19" v 18" Alloys - BMW 3 series coupe

[Tea Pot One]

I've tried searching but can't get the search feature to work today !

I have a 58 plate 3 series M Sport coupe with 18" alloys and RFT's

I am looking at a 59 plate M Sport coupe with 19" alloys in the same style with RFT's.


I am aware there are 'cracking' issues with these wheels .... but am after comments re the ride quality from anyone with experience of both.

I had a drive of the car with the 19" alloys and felt the car was harsher with a harder ride than my car on 18" alloys .... though not too bad, if you know what I mean.

Am I going to find the 19" clad car is harder or was I imagining it ?
Is it better to wait until another car with 18" alloys comes along ?

[KenD]

I found the 19's far too harsh so when I bought the E93, I got the dealer to swap the 18's on the E92 to the E93. The 19's on the E93 went on the E92. Dealer was happy to do it as it made the E92 more saleable to some people.I think the E92/E93 range has the suspension optimised for 18's.

[Tea Pot One]

KenD said:

I found the 19's far too harsh so when I bought the E93, I got the dealer to swap the 18's on the E92 to the E93. The 19's on the E93 went on the E92. Dealer was happy to do it as it made the E92 more saleable to some people.I think the E92/E93 range has the suspension optimised for 18's.

Thanks ... I think another drive is in order. I don't mind the ride on 18" alloys with RFT's and have come from a Z4M Roadster so am used to a firm ride but don't want to tramline around. An involving ride is fine - a frightening one is not !

[Tea Pot One]

Right, decided not to go for this car ... nothing wrong with the car but the comments together with seeing numerous posts on the wheels cracking + the salesgirl saying BMW don't make the particular type of alloy any more have made my mind up ....shame as the car was lovely

[Fox-]

Dont forget to factor tyre costs in. Only two manufacturers seem to make RFT's in the right size for the 19 inch wheels - Goodyear and Bridgestone - and a full set will cost you over £1000.

Does make me wonder when I see a 320d on 19's - go for the cheap to run option then... spend on the fuel savings on massive tyres.

[Tea Pot One]

Just wondered if anyone reading this has positive experience of the 19" alloys - as in done loads of miles and never had any crack ??

[Bezerk]

As far as I know the cracking issue only ever happened with the 225 style wheels, I think due to manufacturing defects. I would avoid those wheels just to be on the safe side.