Wheel Size Choice

[Jonathanw]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a used E89 Z4 and am after some advice on wheel choice. I owned a 1st gen Z4 for 3 years and loved it but was glad I only had 18" wheels and no sport suspension as I wouldn't have wanted the ride any firmer on our UK roads. Is it still the case with the new Z4 or is the ride more forgiving? Just asking because most of the cars I've seen for sale have 19" wheels so going for 18s would limit me. I've also heard stories of cracking on the 19" rims?

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Innovative AutoConcepts]

Originally Posted by Jonathanw

Hi,

I'm considering buying a used E89 Z4 and am after some advice on wheel choice. I owned a 1st gen Z4 for 3 years and loved it but was glad I only had 18" wheels and no sport suspension as I wouldn't have wanted the ride any firmer on our UK roads. Is it still the case with the new Z4 or is the ride more forgiving? Just asking because most of the cars I've seen for sale have 19" wheels so going for 18s would limit me. I've also heard stories of cracking on the 19" rims?

Thanks,
Jonathan

Hey Jonathan,

I think you will be ok with 19's. The ride is a bit softer than the first gen imo. But then again I plan on putting on KWV3's and putting in Bride racing seats in before the end of January.

[ManiacGT]

There's hardly any difference in ride quality between 19 and 18's. There is a huge difference in tyre prices however, 18's are a lot cheaper. Also yes 19's crack on UK roads, I've had lots of issues with this in Manchester. Three cracked wheels, and not exclusively 296 style either, some 326 have cracked. So, unless you really really want to spend more on tyres and get 'the 19" look' I'd go 18".

[Jonathanw]

Many thanks for the advice guys, think I'll hold out for a car with 18s on, at least until BMW make some wheels fit for our pothole ridden UK roads!