[gaijin]

I'm looking to mod my F30 328i (base) from the factory 17's with 225 Conti SSR to 19" BMW wheels. ETs and width are compatible without the use of spacers, camber adjustments, or fender rolls.

Two parts of my questions for feedback are:

- Going from RFT to non-RFT with wider tires (225/35R19 fronts and 255/30R19 rears would make the car handle better but at the expense of road noise and comfort. Take into consideration that I have a base suspension system.

- Wheels and tires cost approximately $2300 vs. upgrade to 225/50R17 non-RFT AS approximately $900. This set-up I know is the best handling, ride comfort, and durability.

Thoughts from those who have first-hand experience are highly appreciated.

[BaconDouble]

I've owned two F30s, one was a 328d sedan with the base 17" wheels (225/50R17) and now I own an F34 340 (Gran Turismo) that I spec'd with the optional factory 19" wheels with 225/45 tires. Both were always on run-flats.

The 17's were great and since I was aiming more for "sporty-efficiency" I lived with the way they looked (meh) for the increased ride comfort and 40+ MPGs. Never had an issue with potholes even though I live in an area with terrible roads and potholes each winter.

I am now wishing on my F34 that I had gone with the 18" option (which is interesting as that is the default M-Sport option including 18" Style 400m wheels - it's almost as if BMW knows what is best for performance). I am a very careful driver and obsessive about 'pothole situational awareness" but in 44k miles I've had two destroyed run-flat tires from hitting potholes. Both times the wheels survived fine, i just needed to limp home and get a new tire.

My thoughts are if you live in an area where the roads are good and are going more for looks and esthetics, 19s look great, but ride comfort is worse, tires are more expensive, and I'm sure handling takes a slight hit as everything is heavier.

18's seem to be the sweet spot for looks/performance and you'll notice many on here use 18s for road racing, etc. and places like Apex wheels will confirm.

17's are great too for base wheels, snow tires or efficiency (although depending on the brake caliper option on the car, may not fit).

I almost pulled the trigger on getting 18" wheels from Apex during their Black Friday sale, but am going to try 20mm wider, non-run flat tires (245/40R19) on my existing 19" wheels first to see if that helps ride comfort a bit and still gives me the 19" looks which I think look best in the weirdly shaped F34 wheel opening/fenders. If that doesn't help, the next time I need tires which is years away, I will likely downsize to 18s).

[sspade]

Not what you asked... and from the peanut gallery...

Go with 18's !!!

[alohasurftoad]

while 19" OEM wheels look nice, they're heavy and compared to a decent square setup the 225/255 stagger doesn't necessarily handle better since it typically has more understeer.

personally, i'd get 18" Aodhan AH-X, AH-11 or AFF7, square setup, 18x8.5 ET35 with 235/45/18, or 18x9.5 ET35 with 255/40/18. they're flowformed and very light. i believe the bmw centercaps can be installed on them. right now the AH-X on AH-11 are on sale for $202.28 each, free ship conus.

Aodhan AFF7 also comes in 19". square setup, 19x8.5 ET35 with 235/40/19, or 19x9.5 ET35 with 255/35/19 would work as well.

if you stick with your 17's increase tire to 235/50/17

[gaijin]

[QUOTE=alohasurftoad;18" Aodhan AH-X, AH-11 or AFF7, square setup, 18x8.5 ET35 with 235/45/18, or 18x9.5 ET35 with 255/40/18. they're flowformed and very light. i believe the bmw centercaps can be installed on them. right now the AH-X on AH-11 are on sale for $202.28 each, free ship conus.[/QUOTE]

Which square set-up do you recommend? 18x9.5 or 18x8.5 wheels? Going with 235/45/18 or 255/40/18 on all fours?

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by gaijin

Which square set-up do you recommend? 18x9.5 or 18x8.5 wheels? Going with 235/45/18 or 255/40/18 on all fours?

the 9.5 is more concave and with a 255 it will have more overall grip, especially through high speed large radius curves such as a turnpike.

8.5 is not as concave and with a 235 it'll will be a bit more playful due to lighter weight and will probably get better fuel economy if you care about that. you can also do 245/40/18 on 8.5, happy medium between 255 & 235 however the tire is not as tall so it will increase your fenderwell gaps slightly and will look better if you are lowered a bit.

this member did 8.5 with 245/40/18, he is lowered.
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=28
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ht=aodhan+ah-x

personally, i like concavity so i would do 9.5 with 255 however get what you think is right for you. also, please do some research and don't just take my word on all of this.

[gaijin]

[QUOTE=alohasurftoad[/QUOTE]

Thank you.


Want to make sure I interpret the above missive. Are you recommending a square set-up or staggered 235 front and 255 rears?

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by gaijin

Want to make sure I interpret the above missive. Are you recommending a square set-up or staggered 235 front and 255 rears?

i am recommending square setups. this is better for handling and rotatability and cost.

255/40/18 on 9.5 ET35 square OR
235/45/18(or 245/40/18) on 8.5 ET35 square