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[///MPower_2014]

Ok, so I know the 2011 MY has the Sachs dampers and softer ride, in addition to softer run flat tires. So for those running 17" wheels specifically (standard fare for all 328i w/ sport package), has this eliminated pothole damage from "normal" sized potholes...I'm talking normal to New England, NYC is a different story.

Just to be clear, I'm not talking about the "pothole explosion" issue, just the physical wheel/tire damage. If you've hit a worthy pothole and survived (or not) please state your car's suspension (sport, non-sport, m sport) (xdrive or non-xdrive...I know, for xdrive it doesn't matter sport or not according to most) and the tires. Thanks!

[Saintor]

What is important is the tire wall height.

225/45 as found on 17" (and 18" for the F30) is perfect. I had a lot of issues with 225/40 but never with 225/45.

[Cogsman]

Unfortunately, both my front wheels are pooched as a result of potholes. I am running 225/45's and an impact on a decent sized pothole bent my left front, followed a day later by another pothole on my right front.

I am searching for a way to replace the wheels at a decent price with BMW stock (without paying the BMW dealer). I have the M Sport Package with staggered fitment. I am wondering where to look and how I know which wheels to buy.

I am not sure what all the measurements are about, and though I try researching them, I have to admit, I am a bit lost. I read 8X17 and 8.5JX17 and what not... what is all this?

[dkexige]

Originally Posted by 2008_BMW_328xi

If you've hit a worthy pothole and survived

I've hit a couple in the Cambridge/Boston area and survived thus far. One of them made a pretty loud 'bang' and left two temporary impact marks on the side of my tires too.

2011 e92 335i x-drive on 225/45/R17 square Continental RFT

Originally Posted by Cogsman

Unfortunately, both my front wheels are pooched as a result of potholes.

Nearly 10 years driving in the suburbs of Toronto and I've never really hit a pothole. Unlucky! Look on Kijiji, the private owner classifieds here, or try a thread in your regional subforum.

[VMRWheels]

A 225/45/17 is a fairly tall sidewall to help protect your wheels. If you're careful with how you drive you should not have much of an issue.

[wdeerfield]

need to learn the bop and weave...

"im not drunk, just avoiding potholes"

[hongsc]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

need to learn the bop and weave...

"im not drunk, just avoiding potholes"

Bob and weave? I think bop means hit. Pretty sure OP doesn't want to hit a pothole.

Living in Los Angeles, tons of potholes and no real issues so far on aftermarket rims on Michelin PS. Non sports suspension and non xDrive.

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by hongsc

Bob and weave? I think bop means hit. Pretty sure OP doesn't want to hit a pothole.

Living in Los Angeles, tons of potholes and no real issues so far on aftermarket rims on Michelin PS. Non sports suspension and non xDrive.

haha. yea. bob.

LA roads are terrible, couldnt imagine it. drove a rental car there and it was terrible

[ny325]

I've had my fair share hitting potholes, and my 17inch spt pkg wheels survived.

[ken1137]

Normal sized pot-holes? Yes, you should be ok on 17s. The problem in the N.E. is the same as in Chicago. Driving down a dimly lit road in the evening and BAM! larger than avg pot-hole...thats usually the problem. So far I have not had any serious problems, but I should remove the fronts to inspect the inside of the wheels My insurance is I have a spare wheel for both the front and back

[SLOWER]

I just replaced my driver's front (bent and cracked in 2 places) and found out my passenger's front is cracked as well. These are 18" 193s with RFT. The paving on 95 in Waltham/Weston area is killing me.

[///MPower_2014]

Is everyone running the recommended tire pressure? Too low and wheel damage is more likely...too high tire damage more likely. I've only had wheel damage in the past though, never tire damage and a ran recommended pressure all the time.