17" to 18" on e92 335i xDrive

pinemind · 10-12-2012, 12:00 PM

I have an e92 335i xDrive coupe that came with the sport package, but only the 17" wheels. I've been toying with upgrading to the 189 18" wheels. While I do agree that the look will be much better, I haven't seen any threads discussing the 17" to 18" jump in terms of performance.

Also, I would be running Michelin Pilot Super Sports (non-RFT) on whatever I choose as my current Hankook V12's will be done for next summer.

The cost difference is about $230 for the tires alone. Factor in a used set of 189's for around $600 to $1000 depending on condition, shipping, and any straightening that may need to be done.

Bottom line, will I noticed that much improved handling and cornering for $830 to $1230 upgrade? Most discussions on this forum are about 18" to 19" jumps. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a new OEM M-sport front bumper, or an aftermarket oil cooler (car didn't come with one) + used Cobb AP.

Gary@TireRack · 10-13-2012, 10:43 AM

If you were to compare the performance of identically setup vehicles with the only difference being that one has 225/45R17 Pilot Super Sports and the other vehicle has 225/40R18 Pilot Super Sports, you would find only minor differences in performance.

The tires themselves will make more of a difference in this case. 225/45R17 Pilot Super Sports would have better handling and grip than 225/40R18 Hankook V12 Evo tires.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...ires/index.jsp

pinemind · 10-13-2012, 10:53 AM

Gary,

Thanks, that's what I figured. I also just spent a good chunk of change getting all 4 rims straightened. Maddening since I bought it as a CPO, and I guarantee they were that way when it was sold to me by BMW. 3 of them were horribly bent (shop showed me on the lift). I think I'll stick with the 17's and wait until I upgrade the suspension to upgrade to 18's. Also, I'm in Boston so the 17's should offer a bit more durability with these lunar surface roads.

fordperf · 10-13-2012, 10:33 PM

This is pretty much the boat I am in with my 2009 E90. I want to go from the stock 225/45r17 to the staggered 225/40r18 and 255/35r18, which I know will fit, but am contemplating going to 265/35r18 in the rear but am NOT sure if will fit...

10-12-2012, 12:00 PM	#1
pinemind Private First Class 19 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2012 135i M-sport 6 sp manual Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (3)	17" to 18" on e92 335i xDrive - Worth it? (functional, not looks) I have an e92 335i xDrive coupe that came with the sport package, but only the 17" wheels. I've been toying with upgrading to the 189 18" wheels. While I do agree that the look will be much better, I haven't seen any threads discussing the 17" to 18" jump in terms of performance. Also, I would be running Michelin Pilot Super Sports (non-RFT) on whatever I choose as my current Hankook V12's will be done for next summer. The cost difference is about $230 for the tires alone. Factor in a used set of 189's for around $600 to $1000 depending on condition, shipping, and any straightening that may need to be done. Bottom line, will I noticed that much improved handling and cornering for $830 to $1230 upgrade? Most discussions on this forum are about 18" to 19" jumps. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a new OEM M-sport front bumper, or an aftermarket oil cooler (car didn't come with one) + used Cobb AP.
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10-13-2012, 10:43 AM	#2
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	If you were to compare the performance of identically setup vehicles with the only difference being that one has 225/45R17 Pilot Super Sports and the other vehicle has 225/40R18 Pilot Super Sports, you would find only minor differences in performance. The tires themselves will make more of a difference in this case. 225/45R17 Pilot Super Sports would have better handling and grip than 225/40R18 Hankook V12 Evo tires. Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...ires/index.jsp __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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10-13-2012, 10:53 AM	#3
pinemind Private First Class 19 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2012 135i M-sport 6 sp manual Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (3)	Gary, Thanks, that's what I figured. I also just spent a good chunk of change getting all 4 rims straightened. Maddening since I bought it as a CPO, and I guarantee they were that way when it was sold to me by BMW. 3 of them were horribly bent (shop showed me on the lift). I think I'll stick with the 17's and wait until I upgrade the suspension to upgrade to 18's. Also, I'm in Boston so the 17's should offer a bit more durability with these lunar surface roads.
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10-13-2012, 10:33 PM	#4
fordperf Private First Class 7 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	This is pretty much the boat I am in with my 2009 E90. I want to go from the stock 225/45r17 to the staggered 225/40r18 and 255/35r18, which I know will fit, but am contemplating going to 265/35r18 in the rear but am NOT sure if will fit...
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