Going from 19'' 296 to 18'' or 17''?

chekham · 09-14-2017, 01:47 PM

Hi,

I am new on the forum.
As many people here, I have the nightmare 296 19'' rims with the wooden Potenza RFT. The rear keeps cracking so I am definitely changing wheels and going away from RFT.

Where I live the roads are not very good, so I am definitely downsizing to 18 or 17, but I am not sure what I should get. I am definitely looking for some comfort, given that what I have gives me very little of that, but I am afraid that going to 17 inch may be too much?

I am considering the 17 only because of the bad conditions of the roads, so I don't damage the wheels. Now, 18 inch may be enough for that, but I don't have experience with any of them. If you can give me some advice I'll be super grateful!

I am considering the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 for the tyres.

Thanks a lot!

distinctperson · 09-14-2017, 06:36 PM

Have you considered keeping your 19" wheels and going non-RFT only ? That alone should make a world of difference.

paris1 · 09-14-2017, 06:46 PM

If his roads are has bad as he implies, 30 and 35 series NRF tires can still do a number on a 19" rim when encountering a good sized pothole. I can see why he's concerned!

Deljus · 09-14-2017, 08:12 PM

I'm in the same boat my friend. I recently relocated to Texas for work about a month ago and have already cracked 3 wheels (2 rear, 1 front) in that time. Add that to the 2 rear wheels I cracked last year, while working in New Mexico, and that's 5 wheels in less than 2 years. The technician at Discount Tire suggested I move down to 18", but I'm uncertain if even that's enough. Does anyone else here have 18" wheels, and have they cracked?

paris1 · 09-15-2017, 12:53 AM

I don't think you'll find too many cracked 18" BMW rims, that was a particular problem with the 296 style 19". But it's still possible to damage (bend) them if you're running RFTs over really bad roads.

chekham · 09-15-2017, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by distinctperson

Have you considered keeping your 19" wheels and going non-RFT only ? That alone should make a world of difference.

I have actually thought about that, but my concern is that, because the wheel is cracked, even with non-RFT it will keep cracking anyway? I have read a lot about the fact that going non-RFT makes a world of a difference even keeping the 19'', but how do I know my rears won't crack? Then I'll lose all the money of the new 19'' tyres, since I'll have to go to 18 or 17 anyway. What do you think?

chekham · 09-15-2017, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paris1

I don't think you'll find too many cracked 18" BMW rims, that was a particular problem with the 296 style 19". But it's still possible to damage (bend) them if you're running RFTs over really bad roads.

So you think the probability of cracking an 18'' with non-RFT is pretty low?

distinctperson · 09-15-2017, 03:39 AM

Let me elaborate a little bit. I've had both 18" (forgot which style, OE E89 35i) and 19" (296 and 326) runnin on both run-flats and non-run-flats. The worst combo to date has been 326 on run flats. Absolutely terrible.

18", even on OE run-flats were honestly quite tolerable for me, with the worst downside being the noise level. So no problem there, although the noise level and grip improved rather significantly when replaced with MPSS.

296 and 326 (in particular) provided a very harsh ride, even on the comparatively well developed roads of Silicon Valley. I bent a 326 front wheel as well as damaged the tire going over a not-so-serious pothole running OE run-flats. After replacing with MPSS, I drove over the same pothole deliberately (at roughly same speed) and, surprise surprise: it felt like I'd just run over a very minor pothole. So, for me, the difference was much more significant when replacing OE run-flats with MPSS on 296 and 326 than on OE 18".

In conclusion, even with MPSS on, going over bumps was noticeably softer when I had 18" equipped. So really no way for you to find out without experiencing both and then deciding -- although that's a costly option.

paris1 · 09-15-2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chekham

So you think the probability of cracking an 18'' with non-RFT is pretty low?

Probably, yes. However, from my experience in general (not with BMWs specifically) the possibility of bending an 18" rim on poor roads is very real.

Lurcher · 09-15-2017, 10:08 AM

18" with MPSS here - no problems

Deljus - where in TX? I'm up in Plano (N of Dallas)

jts1981 · 09-15-2017, 08:03 PM

You can stay 19 inch amd go with forged wheels and non runflats. Whats your budget OP?

NoQuarter · 09-15-2017, 11:59 PM

Best day in my E60 was getting my new 19" wheels.

Better than that was when I switched to 17" wheels

chekham · 09-16-2017, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurcher

18" with MPSS here - no problems

Deljus - where in TX? I'm up in Plano (N of Dallas)

Which 18'' model are you using?

chekham · 09-16-2017, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

Best day in my E60 was getting my new 19" wheels.

Better than that was when I switched to 17" wheels

Any thoughts about the look of the car after going to 17''?

porshah · 09-16-2017, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurcher

18" with MPSS here - no problems

Deljus - where in TX? I'm up in Plano (N of Dallas)

Same for me. I didn't crack the 19's but I found the ride quality terrible.

Since switching to 18" and non RFT I have been very happy.

Lurcher · 09-19-2017, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chekham

Which 18'' model are you using?

293

http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/Z

Deljus · 09-19-2017, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurcher

18" with MPSS here - no problems

Deljus - where in TX? I'm up in Plano (N of Dallas)

Thanks for your input, that's reassuring. I think I'll go with the 18s then. 17s just don't look good lol. I'm in Mexia, a small town about 1.5 hrs SW of Dallas. Dirt/rocky roads, potholes, ditches abound out here in the boonies!

sgt3966 · 09-20-2017, 05:59 AM

Not that I am planning on, but if you guys go from Run Flats to Non- Run Flats and are going to carry a can of Flat fix in your truck, won't that destroy the TPMS?

NoQuarter · 09-20-2017, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chekham

Any thoughts about the look of the car after going to 17''?

These were my winter set so I just switched the winter tires for summer tires this season. The car spends 5 months in the winter wheels so am already used to the 17" look.

Black wheels, black tires so not a bad combination. Not sure I would like it if I had a silver 17" wheel.

So much more comfortable to ride in on bad roads and I no longer live in fear of damaging my wheels. I have enough things to maintain... glad I have this headache behind me.

However... I am talking specifically on my E60. Don't know about the looks on the E89 but the comfort would be there for sure.

My buddies Porsche Boxter is on 17"

pavproch · 09-21-2017, 02:33 AM

Went from StYle 296 19" + RFT (Bridgestone) to Style 296 19" (Pzero) + nonRFT to 19" OZ Ultraleggera + non RFT (Michelin PSS) and.... THE VERY INCREDIBLE change in driving behaviour...

Lurcher · 09-21-2017, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deljus

Thanks for your input, that's reassuring. I think I'll go with the 18s then. 17s just don't look good lol. I'm in Mexia, a small town about 1.5 hrs SW of Dallas. Dirt/rocky roads, potholes, ditches abound out here in the boonies!

Yea, that is a small town. If you ever get up her to the big city (cars & coffee at Classic BMW 1st Sat of every month) - let me know....

Fish Eagle · 09-22-2017, 09:24 AM

I went from 296 RFT 19's (which cracked terribly) to nRFT 18's with Michelin PS4's and I'm very happy.
Vastly improved ride quality, horrible scuttle-shake in the rear gone, and overall the car just feels so much better.
And the 18's are fine with quite extreme potholes.

BTW, did I say that I live in South Africa. Our potholes look like this...

09-14-2017, 01:47 PM	#1
chekham New Member 1 Rep 9 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 SDrive 23i Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Dhahran iTrader: (0)	Going from 19'' 296 to 18'' or 17''? Hi, I am new on the forum. As many people here, I have the nightmare 296 19'' rims with the wooden Potenza RFT. The rear keeps cracking so I am definitely changing wheels and going away from RFT. Where I live the roads are not very good, so I am definitely downsizing to 18 or 17, but I am not sure what I should get. I am definitely looking for some comfort, given that what I have gives me very little of that, but I am afraid that going to 17 inch may be too much? I am considering the 17 only because of the bad conditions of the roads, so I don't damage the wheels. Now, 18 inch may be enough for that, but I don't have experience with any of them. If you can give me some advice I'll be super grateful! I am considering the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 for the tyres. Thanks a lot!
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09-14-2017, 06:36 PM	#2
distinctperson Human 36 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2014 E89 35is Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Have you considered keeping your 19" wheels and going non-RFT only ? That alone should make a world of difference.
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09-14-2017, 06:46 PM	#3
paris1 Captain 90 Rep 745 Posts Drives: 2013 35i Space Grey over Coral Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Northern Calif. iTrader: (0)	If his roads are has bad as he implies, 30 and 35 series NRF tires can still do a number on a 19" rim when encountering a good sized pothole. I can see why he's concerned!
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09-14-2017, 08:12 PM	#4
Deljus New Member 3 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I'm in the same boat my friend. I recently relocated to Texas for work about a month ago and have already cracked 3 wheels (2 rear, 1 front) in that time. Add that to the 2 rear wheels I cracked last year, while working in New Mexico, and that's 5 wheels in less than 2 years. The technician at Discount Tire suggested I move down to 18", but I'm uncertain if even that's enough. Does anyone else here have 18" wheels, and have they cracked? __________________ VRSF DCI / ER CP / TiAL BOV / VRSF 7" FMIC / VRSF DP / Supersprint Cat-back exhaust / Beyern Spartan 19" / LUX V5 Angel Eyes / MHD 2+
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09-15-2017, 12:53 AM	#5
paris1 Captain 90 Rep 745 Posts Drives: 2013 35i Space Grey over Coral Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Northern Calif. iTrader: (0)	I don't think you'll find too many cracked 18" BMW rims, that was a particular problem with the 296 style 19". But it's still possible to damage (bend) them if you're running RFTs over really bad roads.
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09-15-2017, 03:39 AM	#8
distinctperson Human 36 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2014 E89 35is Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Let me elaborate a little bit. I've had both 18" (forgot which style, OE E89 35i) and 19" (296 and 326) runnin on both run-flats and non-run-flats. The worst combo to date has been 326 on run flats. Absolutely terrible. 18", even on OE run-flats were honestly quite tolerable for me, with the worst downside being the noise level. So no problem there, although the noise level and grip improved rather significantly when replaced with MPSS. 296 and 326 (in particular) provided a very harsh ride, even on the comparatively well developed roads of Silicon Valley. I bent a 326 front wheel as well as damaged the tire going over a not-so-serious pothole running OE run-flats. After replacing with MPSS, I drove over the same pothole deliberately (at roughly same speed) and, surprise surprise: it felt like I'd just run over a very minor pothole. So, for me, the difference was much more significant when replacing OE run-flats with MPSS on 296 and 326 than on OE 18". In conclusion, even with MPSS on, going over bumps was noticeably softer when I had 18" equipped. So really no way for you to find out without experiencing both and then deciding -- although that's a costly option.
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09-15-2017, 10:08 AM	#10
Lurcher Captain 75 Rep 679 Posts Drives: 2012 z4 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Buford, GA (right side of ATL) iTrader: (0)	18" with MPSS here - no problems Deljus - where in TX? I'm up in Plano (N of Dallas)
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09-15-2017, 08:03 PM	#11
jts1981 Captain 212 Rep 887 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	You can stay 19 inch amd go with forged wheels and non runflats. Whats your budget OP?
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09-15-2017, 11:59 PM	#12
NoQuarter Captain 164 Rep 906 Posts Drives: 2008 535xi / 2011 Z4 35Is Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X2 [0.00] 2008 535xi [0.00] 2011 Z4 35is [0.00]	Best day in my E60 was getting my new 19" wheels. Better than that was when I switched to 17" wheels
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09-20-2017, 05:59 AM	#18
sgt3966 Private First Class 19 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2015 Z4 & 2016 X3 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Not that I am planning on, but if you guys go from Run Flats to Non- Run Flats and are going to carry a can of Flat fix in your truck, won't that destroy the TPMS?
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09-21-2017, 02:33 AM	#20
pavproch Private First Class 9 Rep 184 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i & 330ixT Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: CZ iTrader: (0)	Went from StYle 296 19" + RFT (Bridgestone) to Style 296 19" (Pzero) + nonRFT to 19" OZ Ultraleggera + non RFT (Michelin PSS) and.... THE VERY INCREDIBLE change in driving behaviour... __________________ Daily:330ix 6MT - PBX, HR SportSprings, Koni Yellows, OZ Ultraleggera 18", PI+PE, CDV off, UUC sways, M235i SportBrake (front), Cquence rotors (rear), 3.64 diffs, LSD rear Funcar: Z4 3.0i 6MT - HR SportSprings +sways, OZ Ultraleggera 19", 5.00 diff by Drexler, CDV off, Quaife LSD, M235i SportBrake (front), Cquence rotors (rear)
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09-22-2017, 09:24 AM	#22
Fish Eagle New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 3.0 sDrive Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	I went from 296 RFT 19's (which cracked terribly) to nRFT 18's with Michelin PS4's and I'm very happy. Vastly improved ride quality, horrible scuttle-shake in the rear gone, and overall the car just feels so much better. And the 18's are fine with quite extreme potholes. BTW, did I say that I live in South Africa. Our potholes look like this... Attached Images
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