17s vs 18s

[tony328is]

Whats up everyone? I have an e36 (98 328is) and I'm lookin to buy some rims. The only problem is that I can't decide whether to get 17s or 18s. I hear that 18s make the ride bumpy but how bumpy is it? I also hear 17s have a better ride but the 18s will look way better. Can you guys help me out and let me know what some pros and cons are for both?

Thanks

[RobbertCole]

17s go 18s show

[rsagona1]

17s go 18s show

Yeah because the E46 M3 is all show no go:rolleyes

tony328is, generally the larger rim size the lower profile tire you use. Lower profile tire= less cushion. But you shouldn't tell much of a difference. You really start feeling a difference when yo change the suspension/stiffness rate. In other words, you can't always say that 18"s will make the car ride rough. It depends on the profile, suspension, tire, etc.

Also the bigger rim you might have to make adjustments so it won't rub. Rolling fenders, for example.

[HOOJ]

Cheap 18" tires have soft sidewalls and ride softer than expensive 17" tires which have stiff sidewalls.

Just pick a nice set of rims, ultimately your budget will determine your preference.

[tony328is]

Thanks guys, I think I'm leaning towards 17s.....I'm running stock suspension right now, so would I feel a major difference in the ride quality if I go with 18s?

[Eric BMW]

17's would be a better choice considering that the wheels and (usually an overthought but tires weigh as much or more than wheels) tires weigh less and tires are much less costly. To answer your question: No I don't think you would be able to feel a noticible difference in ride quality between 17's and 18's if you are running stock suspension.

Thanks guys, I think I'm leaning towards 17s.....I'm running stock suspension right now, so would I feel a major difference in the ride quality if I go with 18s?

[Dawg90]

17's would be a better choice considering that the wheels and (usually an overthought but tires weigh as much or more than wheels) tires weigh less and tires are much less costly. To answer your question: No I don't think you would be able to feel a noticible difference in ride quality between 17's and 18's if you are running stock suspension.

Just curious, why do 18" tires weigh more? I'd think with a shorter sidewall they'd weigh less.

Another question - is an 8.5 inch rim the same diameter as 8 inch? It must be bigger right, to accomodate the lower profile tires you install on it?

[TrunkImpaired]

Just curious, why do 18" tires weigh more? I'd think with a shorter sidewall they'd weigh less.

Another question - is an 8.5 inch rim the same diameter as 8 inch? It must be bigger right, to accomodate the lower profile tires you install on it?

the 8.5" or 8" refers to the wheels width (how wide is the part the tire mounts on).

As for 18s vs 17s, I went from my stock 15s to a set of 18s and the ride quality is barely any different. On really rough roads I feel the bumps more, but that's about it, on good pavment (something without mile deep potholes) then it's realy no different.

[guinness325i]

I went from the 16 inch sports to 8.5x18 M5 replicas running 235/40/18 BFG g-Force Sports and the ride quality in terms of feeling bumps in the road, feels the same to me. One issue as previously stated though is we all want to put the most rubber on the road and doing so means you need the correct balance of tire size, rim offset, suspension ride height and if your off a little, fender rolling/flaring.:eek:

[rsagona1]

Something more important to consider is the bigger rims and less profile tire, the more chance you have of bending the rim. I have bent my stock contours and they are 17"s. Imagine hitting a pretty good pothole with 18s.

[M3 Pete]

"17s go 18s show"
Yeah because the E46 M3 is all show no go:rolleyes

.last I checked, the E46 M3 has about 140 hp more than an E36 328. Plus it has much larger brakes, which are easier to fit under 18 inch wheels. The E46 M3's extra power can offset any performance disadvantage created by larger wheels.

Larger wheels usually mean more weight, which adversely affects both handling and braking/acceleration. You can get lighter 18 inch wheels, but they usually are pretty pricey.

Then there is the larger diameter of any tire you use on an 18, which effectively raises your gearing, making you accelerate slower.

So in general, "17s go 18s show" is true. All depends what you are looking for.

[HOOJ]

Thanks guys, I think I'm leaning towards 17s.....I'm running stock suspension right now, so would I feel a major difference in the ride quality if I go with 18s?

Yeah, you'll hate them both on stock suspension. Perhaps go suspension first, then wheels. :)

[Dawg90]

the 8.5" or 8" refers to the wheels width (how wide is the part the tire mounts on).


yeah, I know, I'm asking if the diameter changes as well.

If not, I guess that means my rear 255/35 tires have basically the same amount of tire wall height as my front 225/40s.

[tony328is]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.