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      12-29-2016, 06:22 PM   #1
etinifni
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18" vs. 19" --pros/cons

I've been set on either getting a square 18/8.5 set of Apex ARC-8s or VMR V810s (same size). Car they are going on is a base suspension '12 328i although I hope yo have Dinan springs installed next week. It seems that most owners on here go with 19" wheels so I've been trying to decide if there is anything besides aesthetics in going up in wheel size. I understand obviously the wheel cost will be marginally more as well as tires. What are the pros and cons of the two different sizes?
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      12-30-2016, 02:41 AM   #2
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going back and forth myself. can not decide =(
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      12-30-2016, 09:27 AM   #3
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I have 18" winter tires and 19" summer tires. There is really no difference in comfort or in noise. It all comes down to the sort/made of tire and the aesthetics. Poor tires can ruin the comfort and safety in both 18" and 19". I have the adaptive suspension and I am impressed how well the suspension handles 19" so don't worry about the size.
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      12-30-2016, 10:30 AM   #4
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Here's a decent article showing some aspects of the differences:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...d-tires-tested

The main reason to go with 19's or up is for looks (unless you need them to fit unnecessarily massive brake calipers).

18's will be able to provide better ride quality, similar grip and handling, have the potential to be lighter, access to much cheaper tires and IMO look just as good if not better (going with too big of a wheel without the huge brakes to fill in the space doesn't look right to me).

I think 18's with 245/40 tires are the sweet spot for the F30 chassis.

For more info about how increased wheel and tire weight effect the car:
http://hpwizard.com/rotational-inertia.html
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      12-30-2016, 10:57 AM   #5
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What is a more important factor in your decision process: aesthetics or comfort? Do you plan to retain RFT tires or purchase non RFT tires?

If aesthetics: 19" wheels will be on top of the list; non RFT tires will however increase comfort but will alter handling characteristics (softer sidewalls).

If comfort: 18" wheels will be in the top of list; tires with a taller sidewall will help.
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      12-31-2016, 10:30 PM   #6
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Since the car is a DD and I don't track it I think comfort is of more importance although I don't want huge sidewalls. Finally going to get Dinan springs installed Monday so I'll see how it looks with standard 225/45/18's. Talking with Apex they are saying I should go with Apex ARC-8 with 235/40/18's as shown in their picture:

[IMG]http://d.pr/i/7WaM+[/IMG]

I'm not particularly impressed with how these look though.
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      01-01-2017, 02:55 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by etinifni View Post
Since the car is a DD and I don't track it I think comfort is of more importance although I don't want huge sidewalls. Finally going to get Dinan springs installed Monday so I'll see how it looks with standard 225/45/18's. Talking with Apex they are saying I should go with Apex ARC-8 with 235/40/18's as shown in their picture:

[IMG]http://d.pr/i/7WaM+[/IMG]

I'm not particularly impressed with how these look though.
Yeah, not digging those either. VMR V710 look so much better
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      01-01-2017, 07:06 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madmonkey View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by etinifni View Post
Since the car is a DD and I don't track it I think comfort is of more importance although I don't want huge sidewalls. Finally going to get Dinan springs installed Monday so I'll see how it looks with standard 225/45/18's. Talking with Apex they are saying I should go with Apex ARC-8 with 235/40/18's as shown in their picture:

[IMG]http://d.pr/i/7WaM+[/IMG]

I'm not particularly impressed with how these look though.
Yeah, not digging those either. VMR V710 look so much better
Yeah I think I agree with you. I'd like to see if anyone with a base suspension modified with Dinan springs has a set of 18" V710s installed.
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      01-06-2017, 03:35 PM   #9
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Ok I've landed on going with VMR 710s. I've been talking with them about different options. Here is what information/options/prices I've been given:

VMR Wheels V710:

- 18x8.5 ET35 5x120 72.6 $200ea ~ $899 shipped

- 19x8.5 ET35 5x120 72.6 $250ea ~ $1,099 shipped

- 19x8.5 ET35 front with a 225/45/18 tire
18x9.5 ET45 rear with a 255/40/18 tire


I am leaning towards staying with 18s in a square setup.
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