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[dah]

I know, I know, there are a 1000 threads with pics, etc., but I am torn on whether to go with 18" or 19" wheels. 19" just seems super large for a ~25" diameter tire. Besides the 19" 230 wheel BMW option, I can't think of another car that runs such low profile tires stock.

I currently drive an S2000 with 16" and 17" wheels (autocross/street). The handling is excellent and the ride somewhat brutal.

The problem with 18" is that nobody seems to make them in proper offsets to fit 235/275 tires.

The stock wheels look OK, but I like changing wheels to make my car a little more unique. As a bonus, ditching the runflats and running 275 rears would be nice.

[TMack]

I know I'm in the minority on this, but, for the most part, I think that 19's look too big on E90/92's....unless they're gun metal. A stark, bright silver 19" just looks out of proportion. 18's look perfect and will be lighter. -TMc

[SV Concepts]

With the E46 this was the big question... 18's or 19's.
With the E92, in my opinion, if you're going to do it, you must go with 19's or 20's. 18's are completely out of the question. Personally, I think 18's were too small even on the E46.

We sell a lot of 20's for the E92 and people have never complained - so 19's should be just fine

[SV Concepts]

Also, I initially had 18's on one of my cars and it was rough as hell... I mean REALLY bumpy. So I bought a set of 19's "for show only" and planned to switch them for daily driving... however I soon realized that the 19's with quality tires handled better than the 18's with piss poor tires. The compound (soft, medium, hard), class (is this a high performance summer or an all-season tire, etc), and most importantly, INFLATION (there is a perfect balance, believe me) of the tires will make a much bigger difference than an extra 1" in diameter, which ultimately means only 1/2" less space between your wheel and the road at any given time.

With that, I highly suggest 19's. 18's are just too small on a car that easily fits 20's!

[Sniz]

I think 19's are perfect on this car for daily driving, my car rides very smooth unless you hit a major road disturbance, smoother than the stock suspension and RFT.

[dah]

OK, I concede that 19" wheels look better, but that is the only benefit. I've had 17" wheels for 9 years on various cars and never bent a rim or bulged a tire. Knock on wood, I've never even had a flat in 20 years. I worry 19's will easily be bent and curb rashed, and they hurt performance a little.

Interesting that some are using 20" wheels! Guess I'll search around and see how that is working out.

[Heat00]

i kind of agree, almost pulled the trigger on 19's but a lot of the areas where I drive are not great, no spare on top of that and its a making for disaster lol.
I do admit 19's look better but if you are on shady roads it will be a problem...
in the meantime I guess I have learned to love my OEM (sport) rims lol.... at least until these brickstone RFT's are done lmao.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by Sniz

I think 19's are perfect on this car for daily driving, my car rides very smooth unless you hit a major road disturbance, smoother than the stock suspension and RFT.

great pic

size looks perfectly proportional

[halB]

I use 19's and I have no complain. They don't look too big because these iForges are black in the middle. The ride with 19" non-runflats is actually quite a bit better than the stock 18" runflats.

[Boost Gomez]

I've been looking for a Monaco Blue with black rims combo.. Looks great.

[Jet335i]

i have the 230's and i love them....though the ride is somewhat brutal on the crappy roads I take to work. Still, they def look a lot better than the stock 18's. I know the RFT's suck, so first sight of a bubble or nail, I'll swap out the tires for some T1R's (ps2's preferably but I'm not a baller).

[SV Concepts]

Honestly, guys, a well-made 19" wheel is not really more likely to bend vs. an 18" wheel. The difference in strength is negligible, to be honest, and is more dependent on the tire than anything. I have been on 19's for nearly 4 years now, and have driven the car through Oakland (read: pot hole city) with no problems...

Still, if you prefer 18's, there are some good options!

[Rips335iCoupe]

Please .... 19's all the way!

[wushuhsu]

If you track or autocross, or ever think you might, get 18" --- they're lighter and have more tire choices.

[BRDHNTR]

I was going to get 18"s, but ended up getting 19"s and I love them. I haven't bent one (yet), so for now they are great. Plus they now make Pilot Sport Cup tires for my 19"s in case I decide to track the car, or make it a weekend car instead of DD.

[wushuhsu]

If you track or autocross, or ever think you might, get 18" --- they're lighter and have more tire choices.

[Flea7]

For the coupes I think the 20's look best!

19's for the sedans....

[halB]

Originally Posted by wushuhsu

If you track or autocross, or ever think you might, get 18" --- they're lighter and have more tire choices.

+1

Cars with 18's should accelerate slightly quicker than those with identical 19's because of reduced moment of inertia.

19's are mostly for looks and marginal improvement in corning.

[to_riffic]

i'd never downsize to 18s...i started w/ stock style 230s and then got m6 reps, then iforge daytonas, and now finally settled on volk te37s...

[jeho]

if you are into tracking (circuit), no doubt 18s...
Most 4pot front bbk will fit,
6pot will require 19s but the 4pot and 18s is damn well enough...

IMO get 19s if u dont plan on running R-comps or MAX summer tires (re01r / ad07 / direzza z1 sport)....

I think 18s look perfect for the car, it all depends on what style rims too...
If u get say 18 inch BBS rims with a deep lip, it will definately look small.
BUT if u get say 18 inch advan rs or SSR comps, 18 is perfect

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by Flea7

For the coupes I think the 20's look best!

19's for the sedans....

Maybe so, but for some of us that live in areas with poor roads and potholes, the 19"ers are more practical and look good as well.

[dah]

OK, I looked up the various threads and prices for 20" wheels/tires. Haha, $300+ per tire!! Most looked rediculous, but to each their own.

I didn't dare search to see who has put 21" wheels on.

My S2000 17" wheels are BBS RG-Rs with zero problems, but BBS wheels are super expensive now - Dollar exchange rate I suppose.

Like I said, I was prepared to 'upsize' to 18", but selection is poor

Is the above car on stock suspension?

thanks for everyones replys