Borrowing 18" Or 17" alloys

[March2008]

Has anyone asked a dealer if they can try different sized wheels on their car? The roads around me seem to be getting worse by the year, fancied trying the Cayman on something smaller and perhaps more compliant. Does anyone notice that their 19s cause a bit of a bobbling thumping noise at low speeds??? I thought it was suspension, but whilst having its discs done last week all the gubbins were checked and all was in good condition.

[pheaduser]

I have a CaymanS with 18" wheels. Dont experience any noise your talking about.
I recently changed to winter tyres and it seems a tiny bit better at tackling bumps, but youd hardly notice it.
I find the ride extremely hard, though I had a saloon before it, so Im coming from something that could handle any type of bumpy surface.
I actually avoid manhole covers/etc now. I once had a passenger hold 2 cups of takeway coffee (with the usual lids on) while I drove, and by the time we'd travelled back a short distance they where covered in coffee. Makes me wonder what the cup holders are for, cos if Id put the drinks in there it wouldve redecorated the front of the car in coffee. Maybe they should only be used when stationary.

[Trev450]

My Cayman S runs 19" during the summer and 18" with winter tyres from around November until March. There is no question that the ride on the 18's is better, but the car looks better on 19's. Just depends upon what you want I guess.

[March2008]

Its the old Poser problem again! I love the Sport Design 19's on it, and think the 17s look quite literally revolting. The 18's seem like an OK compromise.

I'm not keen on forking out £1000 on a set of wheels/tyres if there's hardly any difference, and I still get the same low speed noise. I'm going to give my OPC a call, see if they can help me out with set of 18's to try. Toes crossed.

[Exel Wheels]

Most of our customers do report a much better ride and handling on 18's over 19's. We provide sets for trial periods to assess handling, and have 18" Cayman fitment in silver or black so you can also play with the looks too! Its all part of our refurb service. We do offer this service, including fitting and removal without refurb too. If we can help please contact via www.exelwheels.co.uk or call 07885 259571.

[Carl_Docklands]

I don't have a bobbling noise on the 19s (PS2s), I do on the 18s (Alpins). It could be the tyre and tread...

[March2008]

Now that's an interesting response, I've only really noticed it since I had a new set of Pilot Sport 2's on last year, but I didn't really associate it with the new tyres at the time. I wouldn't expect PS2s to give this effect. Anyone else had a duff set? Pressure's etc are as they should be.

p.s. Nice pictures on the Exel wheels website. A good example of a Cayman with 17s too! Yuck!

Edited by March2008 on Monday 9th January 22:05

[Exel Wheels]

To OP, I note you are in Lincs (I am from there). I'll be in Goole hopefully next week so there is an opportunity to drop by with loaners....