[dawho1]

New to BMW; due to the wife and I get along a little too well, starting in a few weeks I can't make a coupe work any longer because trying to stuff more than one child in the back is problematic.

I picked up a 2013 328xi earlier this week. Basically, it's taken me this long to become even remotely familiar with the nomenclature (F30? if you say so!) and the car itself. (no feedback for volume level? or turbo pressure? Am I missing an easy setting, or just not supposed to worry about it?)

I have 17" style 393 wheels on the car right now. I know this because the dealer gave me a printout that I found about 10 minutes after finding an awesome thread on this forum about the F30 stock wheel options.

I really dislike these rims for whatever reason, and I'm looking into getting something else. I'm in MN, so I'm also considering keeping the 393's with the brand new Pirelli Cinturato P7 All-Seasons for winter use.

I liked the 18" that came stock on my g37, so never really dug into the idea of replacing rims. The the glut of info I'm finding about offsets, spacers, clearance, brakes, etc is a bit overwhelming.

On to my actual questions!

Looking to put at least 18" on this guy, but a lot of the wheels I've found seem to come in 19" for this car via the "wizards", so that might be where I end up.

First, I don't plan on staggering, but are there any other considerations I need to make for an AWD?

Second, if I go from 225/50/R17 7.5" to a 19" 8.5" wheel, what tire should I be considering? 245/35/R19 seems reasonable, but I'm not sure what offset I'd need on the wheel. Am I correct in assuming that a higher offset will make the wheel protrude less from the body of the car, but will place the structure of the wheel close to the brake assembly?

Are there any generic "go-to" sizes/specs for 19" wheels and tires that are known to work well?

Nothing special about the car, not lowered, no M packages, no brake upgrade that I can see.

Sorry about the wall of text, thanks in advance for any info or help!

[.BMW.]

You're correct regarding offsets!

Generally ET35 will be safe with 8.5" wide wheels, but depending on tire size you might want slightly more aggressive (lower) offset. ET30 with 225 tires, ET30-35 with 235 and ET35 with 245 will all be flush fitments.

Finally som tire size options for 18" and 19" square setups.

18" tire options:
225/45-18 (OEM size)
235/45-18 (1% taller)
245/45-18 (2% taller)
235/40-18 (2% shorter)
245/40-18 (1% shorter)

19" tire options:
225/40-19 (OEM size)
235/40-19 (1% taller)
245/40-19 (2% taller)
235/35-19 (2% shorter)
245/35-19 (1% shorter)

[dawho1]

Thanks for the info and taking the time to help me get up to speed!

[DrivenByE30]

...
due to the wife and I get along a little too well, [... = ...] one child ...

I am afraid we will have to withhold any further information until you share with us your detailed secrets for a successful partnership with the wife

J/k congrats on the new adventures alongside with your awesome other half


Looks like you already have the answer you need...



For considerations, how about non-run-flats (regular tires)?

[floydarogers]

Don't forget that going up in wheel size results in a lower tire sidewall, which results in a harsher ride (also better turn-in and possibly other handling improvements). However, as this is a baby-mover, the harsh ride of 19" over 18" may not be desirable. YMMV, of course.

[dawho1]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Don't forget that going up in wheel size results in a lower tire sidewall, which results in a harsher ride (also better turn-in and possibly other handling improvements). However, as this is a baby-mover, the harsh ride of 19" over 18" may not be desirable. YMMV, of course.

Good point. Is there any type of evidence that would pass as empirical in this space about how much harsher it may be?

Honestly, these kids will be getting shuttled about 1.2mi to daycare along back streets. I'm responsible for getting them to daycare, the wife generally picks them up, and we generally take her car for anything we need to load up for. (though yeah, I can see that possibly changing)

I suppose I could pop over to the dealership and ask to drive a 3 series with both 18s and 19s, see if they have anything to help out.

[dawho1]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

For considerations, how about non-run-flats (regular tires)?

Yeah, definitely a possibility, probably even more so if I keep the current tires with AS for winter use. I've had more than my share of tire/wheel problems, and all but one of those occurred in the winter months. I'd entertain non RFTs and a donut.

These are my first run flats, and I don't have any major complaints so far, but I'm assuming handling and noise are the primary issues people raise?

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by dawho1

...
I suppose I could pop over to the dealership and ask to drive a 3 series with both 18s and 19s, see if they have anything to help out.

Probably the best way to decide. IMO, 1.2 miles to the daycare isn't going to be a problem. It's a bit more wearing on longer trips, especially on concrete. But all this is kind of personal - some people love the sporty ride, others driving the same car hate it.

Personally, my wife's 2014 328d xDrive, same Pirelli tires, is almost perfect in the ride department. Note that BMW went to 225/50R17 for the F3x as the standard tire from a 225/45R17 on the E9x precisely to soften the ride of the RFT's a bit. My E90 335d with sport package and 18" RFT is significantly firmer (not harsh IMO), and on some poorer road surfaces is not so fun at all. IME (I use go-flats during the winter), go-flats don't significantly improve the ride.

Lots of people swear by go-flats, but IMO RFTs are fine. Read all the threads with "discussions" of the pros and cons of go-flats versus RFTs. Especially consider the following: would you want your wife and kids to be out on a freeway shoulder changing/repairing a go-flat at night in bad weather when she could have driven on a RFT to the next exit?