Ride Quality Going To 19" from 17"

[E60535]

According to Tire Rack Upgrade Garage, I can go up to a 19" wheel on my non-sport model 2008 E60 535xi sedan. This is the same set up from the factory for the 550i. What can I expect from the ride quality making this change? Will I feel every bump in the road? Will the car look out of place without lowering it, can it be lowered?

Looking to make this upgrade in the Spring, (I live on the East coast, winter is coming).

Here's my proposed set up;
STOCK
225/50/17, non runflats all around

UPGRADE TO
19x8.5 with 245/35/19 Front
19x9.5 with 275/30/19 Rear
Continental Extreme Contact DW Tires or Michelin Pilot Sports

Is this too drastic of a change or should I just go 18x8.0 all around?

Thanks, I am new to all of this, I have owned the car a week and I want to make it my own by adding some new shoes!

[ultimatebohab]

I have 19's on my 97 740I and I feel and hear every bump its horrible it seems like I’m ruining my car. I actually wanted to do the exact opposite on my car go from 19" to 16" or 17" plus the tires are cheaper:rolleyes<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[samger2]

There's give and take with moving up to a larger size. Yes, you'll feel every bump in the road because there's much less sidewall to absorb impact. Also, the tires are wider, meaning more footprint on the ground meaning more tramlining and potential pulling to one side or the other...basically more rubber on the ground, so more ground for the tire to grab and follow.

On the upside, it'll give your ride a more aggressive look and the car will handle more responsively going from a V rated 50 series tire to W rated 30 and 35 series tires.

[Bobby Autogeek]

The 19" wheels will look awesome but you will feel every bump in the road and watch out for pot holes. The 18" wheels would still look nice and will have a softer ride.

[E60535]

Yeah I am leaning towards the 18x8 set up all around. Local sale of a used set, so I am thinking of doing it now and keeping them in the garage until Spring.

[GG///M3]

19's will make you weep.

[Jim@tirerack]

I would also not go to the 19" if you are worried about the ride quality.

[E60535]

Thanks everyone, I am pretty certain I have made my mind up on doing an 18x8 front and 18x9 rear, as per the dealer and tire rack recommendation. Thanks.

[Jim@tirerack]

If I can help with anything let me know.

[ferret1]

Yeah I am leaning towards the 18x8 set up all around. Local sale of a used set, so I am thinking of doing it now and keeping them in the garage until Spring.

So that means that you don't need to get rid of them now? :D
:(

If you do, then PM me,
Thanks

BTW, I wouldn't go larger than 18 either. I think that 18 is better than 17, but in this country I think that 18 is the maximum. In Europe, the 18's are fine unless you drive on back roads in the Eastern countries. Then it just beats the &^*% out of your car and the passengers.:eyecrazy

Good Luck.