18" or 19" wheels on E90

Butch · 12-15-2009, 03:07 PM

Hi Folks,

Purchasing new rims in a couple of months, but I keep changing my mind as to whether to go for 18" or 19" replica alloy wheels. My daily commute consists of speed bumps and back roads with pot holes etc etc.

My current wheels are 17" with RFTs, and I have stock suspension. When I upgrade I will NOT be lowering my car, and new wheels will have NON RFT, but have concerns about which size...

19" looks nice and suits the car better, but... am I likely to crack them on my daily drive, or bend them parking up a kerb??? Is the ride going to be any / much harder than on 17" RFT??? Shall I just stick with 18"???

Read some American post about guys who have bought new 19s and then sold them a few weeks later for 18s because of the ride...

Need some honest feedback from UK drivers please, especially anybody who has previously gone from 17" to 19" wheels

acerboo · 12-15-2009, 03:12 PM

got oem 19"'s and love them, dont mind the ride and i drive round as many craters (potholes) as possible, my wife did complain about the ride on a trip to scotland though. swopped 18's for 19's on the z4 and really no difference, really depends on what you are prepared to put up with and what you are after, 19 look so much better but if you drive over potholes your ride and your car are going to suffer.

Butch · 12-15-2009, 03:33 PM

Obviously the ride is pretty noticeable then... are you on standard suspension aswell ?

lesfinnie · 12-15-2009, 03:50 PM

I previously had 18" on rft's but changed them for 19" replicas on non rft's and found the ride much smoother

Butch · 12-15-2009, 04:12 PM

Aha - lesfinnie... I downloaded lots of car picks to help me decide which wheel styles would look good on mine, a pic of your car is on my list... this was taken when on 19" with stock suspension right?

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Am surprised that the 19s are a "smoother" ride - very useful info thanks !

Carrera RSR · 12-15-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butch

Aha - lesfinnie... I downloaded lots of car picks to help me decide which wheel styles would look good on mine, a pic of your car is on my list... this was taken when on 19" with stock suspension right?

Attachment 334460

Am surprised that the 19s are a "smoother" ride - very useful info thanks !

That looks too high on SE suspension and needs spacers especially on the rear!!

Glad you dropped it on Eibachs. should plan to put 10 - 12mm spacer on the rear.

lesfinnie · 12-16-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

That looks too high on SE suspension and needs spacers especially on the rear!!

Glad you dropped it on Eibachs. should plan to put 10 - 12mm spacer on the rear.

Eibach do not supply 10mm, or so I'm told but 5mm was fitted when I got the correct springs fitted and it does look a bit better. They did investigate fitting 18mm but they were advised against it (they being the garage who did the job)

acerboo · 12-16-2009, 02:51 AM

i have standard se suspension which is fairly firm, what wheels are you considering, i got some fantastic bbs lm reps for £500 in 19 from a place called sorted alloys on ebay, beautiful wheels, lightweight with polished rims for the z4

doughboy · 12-16-2009, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butch

Am surprised that the 19s are a "smoother" ride - very useful info thanks !

Remember a 19" on NON runflats will be a lot smoother ride than a 18" on granite runflats which is what finnie was talking about.

If you have the SE suspension then this will be softer still.

I reckon you'll be fine on 19" with NON rfts and softer SE suspension,

The cracking issue seems confined to 225's on RFTs only.

I take it when you park up curbs you steer towards it and gently roll to a stop againt the curb then slowy push up & over it?

If so you'll be fine on 19" IMO.

Butch · 12-16-2009, 05:42 AM

After months of looking at pictures I have decided on M6 or CSL reps.

I want to keep the suspension stock, otherwise the ride will definately be too firm for my liking and also its extra £££ which I don't really want to spend !

Doughboy - Yes, I meant gentle parking up the curb rather than ramming up it at 20mph.

CSLs are very nice, but am preferring the M6 style at the minute... here are my favourite pics... black e90 with 19" m6 reps ???

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And 19" CSL reps ???

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HighlandPete · 12-16-2009, 09:20 AM

18" and non run-flats will obviously give a better ride than 19" and non run-flats. Remember that tyre choice will also have a part in deciding ride quality. A 19" wheel with a very stiff sidewall tyre could be as firm as your 17" and run-flats.

SE suspension can be a bit more bouncy on non run-flat tyres. But typically better predictability. Don't forget to consider the unsprung weight, you don't really want more weight in the wheels. Note the weight of the rims you choose.

HighlandPete

dxb335d · 12-16-2009, 09:42 AM

In my onion, the M6 reps dont suit the E90. They do however suit the E92.

Get CSL's

ElegantSpoon · 12-16-2009, 11:45 AM

Those M6 rims do look good. I was all for CSLs but I've gone right off them for some reason.

YvesD · 12-16-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesfinnie

they were advised against it (they being the garage who did the job)

'they' being the garage that didnt know they had put the wrong springs on your car.......

12mm hubcentrics on the rear will do the trick.

respectfully

Yves

YvesD · 12-16-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butch

After months of looking at pictures I have decided on M6 or CSL reps. I will try and post some pics later when I get home so you can see the difference between 18 vs 19 on an E90. The 19s look better obviously, but was worried about the ride...

I want to keep the suspension stock, otherwise the ride will definately be too firm for my liking and also its extra £££ which I don't really want to spend !

Doughboy - Yes, I meant gentle parking up the curb rather than ramming up it at 20mph.

CSLs are very nice, but am preferring the M6 style at the minute... here are my favourite pics... black e90 with 19" m6 reps ???

Attachment 334848
Attachment 334847

Just my personal preference of course but that just doesnt look 'right'. They are so obviously not the correct wheels for the type of car and dont sit right in the arches, too far out.

Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder though.

- Paul - · 12-16-2009, 02:57 PM

Had no problems with my BBS 19" - I went from 16" rft to 19" non-rft - the ride was a little firmer but it also firmed up the handling no end. That was on SE suspension.

Still have them in the garage if you're interested - BBS CK (2 need a refurb)

lesfinnie · 12-16-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YvesD

'they' being the garage that didnt know they had put the wrong springs on your car.......

12mm hubcentrics on the rear will do the trick.

respectfully

Yves

Cheers mate, what you think of these? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tchlink:top:en

YvesD · 12-16-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesfinnie

Cheers mate, what you think of these? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tchlink:top:en

Stick to the tried and tested TUV approved, specifically designed for our cars brands, Eibach, H&R etc.

Brand new 12mm Eibachs from mainstream retailers in the UK wont cost more than that......I know, I've bought two sets of the things !

Butch · 12-16-2009, 05:55 PM

Paul - PM sent...

Halpin13 · 12-17-2009, 07:05 AM

ive got myself m6 reps(18") with a 45mm drop and the ride is a little different but that is just the springs. 18's i would say look the better 19 just a little 2 big.

MEGA · 12-17-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesfinnie

Eibach do not supply 10mm, or so I'm told but 5mm was fitted when I got the correct springs fitted and it does look a bit better. They did investigate fitting 18mm but they were advised against it (they being the garage who did the job)

Thats odd as I'm running eibach 10mm spacers on the front

Butch · 12-24-2009, 03:28 PM

Updated the pics in thread no 10 - decided 19" is the way to go !!!

19" M6 vs 19" CSL's ???

Let me know what you think, help me decide...

View Poll Results: Which 19" wheels look best on black E90 SE ?
M6 wheels	15	25.86%
CSL wheels	34	58.62%
BBS RS-GT wheels	9	15.52%
Voters: 58. You may not vote on this poll

12-15-2009, 03:07 PM	#1
Butch Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Yorkshire, UK. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 330i [0.00]	18" or 19" wheels on E90 - ride quality in UK? Hi Folks, Purchasing new rims in a couple of months, but I keep changing my mind as to whether to go for 18" or 19" replica alloy wheels. My daily commute consists of speed bumps and back roads with pot holes etc etc. My current wheels are 17" with RFTs, and I have stock suspension. When I upgrade I will NOT be lowering my car, and new wheels will have NON RFT, but have concerns about which size... 19" looks nice and suits the car better, but... am I likely to crack them on my daily drive, or bend them parking up a kerb??? Is the ride going to be any / much harder than on 17" RFT??? Shall I just stick with 18"??? Read some American post about guys who have bought new 19s and then sold them a few weeks later for 18s because of the ride... Need some honest feedback from UK drivers please, especially anybody who has previously gone from 17" to 19" wheels __________________ BMW E90 (2005) 330i SE Auto - E90Post Stickers, Exhaust Mod, Private Plates, Debadged, 19" Style 230 wheels, Toyo Non-RFT, MFD Scoops, K&N, Black Calipers/Hubs, 35% Rear Window Tints, Black/White Roundels, BMW Splitters, Blacklines, 12mm Rear Spacers, BMWP Knob... Future Mods - Drop?
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12-15-2009, 03:12 PM	#2
acerboo Brigadier General 179 Rep 3,923 Posts Drives: e92 335d lci Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: kent iTrader: (2)	got oem 19"'s and love them, dont mind the ride and i drive round as many craters (potholes) as possible, my wife did complain about the ride on a trip to scotland though. swopped 18's for 19's on the z4 and really no difference, really depends on what you are prepared to put up with and what you are after, 19 look so much better but if you drive over potholes your ride and your car are going to suffer.
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12-15-2009, 03:33 PM	#3
Butch Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Yorkshire, UK. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 330i [0.00]	Obviously the ride is pretty noticeable then... are you on standard suspension aswell ? __________________ BMW E90 (2005) 330i SE Auto - E90Post Stickers, Exhaust Mod, Private Plates, Debadged, 19" Style 230 wheels, Toyo Non-RFT, MFD Scoops, K&N, Black Calipers/Hubs, 35% Rear Window Tints, Black/White Roundels, BMW Splitters, Blacklines, 12mm Rear Spacers, BMWP Knob... Future Mods - Drop?
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12-15-2009, 03:50 PM	#4
lesfinnie Panzer 18 Rep 405 Posts Drives: 335d SE Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335d se [0.00]	I previously had 18" on rft's but changed them for 19" replicas on non rft's and found the ride much smoother
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12-15-2009, 04:12 PM	#5
Butch Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Yorkshire, UK. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 330i [0.00]	Aha - lesfinnie... I downloaded lots of car picks to help me decide which wheel styles would look good on mine, a pic of your car is on my list... this was taken when on 19" with stock suspension right? Am surprised that the 19s are a "smoother" ride - very useful info thanks ! __________________ BMW E90 (2005) 330i SE Auto - E90Post Stickers, Exhaust Mod, Private Plates, Debadged, 19" Style 230 wheels, Toyo Non-RFT, MFD Scoops, K&N, Black Calipers/Hubs, 35% Rear Window Tints, Black/White Roundels, BMW Splitters, Blacklines, 12mm Rear Spacers, BMWP Knob... Future Mods - Drop?
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12-16-2009, 02:51 AM	#8
acerboo Brigadier General 179 Rep 3,923 Posts Drives: e92 335d lci Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: kent iTrader: (2)	i have standard se suspension which is fairly firm, what wheels are you considering, i got some fantastic bbs lm reps for £500 in 19 from a place called sorted alloys on ebay, beautiful wheels, lightweight with polished rims for the z4
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12-16-2009, 05:42 AM	#10
Butch Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Yorkshire, UK. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 330i [0.00]	After months of looking at pictures I have decided on M6 or CSL reps. I want to keep the suspension stock, otherwise the ride will definately be too firm for my liking and also its extra £££ which I don't really want to spend ! Doughboy - Yes, I meant gentle parking up the curb rather than ramming up it at 20mph. CSLs are very nice, but am preferring the M6 style at the minute... here are my favourite pics... black e90 with 19" m6 reps ??? And 19" CSL reps ??? __________________ BMW E90 (2005) 330i SE Auto - E90Post Stickers, Exhaust Mod, Private Plates, Debadged, 19" Style 230 wheels, Toyo Non-RFT, MFD Scoops, K&N, Black Calipers/Hubs, 35% Rear Window Tints, Black/White Roundels, BMW Splitters, Blacklines, 12mm Rear Spacers, BMWP Knob... Future Mods - Drop? Last edited by Butch; 12-24-2009 at 03:27 PM..
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12-16-2009, 09:20 AM	#11
HighlandPete Lieutenant General 6659 Rep 15,858 Posts Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland, Highland Region iTrader: (0)	18" and non run-flats will obviously give a better ride than 19" and non run-flats. Remember that tyre choice will also have a part in deciding ride quality. A 19" wheel with a very stiff sidewall tyre could be as firm as your 17" and run-flats. SE suspension can be a bit more bouncy on non run-flat tyres. But typically better predictability. Don't forget to consider the unsprung weight, you don't really want more weight in the wheels. Note the weight of the rims you choose. HighlandPete
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12-16-2009, 09:42 AM	#12
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	In my onion, the M6 reps dont suit the E90. They do however suit the E92. Get CSL's __________________ 997.2 GT3
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12-16-2009, 11:45 AM	#13
ElegantSpoon There I was balls deep in a... 29 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: BMW E90 320D Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Devon, UK iTrader: (0)	Those M6 rims do look good. I was all for CSLs but I've gone right off them for some reason. __________________ BMW E90 320D Sapphire Black, Angel Eyes, BMW Performance Extras, Carbon Fabric Trim
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12-16-2009, 02:57 PM	#16
- Paul - Major General 695 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Had no problems with my BBS 19" - I went from 16" rft to 19" non-rft - the ride was a little firmer but it also firmed up the handling no end. That was on SE suspension. Still have them in the garage if you're interested - BBS CK (2 need a refurb) __________________ My Photos
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12-16-2009, 05:55 PM	#19
Butch Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Yorkshire, UK. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 330i [0.00]	Paul - PM sent... __________________ BMW E90 (2005) 330i SE Auto - E90Post Stickers, Exhaust Mod, Private Plates, Debadged, 19" Style 230 wheels, Toyo Non-RFT, MFD Scoops, K&N, Black Calipers/Hubs, 35% Rear Window Tints, Black/White Roundels, BMW Splitters, Blacklines, 12mm Rear Spacers, BMWP Knob... Future Mods - Drop?
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12-17-2009, 07:05 AM	#20
Halpin13 Michael Halpin 31 Rep 356 Posts Drives: On the hunt Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 E90 320i [0.00]	ive got myself m6 reps(18") with a 45mm drop and the ride is a little different but that is just the springs. 18's i would say look the better 19 just a little 2 big.
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12-24-2009, 03:28 PM	#22
Butch Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 282 Posts Drives: E90 330i SE Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Yorkshire, UK. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2005 330i [0.00]	Updated the pics in thread no 10 - decided 19" is the way to go !!! 19" M6 vs 19" CSL's ??? Let me know what you think, help me decide... __________________ BMW E90 (2005) 330i SE Auto - E90Post Stickers, Exhaust Mod, Private Plates, Debadged, 19" Style 230 wheels, Toyo Non-RFT, MFD Scoops, K&N, Black Calipers/Hubs, 35% Rear Window Tints, Black/White Roundels, BMW Splitters, Blacklines, 12mm Rear Spacers, BMWP Knob... Future Mods - Drop?
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