18" vs 19" comfort???

TMack · 07-06-2008, 12:28 PM

I'm going to upgrade from my 17" OEM (159) wheels to some sporty 18's or 19's. However, I put serious highway miles on my car for business and am concerned about comfort. (I purposely bought a "non sport" 330i, because the sport package on my old 3 was just too damn harsh on long drives.)

So I'm curious how much more comfortable a ride I'll get from 18's vs 19's. 19's look great but scare me because there's so damn little rubber to cushion me on long car days.

What do you think?

-TMc

alan93rsa · 07-06-2008, 01:57 PM

I should have some good data in about a week. I am installing a set of 19" Forgelines in place of the 18" Forgelines currently on the car. The tires will be by the same manufacturer and model except for the diameter. Old = 235x40x18, 275x30x18 - New = 235x35x19, 275x30x19. Bothy sets of wheels are 9's and 10's.

jettie1767 · 07-06-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMack

I'm going to upgrade from my 17" OEM (159) wheels to some sporty 18's or 19's. However, I put serious highway miles on my car for business and am concerned about comfort. (I purposely bought a "non sport" 330i, because the sport package on my old 3 was just too damn harsh on long drives.)

So I'm curious how much more comfortable a ride I'll get from 18's vs 19's. 19's look great but scare me because there's so damn little rubber to cushion me on long car days.

What do you think?

-TMc

I went from stock 17s to the BMW Performance Wheels 19s and don't see a big difference in ride comfort. I've set tire pressure to 36front and 40 rear. The cornering did improve a lot though.

panzer948 · 07-08-2008, 11:44 AM

I'm curious about this too. I'm on the fence about replacting my stock 18" RFTs with the same size non-RFTs or go up to 19" wheels and tires. I would like to track my car though.

alan93rsa · 07-08-2008, 07:37 PM

Go to 19's and mount R compounds on the 18's for the track.

VMRWheels · 07-08-2008, 08:00 PM

Overall, the 19" tires would be a little harsher, however this is always very subjective as everyone has different tolerances. You said the factory sport suspension was already too harsh for you...if this is the case maybe 19" wheels aren't for you...

07-06-2008, 12:28 PM	#1
TMack Road Warrior 66 Rep 152 Posts Drives: '18 540i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0)	18" vs 19" comfort??? I'm going to upgrade from my 17" OEM (159) wheels to some sporty 18's or 19's. However, I put serious highway miles on my car for business and am concerned about comfort. (I purposely bought a "non sport" 330i, because the sport package on my old 3 was just too damn harsh on long drives.) So I'm curious how much more comfortable a ride I'll get from 18's vs 19's. 19's look great but scare me because there's so damn little rubber to cushion me on long car days. What do you think? -TMc
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07-06-2008, 01:57 PM	#2
alan93rsa First Lieutenant 6 Rep 311 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Crimson Red/Black Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (1)	I should have some good data in about a week. I am installing a set of 19" Forgelines in place of the 18" Forgelines currently on the car. The tires will be by the same manufacturer and model except for the diameter. Old = 235x40x18, 275x30x18 - New = 235x35x19, 275x30x19. Bothy sets of wheels are 9's and 10's. __________________ Alan
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07-08-2008, 11:44 AM	#4
panzer948 Lieutenant 82 Rep 432 Posts Drives: F82 M4 (April 2015 ED) Join Date: May 2006 Location: Charlotte, N.C. iTrader: (0)	I'm curious about this too. I'm on the fence about replacting my stock 18" RFTs with the same size non-RFTs or go up to 19" wheels and tires. I would like to track my car though. __________________ ED Trip - April 2015: SO F82 M4 Link to Trip Report ED Trip - Jan. 2007: BS E92 335i Link to Trip Report
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07-08-2008, 07:37 PM	#5
alan93rsa First Lieutenant 6 Rep 311 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Crimson Red/Black Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (1)	Go to 19's and mount R compounds on the 18's for the track. __________________ Alan
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07-08-2008, 08:00 PM	#6
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2038 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	Overall, the 19" tires would be a little harsher, however this is always very subjective as everyone has different tolerances. You said the factory sport suspension was already too harsh for you...if this is the case maybe 19" wheels aren't for you... __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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