19" ride quality with X-Drive

Voight-Kampff · 10-13-2012, 10:34 AM

So, having just recently purchased an e92 with 17" wheels, run-flats and X-drive, I'm interested in changing out the wheels and tires. I assumed I was just going to stay with 17s, or maybe go to 18s. But I've utterly and completely fallen in love with the Cades Apollo rims, which only come in 19.

My questions are many and varied, as I don't really have a frame of reference to draw from yet. For those who may have moved up from 17s to 19s, and are still on stock suspension (or heck, even if not), what has been your experience with such a large rim, and such necessarily low profile tires? Especially in colder climates. Lots of fitment issues? Leaks? Goose eggs? Much harsher ride? Do you live in fear of pot holes? Does switching from smaller run-flats to larger non-run-flats actually increase your ride comfort?

tmaw335i · 10-20-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voight-Kampff

So, having just recently purchased an e92 with 17" wheels, run-flats and X-drive, I'm interested in changing out the wheels and tires. I assumed I was just going to stay with 17s, or maybe go to 18s. But I've utterly and completely fallen in love with the Cades Apollo rims, which only come in 19.

My questions are many and varied, as I don't really have a frame of reference to draw from yet. For those who may have moved up from 17s to 19s, and are still on stock suspension (or heck, even if not), what has been your experience with such a large rim, and such necessarily low profile tires? Especially in colder climates. Lots of fitment issues? Leaks? Goose eggs? Much harsher ride? Do you live in fear of pot holes? Does switching from smaller run-flats to larger non-run-flats actually increase your ride comfort?

I have a 09 335xi coupe lowered on H&R springs and blisten shocks. The ride and handling quality is great on the 18s but cosmetically the 19s look so much better. The rides great and I love the way it looks. With the low profile tires you always have to be careful when it comes to those tires so I'm like a hawk lol. Get the 19s and throw some winter tires on your stock set if need be. You won't regret it, our xi cars with snow tires are TANKS.

fordperf · 10-22-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmaw335i

I have a 09 335xi coupe lowered on H&R springs and blisten shocks. The ride and handling quality is great on the 18s but cosmetically the 19s look so much better. The rides great and I love the way it looks. With the low profile tires you always have to be careful when it comes to those tires so I'm like a hawk lol. Get the 19s and throw some winter tires on your stock set if need be. You won't regret it, our xi cars with snow tires are TANKS.

I am still on the fence between going from 17" to 19", and am leaning more towards 18" partly because the roads are such crap where I live, and I don't think the look is that much better on 19 versus 18 but that is just opinion.

I plan on keeping the 17's and putting Blizzak WS70's on them and, yes, I plan on being a friggin SnowTank in that thing!

EDIT: I have a 2009 335xi LCI

PSUSMU · 10-23-2012, 10:08 AM

You realize cars come with 19"s stock? It's not difficult. xDrive doesn't affect ride quality.

fordperf · 10-23-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

You realize cars come with 19"s stock? It's not difficult. xDrive doesn't affect ride quality.

True, but my 2009 335xi LCI did not have 19" stock as an option. And if you have Sport Package, you get the sport suspension--unless you have xDrive, then you only still get stock suspension. So in that case, xDrive does affect ride quality by forcing you to have the stock suspension instead of the Sport suspension.

PSUSMU · 10-23-2012, 12:01 PM

I know that. The xDrive system itself does not affect ride quality.

zipstic · 10-23-2012, 02:37 PM

I had 19's on my stock xi suspension before I put on my KW V1's. My 17's were run flats and my 19's are non-run flats. Overall I didn't think there was a big change in ride quality. I do try to dodge potholes and there are times when I cringe when I do hit one, but that comes with the territory. I say go for the 19's and then run your stock 17's or get 18's with snow tires for the winter.

fordperf · 10-23-2012, 03:03 PM

For me the big question is, 1) is there a big enough visual difference between 18" and 19", and 2) would the 19"s be worse on the roads I have to travel?

PSUSMU · 10-23-2012, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordperf

For me the big question is, 1) is there a big enough visual difference between 18" and 19", and 2) would the 19"s be worse on the roads I have to travel?

Yes and yes.

zipstic · 10-23-2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

Yes and yes.

+1

Aesthetically I think there is a difference between 18's and 19's, but others may not think that's a big deal. That one's up to you.

fordperf · 10-23-2012, 03:51 PM

Basically I know this, so I am struggling with whether or not the 19"s are worth the chance they will get chewed up on my roads

PSUSMU · 10-23-2012, 03:54 PM

Wheels don't get chewed up. Suck it up and get what you want.

fordperf · 10-23-2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

Wheels don't get chewed up. Suck it up and get what you want.

Sure they do, I've had (albeit smaller) aftermarket rims on other cars. They get curbed or rashed, the low-profile tires transfer every pothole to the rim and to your suspension, if you're lucky you dont pinch your sidewalls every season, etc. At least, those are NJ roads..

PSUSMU · 10-24-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordperf

Sure they do, I've had (albeit smaller) aftermarket rims on other cars. They get curbed or rashed, the low-profile tires transfer every pothole to the rim and to your suspension, if you're lucky you dont pinch your sidewalls every season, etc. At least, those are NJ roads..

Well that's your own fault then. I lived in NJ for 22 years and never had a problem with my cars slammed. You are just making excuses.

fordperf · 10-24-2012, 08:35 AM

Or I travel worse roads than you, you know, maybe.

PSUSMU · 10-24-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordperf

Or I travel worse roads than you, you know, maybe.

Nah.

DonJuan360 · 04-07-2013, 06:20 AM

I've pinched 3 tires since changing to 19s in December .

I have stock shock which need replaced what would you guys recommend to softer ride ?

Nonecure · 04-07-2013, 07:28 AM

19's are for looks only (and yes they look better imo). 18s are better for performance handling and drivability. Since my car is a DD, I'm going with 18s.

Envuks · 04-07-2013, 10:46 AM

XDrive will not have an impact on ride quality.... Personally, I run 18s. I think the ride is much better than with 19s and the roads by me are not good... My rec would be for 18s, you don't need to worry about them as much

10-13-2012, 10:34 AM	#1
Voight-Kampff New Member 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: BMW 2009 328i & 2017 230i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	19" ride quality with X-Drive So, having just recently purchased an e92 with 17" wheels, run-flats and X-drive, I'm interested in changing out the wheels and tires. I assumed I was just going to stay with 17s, or maybe go to 18s. But I've utterly and completely fallen in love with the Cades Apollo rims, which only come in 19. My questions are many and varied, as I don't really have a frame of reference to draw from yet. For those who may have moved up from 17s to 19s, and are still on stock suspension (or heck, even if not), what has been your experience with such a large rim, and such necessarily low profile tires? Especially in colder climates. Lots of fitment issues? Leaks? Goose eggs? Much harsher ride? Do you live in fear of pot holes? Does switching from smaller run-flats to larger non-run-flats actually increase your ride comfort?
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10-23-2012, 10:08 AM	#4
PSUSMU Captain 95 Rep 985 Posts Drives: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Falls Church/Merrifield, VA iTrader: (3)	You realize cars come with 19"s stock? It's not difficult. xDrive doesn't affect ride quality.
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10-23-2012, 12:01 PM	#6
PSUSMU Captain 95 Rep 985 Posts Drives: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Falls Church/Merrifield, VA iTrader: (3)	I know that. The xDrive system itself does not affect ride quality.
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10-23-2012, 02:37 PM	#7
zipstic Major 484 Rep 1,188 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 335xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi Coupe [10.00]	I had 19's on my stock xi suspension before I put on my KW V1's. My 17's were run flats and my 19's are non-run flats. Overall I didn't think there was a big change in ride quality. I do try to dodge potholes and there are times when I cringe when I do hit one, but that comes with the territory. I say go for the 19's and then run your stock 17's or get 18's with snow tires for the winter. __________________ http://www.ishopwheels.com
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10-23-2012, 03:03 PM	#8
fordperf Private First Class 7 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	For me the big question is, 1) is there a big enough visual difference between 18" and 19", and 2) would the 19"s be worse on the roads I have to travel?
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10-23-2012, 03:51 PM	#11
fordperf Private First Class 7 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Basically I know this, so I am struggling with whether or not the 19"s are worth the chance they will get chewed up on my roads
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10-23-2012, 03:54 PM	#12
PSUSMU Captain 95 Rep 985 Posts Drives: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Falls Church/Merrifield, VA iTrader: (3)	Wheels don't get chewed up. Suck it up and get what you want.
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10-24-2012, 08:35 AM	#15
fordperf Private First Class 7 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Or I travel worse roads than you, you know, maybe.
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04-07-2013, 06:20 AM	#17
DonJuan360 Private 4 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I've pinched 3 tires since changing to 19s in December . I have stock shock which need replaced what would you guys recommend to softer ride ?
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04-07-2013, 07:28 AM	#18
Nonecure Lieutenant 77 Rep 466 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio iTrader: (1)	19's are for looks only (and yes they look better imo). 18s are better for performance handling and drivability. Since my car is a DD, I'm going with 18s.
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04-07-2013, 10:46 AM	#19
Envuks Captain 26 Rep 741 Posts Drives: '08 e92 335xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: MA iTrader: (2)	XDrive will not have an impact on ride quality.... Personally, I run 18s. I think the ride is much better than with 19s and the roads by me are not good... My rec would be for 18s, you don't need to worry about them as much __________________ Jet black e92 6mt 335xi: 18" BBS RGRs, KW v1, ESS Stage 2 flash, VRSF 7" FMIC, VRSF downpipes, JG Mods m-tech front, mtec V3 AEs, BMS OCC, hardwired valentine 1, p3cars gauge, amber delete, sport seats, factory oil cooler.
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