17`s or 18`s for E36

[scottbm]

I am just about to swap my 18in csl for some 17in bbs originals.

I have been told that exceleration is better with 17`s

[Mroad]

scottbm said:

I am just about to swap my 18in csl for some 17in bbs originals.

I have been told that exceleration is better with 17`s

Acceleration is dependent on the overall tyre diameter and not the rim size. Another important factor is the weight of the wheel, the lower the weight the better, it means the suspension can work better.

[Kerry540]

If you go from 18" to 17" wheels, you will also increase the tyre profile height therefore making the overall rolling circumference roughly the same. There will therefore be no gear ratio change and no change to performance.

The weight of the wheels is a factor but very minimal, it would take a very good driver indeed to notice this change in acceleration but a lighter tyre/wheel combination will improve handling by reducing unsprung weight.

Kerry, xxxx

[slavic]

Stick to 18". These look better and like Kerry says, they dont make much difference to the acceleration unless you reduce the overall rolling radius.

If its of any interest, i have some BBS RS Gt 18" 8x18 & 9x18 replicas that i could sell you. They are on my car at the moment, but looking to sell the car and putting standard wheels back on.

[BountyHunter]

the ride will be better on 17's
car will likely turn in and accelerate slightly better too.

[chrisr29]

Stick the 17's on, they look much better. I take it they are the split rim variety?

[Mroad]

Tyres will generally be slightly cheaper for 17in rims too.

[scottbm]

I feel happy that the 17in advice worked out. Swapped the wheels now so no going back. Somebody else said it was better with 17in.
More money towards tyres. YIPPEE

[paoloh]

Why not go for 18s?

Have a set of MV1s going cheap

[driftdaddy]

i have 18's on my car not out of choice though i have to to clear the brakes, if that wasnt the case ide also have some 17" bbs splits and yes the smaller the rolling radius and the les weight the faster the car will be

[jordano]

slavic said:

Stick to 18". These look better and like Kerry says, they dont make much difference to the acceleration unless you reduce the overall rolling radius.

If its of any interest, i have some BBS RS Gt 18" 8x18 & 9x18 replicas that i could sell you. They are on my car at the moment, but looking to sell the car and putting standard wheels back on.

Hi am looking for some 18 split rims for my e36 cabriolet do you have a pic of yours cheers John.

[scottbm]

selling my split rims now. just bought new wheels with toyo tyres.
anyone interested in 17in fair condition wheels (need some tlc) with 4 tyres with 3-5mm treads