Changing to 18 or 19 inch tire, how much difference does it make?

Wolfman · 08-08-2010, 10:50 PM

My tires are starting to lose tread and will be due for replacement at the end of the year. I'm planning to replace my standard 17 inch run-flats with maybe 18 or even 19 inch tires. I had no problem when changing to bigger tires in E36s. But I'm wondering if there are any issues from getting bigger tires for the E90? Are any increase in performance be worth the potential extra fuel consumption or other drawbacks for the E90? Run-flats are usually too expensive in HK, correct? How much impact would fitting regular 18/19 inches (and cost) will it have on the handling? Thanks.

css · 08-08-2010, 11:21 PM

bigger wheels =
suffer in performance
suffer in cost as 19 tires are more expensive
suffer in comfort

but
you get killer looks which if you dont track / fly a lot, will overcome all the above points

however, i dont know whats the conditions are like on Seattle, but 19 wouldnt be that much of a problem for e90/e92 in HK, so i guess its fine too!

Wolfman · 08-09-2010, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oda

bigger wheels =
suffer in performance
suffer in cost as 19 tires are more expensive
suffer in comfort

but
you get killer looks which if you dont track / fly a lot, will overcome all the above points

however, i dont know whats the conditions are like on Seattle, but 19 wouldnt be that much of a problem for e90/e92 in HK, so i guess its fine too!

Thanks for the tips, I take it the hit in cost and comfort is a given for larger tires. But as for performance, I don't think it will hurt performance necessarily, it all depends on what type of larger tires I used. If I get the right ones, in may result in better performance and grip, which will more then compensate for the increase in fuel consumption and harsher ride. So long as I have a handle on any adverse impact on the speedometer and abs brakes and etc. I'm not looking to show-off, so what are the best larger tires for increase performance? Or maybe I should just do plus sizing...hmm..

akhter · 08-09-2010, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Thanks for the tips, I take it the hit in cost and comfort is a given for larger tires. But as for performance, I don't think it will hurt performance necessarily, it all depends on what type of larger tires I used. If I get the right ones, in may result in better performance and grip, which will more then compensate for the increase in fuel consumption and harsher ride. So long as I have a handle on any adverse impact on the speedometer and abs brakes and etc. I'm not looking to show-off, so what are the best larger tires for increase performance? Or maybe I should just do plus sizing...hmm..

things that will impact performance:

1) Tire compound: more sticky tires equal better performance. when I was tracking in tokyo, RE-11s were the best one, but expensive and downright dangerous in rain.

2) contact patch: going wider will result in better grip as the contact patch is increased.

3) rim size: depending on if you get OEM or BBS lightweight wheels, it may not be worse. however, if you get cheap wheels, they will certainly be heavier, which increases unsprung weight and negatively impact handling and fuel consumption.

kaishang · 08-09-2010, 09:31 AM

If you ditch the RFTs, what are you going to do if you get a flat tyre?

19" RFTs on E90s have a history of giving you expensive cracked rims. A lot of people on here also complain that the ride is too harsh on 19", less so on 18".

Personally, I have 17" and I like them; the ride is much smoother and they don't mind badly maintained/potholed roads. So I guess in Seattle you could take them onto some backroads no problem or if you are in HK you could drive to some small villages in Guangdong also no problem.

kaishang · 08-09-2010, 09:32 AM

Changing to non RFTs:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=376280&page=7

Wolfman · 08-09-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaishang

If you ditch the RFTs, what are you going to do if you get a flat tyre?

19" RFTs on E90s have a history of giving you expensive cracked rims. A lot of people on here also complain that the ride is too harsh on 19", less so on 18".

Personally, I have 17" and I like them; the ride is much smoother and they don't mind badly maintained/potholed roads. So I guess in Seattle you could take them onto some backroads no problem or if you are in HK you could drive to some small villages in Guangdong also no problem.

Thanks for the link, as for non-RFTs, well, I had normal tires in my old E36 and it ran just fine, never really encountered serious puncture issues. But if it's a question of handling, I want to make sure any new tires will maintain or improve the handling.

Wolfman · 08-24-2010, 01:58 AM

As, I'm not too familiar with run-flats, can you guys recommend me some good brands available in HK? I'm looking for some really sporty and grippy tires that can stick in corners like glue. Most likely 17' inch, unless I do plus sizing. But also maybe 18 or 19 inch depending if I can find a really good ones.

335 Freak · 08-24-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

As, I'm not too familiar with run-flats, can you guys recommend me some good brands available in HK? I'm looking for some really sporty and grippy tires that can stick in corners like glue. Most likely 17' inch, unless I do plus sizing. But also maybe 18 or 19 inch depending if I can find a really good ones.

Hi Mr. Wolfman,

I have this set of i-Forged 18" wheels which is going to ship to Hong Kong later this week.......I bought this set as a spare due to the guy sold me his painted Carbon 8 CF M3 vent hood in a very good price!! Since I need to ship my Hood to Hong Kong anyway, I took the wheels in very reasonable offer with tyres exactly the same set up!! Let me know if you are interested while I get a set of I-Forged 18" wheels identical with one wheel + tyre price if purchased brand new in HK!!

Check it out by your own to see if you'll like it??

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411585

Other HK forum members, please PM me for offer if you are interested!! I purchased this set of wheels purely be/cos of the amazing price that forum member offered me which I cannot resist for a set of rare looking I-Forged Emotions!!

JDLM · 08-24-2010, 08:37 AM

fwiw: my 19" wheels/tires are lighter than my OEM 18" wheels and tires just sayin

Wolfman · 08-25-2010, 06:12 AM

How much are you guys offering? What's the condition of the tires?

335 Freak · 08-26-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

How much are you guys offering? What's the condition of the tires?

Just PM you, Wolfman!!

08-08-2010, 10:50 PM	#1
Wolfman Second Lieutenant 34 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Changing to 18 or 19 inch tire, how much difference does it make? My tires are starting to lose tread and will be due for replacement at the end of the year. I'm planning to replace my standard 17 inch run-flats with maybe 18 or even 19 inch tires. I had no problem when changing to bigger tires in E36s. But I'm wondering if there are any issues from getting bigger tires for the E90? Are any increase in performance be worth the potential extra fuel consumption or other drawbacks for the E90? Run-flats are usually too expensive in HK, correct? How much impact would fitting regular 18/19 inches (and cost) will it have on the handling? Thanks.
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08-08-2010, 11:21 PM	#2
css Lieutenant 25 Rep 425 Posts Drives: Macan S Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: HKG iTrader: (0)	bigger wheels = suffer in performance suffer in cost as 19 tires are more expensive suffer in comfort but you get killer looks which if you dont track / fly a lot, will overcome all the above points however, i dont know whats the conditions are like on Seattle, but 19 wouldnt be that much of a problem for e90/e92 in HK, so i guess its fine too!
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08-09-2010, 09:31 AM	#5
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	If you ditch the RFTs, what are you going to do if you get a flat tyre? 19" RFTs on E90s have a history of giving you expensive cracked rims. A lot of people on here also complain that the ride is too harsh on 19", less so on 18". Personally, I have 17" and I like them; the ride is much smoother and they don't mind badly maintained/potholed roads. So I guess in Seattle you could take them onto some backroads no problem or if you are in HK you could drive to some small villages in Guangdong also no problem.
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08-09-2010, 09:32 AM	#6
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Changing to non RFTs: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=376280&page=7
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08-24-2010, 01:58 AM	#8
Wolfman Second Lieutenant 34 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	As, I'm not too familiar with run-flats, can you guys recommend me some good brands available in HK? I'm looking for some really sporty and grippy tires that can stick in corners like glue. Most likely 17' inch, unless I do plus sizing. But also maybe 18 or 19 inch depending if I can find a really good ones.
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08-24-2010, 08:37 AM	#10
JDLM Banned 73 Rep 3,277 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (4)	fwiw: my 19" wheels/tires are lighter than my OEM 18" wheels and tires just sayin
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08-25-2010, 06:12 AM	#11
Wolfman Second Lieutenant 34 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	How much are you guys offering? What's the condition of the tires?
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