[TWO-BMW]

The factory provides 18's, but I've seen many comments and opinions that the car really needs 19's. What is the real answer here? I'm strictly interested in performance/handling, not appearance. Thanks for your thoughts, opinions and expertise on this topic.

JC

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

The factory provides 18's, but I've seen many comments and opinions that the car really needs 19's. What is the real answer here? I'm strictly interested in performance/handling, not appearance. Thanks for your thoughts, opinions and expertise on this topic.

JC

Larger wheels typically have a higher mass, if the manner of construction (cast vs. forged, for example) is constant. The more the rotating mass, the slower the acceleration, the longer the braking distance. However, shorter sidewall tires can improve steering responsiveness, and shorter sidewalls accompany larger wheels to maintain the same overall diameter. The handling dimension is more related to the size of the tire contact patch, which is a function of treadwidth....235 vs. 225, for example.

Overall, a dollar spent on a superb 18" tire, such as Michelin PSS (if you are ok enjoying them only when our Michigan temps allow, at/above 45 degrees), or Pilot Sport AS3+ for use at any temp as long as the ground has no more than a few winter flakes, will be the greater handling return on investment than changing a wheel size. Given our roads, this will also preserve ride quality, although you didn't mention that. Shorter sidewalls on 19" tires will have more impact harshness on the Michigan Moonscape of our lousy streets and highways.

[morphomeman]

19" wheels in Michigan? Only if you are out of your mind or extremely rich.
I have had two tires replaced in New York in 18 months with 18" wheels.
Luckily, I bought wheel and tire insurance when I purchased the car. If I add in the kerb rash repairs, I have already made my money back.

[TWO-BMW]

Thanks guys, you were just reinforcing what I thought. I'm thinking about buying a nice set of wheels for the car, and using the existing (less than exciting) wheels for winter use and was just nailing everything down.

JC

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

Thanks guys, you were just reinforcing what I thought. I'm thinking about buying a nice set of wheels for the car, and using the existing (less than exciting) wheels for winter use and was just nailing everything down.

JC

It that case, the next conversation will be about "performance winter" (e.g., Michelin Alpin or Blizzak LM) versus "studless winter" tires (e.g. Michelin XIceix3 or Blizzak WS). If you are relying on this car for our winter, count my vote for "studless", as narrow as possible.

I went a little further....also have a Subaru on snowflake all-terrain tires.

[TWO-BMW]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

It that case, the next conversation will be about "performance winter" (e.g., Michelin Alpin or Blizzak LM) versus "studless winter" tires (e.g. Michelin XIceix3 or Blizzak WS). If you are relying on this car for our winter, count my vote for "studless", as narrow as possible.

I went a little further....also have a Subaru on snowflake all-terrain tires.

Great minds thinking alike. Just sent you a pm for an extended discussion.

JC

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

Great minds thinking alike. Just sent you a pm for an extended discussion.

JC

Just answered with another PM!