[TreSix]

I am trying to determine whether or not 18s or 19s would be a better set up for my daily driver. I live in LA so there is going to be a lot of messed up streets and people who don't know how to drive properly. My cousin (who knows a lot about cars, especially BMWs) advises that 18s would be better for me, but from what I know 18s are hard to come by in both wheels and tires.

I have never done a wheel set up before so the measurements are foreign to me and I'm not sure if I should do staggered/non staggered. I am basically starting from scratch.

[alohasurftoad]

comparing tires of the same size and diameter of the same brand and model, 18" tires will have 0.5" more sidewall, so it'll have a better ride and impact protection. 18" wheels/tires cost less than 19" which arguably look better.

what kind of budget for both wheels/tires do you have? summer tires or all seasons? will you be lowering your car?

[TreSix]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

comparing tires of the same size and diameter of the same brand and model, 18" tires will have 0.5" more sidewall, so it'll have a better ride and impact protection. 18" wheels/tires cost less than 19" which arguably look better.

what kind of budget for both wheels/tires do you have? summer tires or all seasons? will you be lowering your car?

I'm setting aside between $1500-$2000 for wheels and tires.
I'm really not sure what the difference is between summer and all season tires or which ones would be better for daily driving through LA.
I wanted to lower it a bit, but not sure how much I should go.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by TreSix

I'm setting aside between $1500-$2000 for wheels and tires. I'm really not sure what the difference is between summer and all season tires or which ones would be better for daily driving through LA. I wanted to lower it a bit, but not sure how much I should go.

ok. btw, what wheels do you have now? you don't need all seasons in LA. ultra high or max performance summers for LA is fine. 18" wheels and tires will be cheaper and square setups are usually cheaper as well.

if you want staggered. 18x8.5" +(30-35), 18x9.5" +(40-45) on 235/45/18+265/40/18 or 245/40/18+255/40/18.

for square 18x8.5" or 9", with 235/45/18, 245/40/18, or 255/40/18.

what kind of wheel face do you like. 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 single spokes, twin spokes, Y-spokes, U spokes, mesh?

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by TreSix

I am trying to determine whether or not 18s or 19s would be a better set up for my daily driver. I live in LA so there is going to be a lot of messed up streets and people who don't know how to drive properly. My cousin (who knows a lot about cars, especially BMWs) advises that 18s would be better for me, but from what I know 18s are hard to come by in both wheels and tires.

I have never done a wheel set up before so the measurements are foreign to me and I'm not sure if I should do staggered/non staggered. I am basically starting from scratch.

19" daily in LA, it's just then right size in my opinion. I've been driving in Socal for a very long time. I would say our road is not bad as others. As with curbing your wheels that totally up to you, with 18" you will still scrap in if you do hit a curb.

You don't worry about wheels with bad driver, that's more like dings and scratches on the body of the car.

And your last statement about tires availability for 18", there are plenty. As of now 17" are the standard on most cars and many are growing to 18" so no worries on tires unless you run 15" to 16" which too small for BMW.

[BEM-S4]

If $2k is your budget Apex on a group buy along with tires and sensors mounted and balanced should get you about there. Enkei makes nice wheels. BBS SR or SX also a decent value option. Stick with 18" bigger is about show, not go.

[TreSix]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

ok. btw, what wheels do you have now? you don't need all seasons in LA. ultra high or max performance summers for LA is fine. 18" wheels and tires will be cheaper and square setups are usually cheaper as well.

if you want staggered. 18x8.5" +(30-35), 18x9.5" +(40-45) on 235/45/18+265/40/18 or 245/40/18+255/40/18.

for square 18x8.5" or 9", with 235/45/18, 245/40/18, or 255/40/18.

what kind of wheel face do you like. 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 single spokes, twin spokes, Y-spokes, U spokes, mesh?

I still have the stock wheels that came with the car.
Is there a reason to go staggered? Or is it just for looks?
I was looking into HRE FF04, but when I inquired I found out they don't make them in 18s.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by TreSix

I still have the stock wheels that came with the car.
Is there a reason to go staggered? Or is it just for looks? I was looking into HRE FF04, but when I inquired I found out they don't make them in 18s.

generally, staggered for looks, square for handling. any HRE set will put you over budget for just wheels. most choose staggered because the wider rear wheel usually has some concavity which looks more appealing. if you run square it is usually a low concave/flat face at all four corners. if you are indifferent to the appearance then the square set up is fine, cheaper, and you'll be able to rotate your tires any direction.

for 18" rotary forged wheels that are somewhat similar looking to the HRE FF04, i suggest the Beyern Ritz 18x8.5 +35 square or for staggered, 18x8.5 +35, 18x9.5 +45. wheels+tires wiill be right around $2K depending on your tire sizes and choice. here is an M3 with 18" i believe. the rear wheels i recommended will not be as aggressive. comes in black or machined with black inserts.

another wheel to consider is TSW Bathurst. can do square or staggered fitments as well. 8.5 +35 has mild concave and comes in silver or gloss gunmetal. FYI, TSW makes Beyern wheels.

Added Stance SF03, rotary forged, custom offset, silver, black or gloss black/tinted machined. couldn't find an F3/4 pic.

[TreSix]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

generally, staggered for looks, square for handling. any HRE set will put you over budget for just wheels. most choose staggered because the wider rear wheel usually has some concavity which looks more appealing. if you run square it is usually a low concave/flat face at all four corners. if you are indifferent to the appearance then the square set up is fine, cheaper, and you'll be able to rotate your tires any direction.

for 18" rotary forged wheels that are somewhat similar looking to the HRE FF04, i suggest the Beyern Ritz 18x8.5 +35 square or for staggered, 18x8.5 +35, 18x9.5 +45. wheels+tires wiill be right around $2K depending on your tire sizes and choice. here is an M3 with 18" i believe. the rear wheels i recommended will not be as aggressive. comes in black or machined with black inserts.

another wheel to consider is TSW Bathurst. can do square or staggered fitments as well. 8.5 +35 has mild concave and comes in silver or gloss gunmetal. FYI, TSW makes Beyern wheels.

Added Stance SF03, rotary forged, custom offset, silver, black or gloss black/tinted machined. couldn't find an F3/4 pic.

Thank you for all the info and the help!

[chowser51]

Let us know what you decide. With our crappy roads, I probably should’ve stuck with 18s but I went 19s because I like the way it looks.

[PabloK]

Originally Posted by TreSix

I still have the stock wheels that came with the car.
Is there a reason to go staggered? Or is it just for looks?
I was looking into HRE FF04, but when I inquired I found out they don't make them in 18s.

I ride 20s in the Minneapolis... no issues.

The difference between a 19 and 20 is negligible. Just pay attention when you drive..

And I have a set for sale... right in your price range

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by PabloK

I ride 20s in the Minneapolis... no issues.

The difference between a 19 and 20 is negligible. Just pay attention when you drive..

And I have a set for sale... right in your price range

Can you post a full side view shot of your car pls? I was thinking HRE FF15 but they're discontinuing them, yours might be a good backup plan.

[DieselSport]

Generally asphalted roads ride much better and softer than concrete roads, but unfortunately 90% of the freeways i drive are concrete. And all the relief cuts made in the concrete to prevent cracking makes for a horrible ride with low profile tires in my opinion. I upsized on my E Class diesel and regretted it.

But as others mention, they do not mind the ride so i guess it just all depends on where you live and your commute. I drive about 70 miles to work and back on horrible Los Angeles freeways so i went with 18s. I also upsized the tires so i have more rubber than the factory 18s. However, if you don't lower the car, the 18s will look small.