Ride quality between 18in and 19in wheels

BeeEm · 10-31-2009, 05:06 PM

Hi

Has anyone perhaps experienced a difference in ride quality or handling on a Z4 between 18in and 19in wheels? Other than aesthetic difference, is it worth going 19in?

richard in NC · 10-31-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeEm

Hi

Has anyone perhaps experienced a difference in ride quality or handling on a Z4 between 18in and 19in wheels? Other than aesthetic difference, is it worth going 19in?

I did not notice any real difference. I test drove a 30i with 18s, a 35i with 19s and I think a 35i with 18s. All seemed similar.

teagueAMX · 10-31-2009, 08:30 PM

Hey, richard, wouldn't the difference between run-flats vs non run-flats be more dramatic?

richard in NC · 10-31-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teagueAMX

Hey, richard, wouldn't the difference between run-flats vs non run-flats be more dramatic?

I would guess so but have not driven the Z4 without runflats. The 19s on the 550i do ride softer than those on the Z4. The biggest difference is less "crashing" over bumps with the 5.

mrboon · 11-01-2009, 02:18 AM

i went from standard 17" BMW rims to 19" DOTZ rims.

The new bigger wheels weigh 3KG less, each. I feel like i have better grip with the new wheels/tires.

For me going to 19" was an improvement...

Wiles · 11-01-2009, 06:44 AM

I have a 335i coupe with sport package and 18's. My brother has same car with 19's.
Same car, same tire, OEM runflat, only differance is the rim size and it's very noticeable. I love the look of the 19's but the ride is much harsher. Tires (non-runflats) might improve it.

I am looking at a Z4, and really don't wan't the harder ride, but like the look and style of 19's.

richard in NC · 11-01-2009, 08:10 AM

It really depends on the roads. If you live in an area with bad roads, the 19s may be the wrong choice, possibly even the 18s.

Be sure to get the sport package with the M adjustable suspension. Unlike most sport packages, you end up with a softer ride, in Normal mode. Sport is firm for sure.

Best advise is to take a good long test drive on roads similar to what you drive on a daily basis. Play with the sport button to feel the difference.

10-31-2009, 05:06 PM	#1
BeeEm Private 14 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 435iA Coupe M Sport Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Johannesburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 F32 435i Coupe ... [0.00]	Ride quality between 18in and 19in wheels Hi Has anyone perhaps experienced a difference in ride quality or handling on a Z4 between 18in and 19in wheels? Other than aesthetic difference, is it worth going 19in? __________________ F32 435i Coupe M-Sport, Estoril Blue, 442M staggered, Harman Kardon, Navigation System Professional, M Sports Suspension, Sunroof, M Sport brakes, High Beam Assist, Rear Camera, PDC, Enhanced Bluetooth.
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10-31-2009, 08:30 PM	#3
teagueAMX Colonel 62 Rep 2,087 Posts Drives: Some are road worthy Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: So Cal, USA iTrader: (0)	Hey, richard, wouldn't the difference between run-flats vs non run-flats be more dramatic?
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11-01-2009, 02:18 AM	#5
mrboon Lieutenant 77 Rep 561 Posts Drives: Speeeed Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: *** iTrader: (0)	i went from standard 17" BMW rims to 19" DOTZ rims. The new bigger wheels weigh 3KG less, each. I feel like i have better grip with the new wheels/tires. For me going to 19" was an improvement... Last edited by mrboon; 11-01-2009 at 04:18 AM..
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11-01-2009, 06:44 AM	#6
Wiles Private First Class 53 Rep 178 Posts Drives: Z4 3.5i MSport manual, 2020X3M Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Midwest USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW Z4 [0.00]	I have a 335i coupe with sport package and 18's. My brother has same car with 19's. Same car, same tire, OEM runflat, only differance is the rim size and it's very noticeable. I love the look of the 19's but the ride is much harsher. Tires (non-runflats) might improve it. I am looking at a Z4, and really don't wan't the harder ride, but like the look and style of 19's.
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11-01-2009, 08:10 AM	#7
richard in NC Colonel 1232 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	It really depends on the roads. If you live in an area with bad roads, the 19s may be the wrong choice, possibly even the 18s. Be sure to get the sport package with the M adjustable suspension. Unlike most sport packages, you end up with a softer ride, in Normal mode. Sport is firm for sure. Best advise is to take a good long test drive on roads similar to what you drive on a daily basis. Play with the sport button to feel the difference.
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