What size wheels for daily driving in NJ/NY? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

E328xi · 06-14-2009, 12:50 PM

I'm having an incredibly difficult time deciding on what size rims for my E90 328xi. I live in NJ and commute to NY on a daily basis where the roads are absolutely horrific. I don't want to crack a rim and/or pop a tire on my way to/from work, on a casual drive around town, or during a spirited run on the back roads. I also have H&R Sport Springs already installed and enjoy the aggressive appearance and performance that they offer but I am worried about rubbing. This leads me to believe that 18"s are the safest choice. However, I'm not sure that I will be satisfied unless I'm on 19"s, purely for aesthetics. Is it worth the risk to run 19"s or should I play it safe with 18"s. Please weigh in and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have pictures of 18"s on your ride, please post them with whatever suspension you're running.

KkSc · 06-14-2009, 02:28 PM

18" is the best!

Amir87 · 06-14-2009, 02:43 PM

Since your already lowered, I'd go with 18's also. I suggest BBS.

I have 18" M3 reps, but it would look hell of a lot better lowered.

E328xi · 06-14-2009, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Amir87 - Your car looks great. Excellent choice in wheels. Thank you for the picture.

csupernova · 06-14-2009, 03:38 PM

i have the same dilemma. I just can't justify going with 19" when we drive on one of the crappiest roads.

mathjak107 · 06-14-2009, 05:00 PM

we went with 16" on our 2009 328xi and dont regret it for a second here in new york city

E328xi · 06-14-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mathjak107

we went with 16" on our 2009 328xi and dont regret it for a second here in new york city

I have 16"s stock with RFT's but definitely want a bigger wheel/tire combo. Need to separate myself from the pack!!

mathjak107 · 06-15-2009, 03:35 AM

after some good shots hitting minor pot holes with the 16's and feeling that jolt as much as i would love 18's i cant see doing it.....

meyergru · 06-15-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mathjak107

after some good shots hitting minor pot holes with the 16's and feeling that jolt as much as i would love 18's i cant see doing it.....

Use larger sidewall Non-RFT tires (225/45 and 255/40 R18).

Look at my pictures here. Tire brand is Bridgestone RE050A Non-RFT, speedindex Y. The car is a 335i with original M-sport suspension, which is standard on the 335i in Germany, about 1 inch lower than normal. The E92 has less space in the wheel wells than E90/E91. So if you are not gonna lower it more than that, it should fit just fine. XIs are not lowered per default.

Side effects of the larger resulting wheel diameter:

- more exact speedometer reading
- higher maximum speed
- softer ride
- better filled wheel gaps

Delta0311 · 06-15-2009, 07:54 AM

You can get away with 19s.. Most of my friends who own E90s (92s) have 19s on them. Antything up to 19 is fine.

06-14-2009, 12:50 PM	#1
E328xi Private First Class Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Posts: 146 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E90 328xi [0.00]	What size wheels for daily driving in NJ/NY? I'm having an incredibly difficult time deciding on what size rims for my E90 328xi. I live in NJ and commute to NY on a daily basis where the roads are absolutely horrific. I don't want to crack a rim and/or pop a tire on my way to/from work, on a casual drive around town, or during a spirited run on the back roads. I also have H&R Sport Springs already installed and enjoy the aggressive appearance and performance that they offer but I am worried about rubbing. This leads me to believe that 18"s are the safest choice. However, I'm not sure that I will be satisfied unless I'm on 19"s, purely for aesthetics. Is it worth the risk to run 19"s or should I play it safe with 18"s. Please weigh in and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have pictures of 18"s on your ride, please post them with whatever suspension you're running.
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06-14-2009, 02:28 PM	#2
KkSc Major General Drives: 09' MKV GTI/ 07' RS4 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 6,220 iTrader: (10)	18" is the best! __________________ 2006 E90 Alpine White 330i - Retired

06-14-2009, 02:43 PM	#3
Amir87 Gruppe Titan Drives: 08 E92 SG/Coral Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,842 iTrader: (37) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [5.00]	Since your already lowered, I'd go with 18's also. I suggest BBS. I have 18" M3 reps, but it would look hell of a lot better lowered. __________________

06-14-2009, 03:38 PM	#5
csupernova Lieutenant Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 595 iTrader: (6)	i have the same dilemma. I just can't justify going with 19" when we drive on one of the crappiest roads. Last edited by csupernova; 06-14-2009 at 08:42 PM.

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06-14-2009, 02:58 PM	#4
E328xi Private First Class Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Posts: 146 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E90 328xi [0.00]	Thanks for the suggestions so far. Amir87 - Your car looks great. Excellent choice in wheels. Thank you for the picture.

06-14-2009, 05:00 PM	#6
mathjak107 Private Drives: 2009 328xi Join Date: May 2009 Location: nyc Posts: 64 iTrader: (0)	we went with 16" on our 2009 328xi and dont regret it for a second here in new york city

06-15-2009, 03:35 AM	#8
mathjak107 Private Drives: 2009 328xi Join Date: May 2009 Location: nyc Posts: 64 iTrader: (0)	after some good shots hitting minor pot holes with the 16's and feeling that jolt as much as i would love 18's i cant see doing it.....

06-15-2009, 07:54 AM	#10
Delta0311 Colonel Drives: 07 BMW 328i E90 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 2,347 iTrader: (1)	You can get away with 19s.. Most of my friends who own E90s (92s) have 19s on them. Antything up to 19 is fine.