[mrslyfox3384]

Hi guys My car currently rolls on 16" wheels with 205/60R16 RFT tires, but I'm contemplating a switch to 18".

Have any of you made the leap from 16" to 18"? If so, what brands or styles did you go for, and how did it impact both the performance and aesthetics of your ride?

I thought about possibly going for the bmw 397 alloys but figured I would see what else is around. I would also like to get recommendations for some all season RFT’s (yes I know non rfts are nicer but it can be a pain in the proverbial getting stuff in nz sometimes specially outside main cities)

[johnung]

What year and model do you have? I didn’t know that anything under a 17” came on an F3x.

Considering your are constrained to whatever runflats are available in NZ you may want to say what models you can obtain and ask for recommendations within that list. TyreReview YouTube channel and TireRack website are excellent sources of information.

18x8.0” ET34 is a typical stock square setup with stock size of 225/45-18 (26.0” diameter). The BMW 400M wheels are plentiful and typically go for about 600USD per set in good used condition. Other sizes that work are 235/45-18, 245/45-18 and 245/40-18.

APEX Forged VS-5RS in 18x8.5” ET40 are my wheels of choice. Super strong and super lightweight. APEX has much more expensive competitors but they are not cheap. Definitely an investment.

However on a budget I would consider Aodhan AFF7 in 18x8.5” ET35, only about $250USD each. Much much lighter than stock BMW wheels. Heck for that price I’d buy a 5th wheel to have a spare handy.

8.5” wheels allow for square 255/40-18 which is the perfect stock 26.0” diameter and the fit and handle extremely well.

I’m assuming that you may be limited in NZ to specific wheel brands. You may want to post a list and ask for opinions among those.

Hope this helps!

[mrslyfox3384]

Originally Posted by johnung

What year and model do you have? I didn’t know that anything under a 17” came on an F3x

2014 320i F31

Originally Posted by johnung

I’m assuming that you may be limited in NZ to specific wheel brands. You may want to post a list and ask for opinions among those.

For wheels and tires we can get just about everything just matter about patience for the less common stuff

[E30M CW]

Moving from 16" to 18", you'll definitely lose straight line performance even if you went with a light weight forged wheel like the APEX VS-5RS. Regular cast wheels will be even worse. With the sidewall so much shorter, you'll also likely find the ride harsher.