new 2.5si

[garz]

Hi guys

Looking for ideas and mods for my car.

Also looking to change wheels.....question is to go 18" or 19". Love the look of 19s but I like a decent ride and don't want to feel every bump on the road??? Can anyone advise of best wheel/tyre sizes/ratio to achieve this. In a perfect world id like a non extreme 19" wheel that fills the arches nicely and has a degree of comfort.. or is that asking too much?
failing that is it 18" with M sport tyre sizes??

Would also like to hear ideas for common things to do to the car.


cheers folks

pics will follow soon

[Spaniarduk]

I have a z4m with original rims and tyre sizes. People say it's quite hard, but in my opinion I would only discribe it as 'firm' but perfectly comfy on long drives. Whatever you do AVOID runflat tyres! They tramline like crazy and do make the ride crashy. They're also heavier (and more expensive!) than a normal tyre, which will affect handling, acceleration, braking and comfort.

As for anything else to do to your car I'd say 'maintenance, maintenance, maintenance'.
1. Make sure to clear your roof drains at least once a year
2. Replace engine oil and filter once a year regardless of mileage and never let it stay there for more than 10k miles.
3. A good aftermarket stereo and speakers are a must if you intend to listen to music at anything over 50mph. The standard BMW system is awful. All this is quite personal preference, of course

[Smartbear]

Hi Garz, plenty of info on the site for fitting uprated sound systems, cruise control, roof motor relocation info, water pump replacement, exhaust & intake sound mods etc etc.
Now show us some pics
Rob

[the stripler]

Theres a few guys on here can point you in the right direction re: wheel sizes, ET, tyres etc. It is a minefield!!

[noiseboy72]

This is mine on 18" rims. I think they fill the wheel arches well and it's now on Eagle 2s, so the ride is acceptable, even with the "Sport" suspension. It still tramlines a bit, but mainly at low speed, so not a huge problem.

It's also got the modded back box, so a little bit droney, but sounds great when pushed hard.

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum garz.

Wheels and tyres are a bit of a minefield!

If you go for 19s to get the car sitting right (and to keep the speedo vaguely accurate) you'll need lower profile tyres than you would for 18s, so the ride won't be as good - and tyres will cost more!

I recently got a set of 18" 295s for my E86, and as they are an E89 wheel they have a different offset which brings them a bit further out into the wheelarches. I'm really pleased with them. But you could get the same effect by using spacers on E85/86 wheels.

But as it's mostly about how they look on the car see what you like and go from there. Hopefully this thread may help:- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=98684

[the stripler]

[garz]

Thanks guys, im thinking I'll go 18 with a bit more sidewall, im guessing thats the best option for best ride?
And hopefully that will fill the arches nicely. What are the best options in terms of ET? And should i go staggered or square? Does it really matter or is it a preference thing.
Sorry for all the questions, just wanna get it right