awesome question because I'm in the same boat. I'm about to upgrade from 17" as we'll

Here's my experience on my e46; I had 19" VMRs. I bent 3 rims on the highway in 3 months. I was DONE! I sold them immediately. Picked up 18" csl reps off eBay for 500 shipped.. More comfortable, less bumpy, more forgiving. Had them on car for 3 years including through winter and never had an issue.

I'm pretty sure ill get 18" again. Plus I'm going black wheels and I feel when it's black wheel on black tire that the size isn't noticeable as much because its just a big black circle lol.

[xcyx]

Im wondering the same, 18 or 19s. wondering how 18s would look with coils as well, lots of pics with 19s with coils and they look great, but cant decide between the two sizes either

[DetectiveLoki]

it's a bit difficult to find a nice 18's set on this forum. I think I'm set on 18. I notice I hit a lot of really bad pot holes when I'm driving at night. Luckily I currently have 17" so no damage there.

[Smooth 330i]

Originally Posted by DetectiveLoki

So I've been contemplating on whether to get 18" wheels or 19", but can't seem to decide. I notice most forum members have 19". My current stock is style 185 17". I need help deciding on the wheels before I fix up my suspension. Thanks all.

function/performance vs style

My friend bought BBS CX-R last may and bent one of his rims after 2mo. It can happen to any wheel but it is higher risk with 19s. For me function > style.

GL

[EYE4SPEED]

18's look too small. 20's look a tad too big. Go for the 19's.

[edirtaynine]

18s are terrible. but you should buy 18s so I can trade you my 19s. im sick of them. lol

[Hooy]

Originally Posted by ~XxTeexX~

18s are the best on 3ers

:'( Tee why aren't you on my FB anymore?

[~XxTeexX~]

Huy i often go off and on with fb, tooooo many chicks keep mentioning my name and tagging me on shit...cant handle it yanoo lol jk..its kinda refreshing not keeping up with it sometimes. Long as e90post dont keep doing server main on the weekends im good haha.

[BmerMeUp]

Figured I'd chime in - I was having the exact same debate!
In the end, I came to the same conclusions everyone is posting here - 19 looks sexy, 18 rides nice. Hm. Why does that sound strangely erotic?

Anyway, I will be going 18 in the spring for all the benefits mentioned.
If I was driving it for looks instead of transportation however, I'd go 19.
-e

[N54_Fan]

I will chime in as well.

18's for track and recommend square setup. If you don't track and just want to have fun on city streets go 19's staggered. Looks way better and you will barely notice the difference in ride. They also have a little more rubber on the road but they are siginificantly heavier. I have both. 19s for DD and 18s for the track. Perfect combo in my opinion.

Good Luck with the purchase.

N54_Fan

[DetectiveLoki]

Originally Posted by N54_Fan

I will chime in as well.

18's for track and recommend square setup. If you don't track and just want to have fun on city streets go 19's staggered. Looks way better and you will barely notice the difference in ride. They also have a little more rubber on the road but they are siginificantly heavier. I have both. 19s for DD and 18s for the track. Perfect combo in my opinion.

Good Luck with the purchase.

N54_Fan

what about mountain? lol

[N54_Fan]

Originally Posted by DetectiveLoki

what about mountain? lol

Unless its really bumpy roads because of potholes then 19s. If rittled with potholes then 18s.

[champtank]

18's get my vote.

[thecadman99]

Us old men greatly prefer 18's and even GASP consider a set of 17's as fall/winter tires.
18's:
Performance, price, braking (safety), rim protection, comfort.
19's:
Looks better to some (I actually prefer the "serious" look of a car with proper tires vs giant rims with O-rings on them).
Drive what makes you smile!