I recently purchased a 2016 228i coupe and I'm considering swapping out the standard 17" wheels with 18" wheels to achieve a more aggressive look, but like with every expensive car procedure I have a couple of questions and concerns...
1. I currently have the 17" Light Alloy Wheels Y-Spoke Style 380 with All-Season Tires installed. Will the M235i's 18" Double-Spoke Orbit Grey 436M Wheels with All-Season Tires be compatible with my 228i or am I asking for the impossible?
2. I prefer having these kind of procedures taken care of by the dealership (I know, I know...expensive.) Any estimation what this could cost me?
3. I've read reports that changing from 17" to 18" wheels can drastically decline the smoothness of the drive depending on one's city. I live in Atlanta where the roads are not the best, but they're not the worst either. Even with all-season tires will I still notice an unbearable change in the quality of my drive?
4. With all things considered, should I just stick with the 17" wheels or will it really be worth opting for the 18" wheels in terms of aesthetics and quality?
Last edited by byjad; 03-22-2016 at 12:44 PM.
I have the same car with the same wheels and tires. The dealer recommended I go with bi-directional 19" M wheels and tires. They said this configuration was BMW approved and the computer on the car would be adjusted upon installation. I was given a package cost of $3600 plus mounting and balancing. I'm going to wait until I need to replace my tires before making the investment. I hope this helps.
If handling and performance are a consideration, check the wheel weights before buying anything. Adding more rotational unsprung weight can kill handling and rob WHP and Torque.
On my 2015 MCS (which came w/ 17" rims and Hankook RF's I swapped out Conti Extreme DW and Enkei RPF1 Rims and shaved 8 lbs per wheel off my car (6lbs per wheel and 2lbs per tire). Picked up 10 more WHP and 11 more Wheel torque at the same time. Car came alive. Just sayin. If you have to go bigger, go lighter than the stock wheels. OZ Superlegerra's (18.5lbs ea) are a good choice if you want to go 18". Should be at least couple pounds lighter than the stock 17's too
Personally I'd stay w/ 17's and go way lighter.
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