18's for snow tires?

[dekaliber]

After a winter driving with 17x7.5" wheels and Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's, I've come to really dislike the look of 17"s on the Z4 coupe. I normally have the style 203 rims that come with the sport package. I've been considering selling my current set of snow tires/wheels and getting some of the euro-spec 18"s with the same tires in a larger diameter.

I know smaller and narrower is always better for winter driving, but I'm wondering with the same type of snow tires, how much it really matters. I'll be moving from 225/45R17 (7.5" wide) to 225/40R18 (8" wide front, 8.5" wide back).

Cosmetics are important but of course safety first! I'm just wondering how much it actually matters. I have a short commute so I don't think I'd ever be in a situation where I'm stranded miles from home in a foot of snow.

[EdmM3]

Since the tread width (225) is the same, there won't be any difference. All you are changing is the height of the rubber, and the slight taper from the wheel to the tread.

I am using 18" winters (245/40/18) on my 530i. No problems.

[Hawkeye]

Yeah, the staggered wheel setup is on M models only. Us 3.0si cars have the same wheels all around.

[AtoB]

Originally Posted by dekaliber

After a winter driving with 17x7.5" wheels and Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's, I've come to really dislike the look of 17"s on the Z4 coupe. I normally have the style 203 rims that come with the sport package. I've been considering selling my current set of snow tires/wheels and getting some of the euro-spec 18"s with the same tires in a larger diameter.

I know smaller and narrower is always better for winter driving, but I'm wondering with the same type of snow tires, how much it really matters. I'll be moving from 225/45R17 (7.5" wide) to 225/40R18 (8" wide front, 8.5" wide back).

Cosmetics are important but of course safety first! I'm just wondering how much it actually matters. I have a short commute so I don't think I'd ever be in a situation where I'm stranded miles from home in a foot of snow.

i have snows on an extra set of 18" M wheels.... drives great in the snow.

[dekaliber]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet. Thanks everyone!

Any opinion on rims? I'm thinking either style 135
or the style 108 that comes with the roadster si SP.

I'll probably go remanufactured to save some $$. Anybody have experience with remanufactured rims?

[AtoB]

Originally Posted by dekaliber

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet. Thanks everyone!

Any opinion on rims? I'm thinking either style 135
or the style 108 that comes with the roadster si SP.

I'll probably go remanufactured to save some $$. Anybody have experience with remanufactured rims?

i'm running Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's too. excellent tire.
i'd stay away from the 108's for winter rims.... corrosion issue galore.
stick with painted rims.... like the 135's... or some 107's. there should be some deals on ebay. i picked up a set of 107 for my old 3.0 for $400.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by AtoB

i'm running Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's too. excellent tire.
i'd stay away from the 108's for winter rims.... corrosion issue galore.
stick with painted rims.... like the 135's... or some 107's. there should be some deals on ebay. i picked up a set of 107 for my old 3.0 for $400.

Do you still have the 107s? Sorry,

[AtoB]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Do you still have the 107s? Sorry,

no, don't kill me... but the winter wheels actually were pretty banged up. i tossed them. refinishing them made no $ense.

[dekaliber]

Are the 108s not clear-coated? I was pretty set on the 135's before but the design of the 108s and the fact that they look a lot easier to clean have been growing on me. I hadn't thought about corrosion though. We do have incredibly salty roads in the winter here.

[AtoB]

Originally Posted by dekaliber

Are the 108s not clear-coated? I was pretty set on the 135's before but the design of the 108s and the fact that they look a lot easier to clean have been growing on me. I hadn't thought about corrosion though. We do have incredibly salty roads in the winter here.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewto...ilit=corrosion

[dekaliber]

Oh damn! That is bad news. Thanks for the advice AtoB! Looks like I'll be getting the 135s...

[F87LUV]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Yeah, the staggered wheel setup is on M models only. Us 3.0si cars have the same wheels all around.

Negative!!

Sport Package
Includes 18" x 8" front and 18" x 8.5" rear Star Spoke (style 203) alloy wheels with 225/40WR18 front and 255/35WR18 rear performance run-flat tires, 15 mm (0.6 inch) lowered suspension with firmer springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars and Dynamic Driving Control (DDC) Sport button. When the DDC Sport button is engaged, the throttle response is quicker and steering effort is increased.

Its ok though... I will still have your babies even if you dunno what our car comes with.

[AtoB]

Originally Posted by ZGirl4U

Negative!!



Its ok though... I will still have your babies even if you dunno what our car comes with.

she's right on.... 3.0 sport package 107's are staggered.

[F87LUV]

PS OP, im about to take off my dunlop winters.... only used for a few thousand miles if youre interested in buying em