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Technical Topics Wheels and Tires Should I go with 18”, 19” or 20” wheels?

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      10-07-2018, 01:58 PM   #1
phillyd2
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Should I go with 18”, 19” or 20” wheels?

I see that all three sizes will be offered. What is the benefits and drawbacks of one over the other?
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      10-07-2018, 03:30 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
I see that all three sizes will be offered. What is the benefits and drawbacks of one over the other?
Only visual benefit with large wheels. I will get 18 on mine.
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      10-07-2018, 05:09 PM   #3
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Directionally, the larger the wheel, the heavier, thus slower to accelerate, longer to brake, reduction in fuel economy, lesser ride quality as the tire sidewall shrinks. The degree of change may vary and/or be small enough not to be an issue, but those are the directional changes...for the benefit of appearance, if you are so inclined. Replacement tires also become notably more expensive, as the tire manufacturers know the market will bear it for those who paid for larger wheels. I wouldn't choose larger than 18" given the general quality of the roads.
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      10-07-2018, 05:26 PM   #4
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I would go with 19.
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      10-07-2018, 06:04 PM   #5
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A larger wheel contributes to a more stable cornering feel. I’m not saying there is a performance benefit from this but a larger wheel on the same car has a shorter tire wall which bends less than a longer tire wall when exposed to cornering forces. On the other hand the shorter tire wall will give you a stiffer ride, less protection from curbs and potholes.

Visually my guess is that 19” is the sweet spot as it is on the F80. I also suspect it is a good compromise for ride quality.
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      10-08-2018, 12:15 AM   #6
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Visually I think the F30 looks best with a 19" wheel. Just my opinion. 20" looks cool too, but I think it makes the tire look like rubber bands. I like the look of meatier tires but 19" strickes a good balance between wheel size and tire size.

Performance-wise, a properly tuned suspension like the M Performance suspension and a set of lightweight 18" wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (non runflat) are the best you can do.
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      10-08-2018, 03:08 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by solstice View Post
A larger wheel contributes to a more stable cornering feel. I’m not saying there is a performance benefit from this but a larger wheel on the same car has a shorter tire wall which bends less than a longer tire wall when exposed to cornering forces. On the other hand the shorter tire wall will give you a stiffer ride, less protection from curbs and potholes.

Visually my guess is that 19” is the sweet spot as it is on the F80. I also suspect it is a good compromise for ride quality.
I agree with you for 19" on the F30 series, however the 20" on display in Paris on the G20 made complete sense and did not look to large at all.
It also depends a lot on the wheel design.
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      10-08-2018, 10:02 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Performance-wise, a properly tuned suspension like the M Performance suspension and a set of lightweight 18" wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (non runflat) are the best you can do.
Bingo! Now, OP just has to ask why they want this particular car. You can always put a poster of a 20" wheel up on the garage wall for "looks" and still drive the best performance alternative.
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      10-08-2018, 10:13 AM   #9
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19s. 18s look too small on the F30/G20. 20s look too big on the F30, and probably G20.
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      10-09-2018, 08:58 AM   #10
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I'll get the smallest diameter I can get that still has the widest width rubber. The F30 M sport was good about this (18" wheel options still came with the wider, staggered tire setup), but the current X3 requires you to step up to 20" wheels to get the 275 section rears.
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      10-09-2018, 12:18 PM   #11
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They are all non-forged really heavy wheels so don't pay to upgrade unless it is the only way to get non-runflats. Non-runflats came on the track package cars with the smaller 18" in the f30 so, I imagine the same for this. Keep the 18's as winter wheels and buy some nice lightweight wheels for the car.
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      10-09-2018, 12:27 PM   #12
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FIngers crossed that non-runflats are still an option.
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      10-09-2018, 03:25 PM   #13
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I just assumed they would come with run flats. My first experience with them were on my F30 and I finally gave up on them after my 5th bubble within a year and a half.

Been running Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 All-Seasons since without issue or drama.

For the next one I’ll get them changed before leaving the dealership.
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      10-10-2018, 03:11 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
I just assumed they would come with run flats. My first experience with them were on my F30 and I finally gave up on them after my 5th bubble within a year and a half.

Been running Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 All-Seasons since without issue or drama.

For the next one I’ll get them changed before leaving the dealership.
The Gxx cars mostly seem to have the option of not having runflats in the US configurator.

And I personlly thought the 19s looked a little too big on the f30 but are just right on the G20. I had 18s on my F30..... but for the G20 I really want the 19" individual style rims.
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      10-10-2018, 06:49 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hans007 View Post
The Gxx cars mostly seem to have the option of not having runflats in the US configurator.

And I personlly thought the 19s looked a little too big on the f30 but are just right on the G20. I had 18s on my F30..... but for the G20 I really want the 19" individual style rims.
That's good. Right now I'm also carry this Tire Mobility Kit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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      10-10-2018, 04:25 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
That's good. Right now I'm also carry this Tire Mobility Kit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yeah when I had my f30, I just had like a 3rd party slime kit similar to that once i switched to non runflats (i think i had kumho ecstas, and they were WAY better than the runflats for like 1/3 the price). On the configurator for the X3 xdrive30i for example... the non runflats are only on the 19" wheel option.

THeres 2 options. runflat and non. If you get non runflat, it automatically adds the "space saver spare for $150" in the Options tab.

Which is awesome. SO basically non runflats cost $150 less ... but you have to add the $150 spare. You always have the option of adding the spare even with runflats.... so in a way the non runflats actualyl cost $150 (if you wanted the spare anyway I suppose)
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      10-10-2018, 05:43 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hans007 View Post
Yeah when I had my f30, I just had like a 3rd party slime kit similar to that once i switched to non runflats (i think i had kumho ecstas, and they were WAY better than the runflats for like 1/3 the price). On the configurator for the X3 xdrive30i for example... the non runflats are only on the 19" wheel option.

THeres 2 options. runflat and non. If you get non runflat, it automatically adds the "space saver spare for $150" in the Options tab.

Which is awesome. SO basically non runflats cost $150 less ... but you have to add the $150 spare. You always have the option of adding the spare even with runflats.... so in a way the non runflats actualyl cost $150 (if you wanted the spare anyway I suppose)
That’s actually very awesome. When I bought my F30 I didn’t know it was an option. Although I may not have selected it since back then I fell in love with the idea of Run Flats. Live and learn!
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      10-10-2018, 06:46 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
That’s actually very awesome. When I bought my F30 I didn’t know it was an option. Although I may not have selected it since back then I fell in love with the idea of Run Flats. Live and learn!
Oh it wasnt an option on the F30.... the current G01 X3 though its an option and I think you can do it on the G30 also. Maybe any car that has the space saver tire option available , has A non runflat option. Doesn't seem to be on every rim style / size, but there seems to be at least 1 non runflat option in the configurator at bmwusa.com
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      10-10-2018, 07:38 PM   #19
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Wow optional non-runflats with a space saving spare? That is amazing.

Too bad they're getting rid of the manual. This car is shaping up to be really good otherwise. (Sorry to bring it up, I just really cannot believe I won't be able to order an M340i with a stick).
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      10-10-2018, 07:46 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hans007 View Post
Oh it wasnt an option on the F30.... the current G01 X3 though its an option and I think you can do it on the G30 also. Maybe any car that has the space saver tire option available , has A non runflat option. Doesn't seem to be on every rim style / size, but there seems to be at least 1 non runflat option in the configurator at bmwusa.com
Gotcha. Any clue what the non run flat option will be?
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      10-10-2018, 07:54 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by hans007 View Post
Oh it wasnt an option on the F30.... the current G01 X3 though its an option and I think you can do it on the G30 also. Maybe any car that has the space saver tire option available , has A non runflat option. Doesn't seem to be on every rim style / size, but there seems to be at least 1 non runflat option in the configurator at bmwusa.com
Gotcha. Any clue what the non run flat option will be?
Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by hans007 View Post
Oh it wasnt an option on the F30.... the current G01 X3 though its an option and I think you can do it on the G30 also. Maybe any car that has the space saver tire option available , has A non runflat option. Doesn't seem to be on every rim style / size, but there seems to be at least 1 non runflat option in the configurator at bmwusa.com
Gotcha. Any clue what the non run flat option will be?
no idea. guess we'll all all have to wait until the order guides
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      12-22-2018, 05:19 AM   #22
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no idea. guess we'll all all have to wait until the order guides

2019 BMW 330i and 330i xDrive Ordering Guide and Pricing Guide
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