Anyone using 18" wheels for street?

[nixtfy]

I am considering moving up to a set of larger wheels. Any input would be appreciated as of now I am a little concerned about ride quality being affected.

[Ace M3]

Umm, ride quality will be almost the same.

And that is by far the broadest most general thread title evarr.

People use 17, 18, 19 and even 20's on E36's for the street.

It depends on the sidewall height of the tire you choose, but just upgrading to an 18" wheel, I doubt you'll feel much, if any, difference.

[chandlerseattle]

I am of the opinion that anything larger than 17 does not look right on the E36. Some 18's look good if the car is lowered enough.

I also think that ride quality will almost certainly be affected. Plus sizing wheels (larger rim and smaller tire sidewall) usually results in a harsher ride. Of course this can depend upon suspension setuo etc. But you will feel more of the road bumps, tutles, creases etc.

[nixtfy]

Umm, ride quality will be almost the same.

And that is by far the broadest most general thread title evarr.

People use 17, 18, 19 and even 20's on E36's for the street.

It depends on the sidewall height of the tire you choose, but just upgrading to an 18" wheel, I doubt you'll feel much, if any, difference.

Sorry just wanted some quick feedback. Most of my car is pretty stock including the suspension which will be replaced soon with similiar Koni stock. I feel like the car has the right balance and am just considering 18" for cosmetic reasons as many new cars have this size as standard. Any other opinions?

[Xiphos]

Anything larger than 18" on an E36 M3 is overkill and doesn't look right. 18"s look right if the car is lowered, 17"s if the car is stock height.

[DoTheEvolutionM]

Anything larger than 18" on an E36 M3 is overkill and doesn't look right. 18"s look right if the car is lowered, 17"s if the car is stock height.

+1

[Mervon]

Get some 18s. You will like how it fills the fender. As said above, you wont notice any difference. Im running 18x8.5

[FingerTight]

For what it's worth, I switched the car from 18s (original owner) back to 17s for ride quality reasons

[hc1001]

yes.

[Crazy 13immer]

I went from stock 17's to 18's and then back to the stock 17's. I didn't really notice much of a difference at all. I really preferred the way the 18's looked.

[nixtfy]

Thanks for your input, probably best that I stay with 17". I really like the ride of the car now and will not be lowering it. Some stated above that the 18" don't look right unless the car is lowered. Secondly, the choice of tires in 18" is more limited than the 17".

[Hankdoll]

Secondly, the choice of tires in 18" is more limited than the 17".

17" tires are more afordable....so if you can end up buying a better tire, than 17's would be your best option. FWIW, I go back and forth with my 18s and 17" LTWs on a regular basis. I personally can't distinguish any difference performance-wise (both wheels are roughly the same weight).