18s or 19s on a 2011?

[tssgery]

I have a 2011 Z4 35i with 19" wheels and sport suspension.

I'm looking to get some aftermarket wheels and am wondering if I'd be better served sticking with 19" or going to 18". I've seen some people suggest that 18" gives a smoother ride as well as being less expensive.

Is there any benefit to the 18" wheels for my car?

[Ichiro]

IMO it depends on the type of wheel you're looking at...

If the spokes go from edge to edge then you can possibly get away with 18s

If the wheel design you're after has a lip then its best to go for 19" as the spokes look smaller in this style to compensate for the space taken up by the lip.

18s will defintely give you more rubber on the sidewalls and depending on the type of tyre should give a more refined ride and lower nvh. I still prefer the look of 19s as they fill the wheel well better and look tops especially if you have the Msport kit.

Mind sharing a picture of what styles you are considering?

[jparnes1]

are you running RFT's? Have you been comfortable with the ride of 19" wheels and these tires? If you plan to stick with RFT's most people find less harshness with the 18" set up.
The bigger the wheel, the greater the chances for wheel damage, so wheel insurance is something that may make sense.

[tssgery]

Originally Posted by Ichiro

IMO it depends on the type of wheel you're looking at...

If the spokes go from edge to edge then you can possibly get away with 18s

If the wheel design you're after has a lip then its best to go for 19" as the spokes look smaller in this style to compensate for the space taken up by the lip.

18s will defintely give you more rubber on the sidewalls and depending on the type of tyre should give a more refined ride and lower nvh. I still prefer the look of 19s as they fill the wheel well better and look tops especially if you have the Msport kit.

Mind sharing a picture of what styles you are considering?

I like the look of the 19s, just wondering about the ride differences.

I'm looking at the VMR V710 or the VMR VB3, or similarly styled wheels

[tssgery]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

are you running RFT's? Have you been comfortable with the ride of 19" wheels and these tires? If you plan to stick with RFT's most people find less harshness with the 18" set up.
The bigger the wheel, the greater the chances for wheel damage, so wheel insurance is something that may make sense.

Thanks. I have the RFTs on today but will be moving to non-RFT with the new wheels. The ride's been 'ok' so far, but a little harsh due to the firmness of the tires.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by tssgery

Is there any benefit to the 18" wheels for my car?

wheel+tire weight (i.e. better wheel control) , tire selection

[Blu Yea]

I have the 19" 296's. Run flats on the front and super sports on the back.
Just worked out that way.
I'm happy with the 19 look but hated rft on the back for obvious reasons.