17 or 18" wheels for BMW 3 E90

[snowleopard1989]

Im currently driving an E90 on standard 16" split 5 spokes, and although I'm on runflats I'm finding the ride pretty good. The thing I can't get past is how small the rims look in the arches.

Has anyone got any experience on how replacing standard 16s with BMW 17s or even 18s (probably on non-runflats) will really change the ride? I know it'll be harder, but will it really be as unbearable as some seem to suggest?

[davepoth]

It'll be worse, that much is certain. Best to get down to your local BMW dealer and test drive one to see how much worse it will be and whether it's acceptable to you.

[TrevorH]

I'm on my second E91; the first had 16", which do look small, but I'm now on 17". I can't say I recall any difference. (Both SEs withstandard fitment wheels with runflats, 320D to 330D)

[Monty Python]

My 335d runs on 18" wheels with RFTs and sports suspension and I don't have a problem with the ride quality - it's firm but not uncomfortable. Most of the complaints seem to come from people who have 19" wheels (plus they're more prone to cracking).

[RicksAlfas]

16s do look small, but they give the best ride out of the bunch. Mine's an ED so effectively a lowered SE on 16" non runflats and the ride/handling mix is excellent. Is it worth the expense to get an extra 1" of wheel showing? So then you go to 18s but what will 18s look like on an SE? Will it be all wheel and no tyre and big wheel arch gaps? I'd just leave it to be honest.

As an aside I bought some old E90 wheels to use on mine with winter tyres and I could not believe how heavy run flat tyres are next to non run flats - same size, but they felt like half the weight! It's alright BMW saying they don't fit a spare as it saves weight but I'm sure they add a fair chunk back in using runflats!

[edc]

I had an E90 on 17" run flats and the ride was fine.

[toon10]

My E90 is on 18's and is fine. It was harsh on speed bumps until I switched to normal tyres. Now the ride is better but the car isn't as sharp when pressing on down a decent road. There's a lot more play in the tyres. The handling is still fine but the ride is better. Oh and 18's look right under the rches, 16's look tiny and 19's look silly.