16" vs 17" wheels much difference in ride quality?

J

johnbmwboy

Member
Hi,
I'm looking to get a second hand Z4. I've driven a 2.0i SE on 16" wheels and thought the ride quality and handling was excellent. I've since seen a 2.0 SE I prefer but it's on 17" wheels.
What effect do 17" wheels have on ride / handling vs 16" wheels?

Any help or advice much appreciated.
Cheers,
John
 
Depends on not just the rims but the tyres and profile you fit. The handling, in general, won't vary that much but the ride quality may suffer with the larger rim you fit but then the amount of rubber in contact with the road will increase and give better road grip. And then its down to a metter of choice - if I were changing I would go from 16"s to 18" the visual effect which will be much greater and i.m.o. most people (if they were honest) go for visual appearance rather than a serious consideration of road handling performance etc......... so now I await the immediate reponse....... :rofl:
 
What AlanJ says is right.

I'll assume we're talking about standard Z4 16s with 225/50/16 and 17s with 225/45/17. Larger OEM rims are generally slightly heavier (more metal) which should in theory be detrimental to handling, but TBH it won't make a noticeable difference to most folk. Same case with going for 18s. The biggest difference would be changing away from the fun-flat tyres, i.e. a Z4 on 17s with proper tyres would ride and handle better than a Z4 on 16" runflats.

As AlanJ says I'd consider 18s instead of 17"s to replace 16s with. It's easy enough to pick up a set of second-hand 18" alloys/tyres after purchase, so I wouldn't let the wheels be the deciding choice when finding a Z4.

After saying all that, I've got a set of 16" alloys for my Z4 in addition to my 18"s, but my excuse is they'll only be fitted over the winter months with winter tyres on them :wink:
 
a11y said:
What AlanJ says is right.

I'll assume we're talking about standard Z4 16s with 225/50/16 and 17s with 225/45/17. Larger OEM rims are generally slightly heavier (more metal) which should in theory be detrimental to handling, but TBH it won't make a noticeable difference to most folk. Same case with going for 18s. The biggest difference would be changing away from the fun-flat tyres, i.e. a Z4 on 17s with proper tyres would ride and handle better than a Z4 on 16" runflats.

As AlanJ says I'd consider 18s instead of 17"s to replace 16s with. It's easy enough to pick up a set of second-hand 18" alloys/tyres after purchase, so I wouldn't let the wheels be the deciding choice when finding a Z4.

After saying all that, I've got a set of 16" alloys for my Z4 in addition to my 18"s, but my excuse is they'll only be fitted over the winter months with winter tyres on them :wink:
Click to expand...

Thanks to both of you. That helps a lot.
Cheers,
John
 
I went from 18s with run flat to 17s with non RFT
To me significantly better
I guess 18s non RFT probably better also but I just like a bit more rubber and air under me
 
Lot of guys over here have gone from the 17's up to 19's...I am old school, I like a little rubber on my wheels and plan on staying with the stock 17's size wheel I have but switching mags later. The stock bridgestones came off just as soon as I could get the money to do a new tire and I went with a Kumho AST run flat that is great for the money. Good on the wallet and ride. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom