I have the 19" 296's, they haven't cracked yet and I put non-RFT's on a couple of months ago. The ride improved a zillion percent (Conti Sport 3's) the other issue with the 19's is the scarcity and price of decent rubber to put on them. The handling, I don't know as I have never had a bMW with 18's, all my others have been 19's with one exception , a set of 17's on an '03 Z4.
Dexter_Morgan
Member
19" 326 here with run flats. My previous car was like a go kart so anything else was going to be a better ride. I haven't tried 18" but I don't regret getting the 19". They can be jaring at times though, but I love how they look.
sp3ctre said:Breaker said:Kirsty said:Bigger is always better
Not necessarily! Smaller ones handle better at the limit and can be easier to control, therefore prolonging the ride! When driving hard the turn in is easier also which lets you get on the go pedal quicker, enabling you to point and squirt more effectively!
Also the cost of rubbers is cheaper!!
You raise good points, although with a larger diameter wheel you feel more in contact with the road and the driver gets more feedback, especially when pressing on.
At the end of the day if the driver loses control it makes no difference, the ride is over.... can be a bit embarrassing getting the call from BMW assist afterwards though
Double entendre. Read again answering Kirsty's post!
Great thread regarding the choices between the 18" and 19" wheels. 
I was getting ready to ask the question when I took the time to do the search to see if it had already been asked; and it had.
See, you can train a newbie on how to use these forums!
I will say that I do worry about damaging the rims on the poor pavement we seem to drive on these days. However, the thought of having a car shod in 35 front and 30 rears is so very inticing. I can't wait!
Will June get here fast enough?
I was getting ready to ask the question when I took the time to do the search to see if it had already been asked; and it had.
See, you can train a newbie on how to use these forums!
I will say that I do worry about damaging the rims on the poor pavement we seem to drive on these days. However, the thought of having a car shod in 35 front and 30 rears is so very inticing. I can't wait!
Will June get here fast enough?
Just to add my 2'penneth, I have driven E89's with both 18's and 19's extensively, and if you really like to push your car particularly on are dreadful British roads the 18's for me are fore superior, just gave me greater confidence than on 19's. Which I put purely down to compliance, the other issue is that with 19's you have even more tyre in contact with the road and certainly in the 23i I've been using I think they give too much grip to give the best sporting drive as it's too difficult to find the limit of their grip. It's less of an issue on the 35i with 19's by way of the increased power. But I still find that progress is stunted down an twisty undulating road as they are just too crashy. Perfect combination for me is 35i and 18's, which is why I chose them.
I will admit though that the 19's look better, but I want to enjoy driving more than posing
I will admit though that the 19's look better, but I want to enjoy driving more than posing
A
Anonymous
Guest
Just in the way of an update, I have now ordered a Z4 with 19" 326M wheels. Should arrive here around the end of February.
A
Anonymous
Guest
What colour combo did you go for? Which model?
Bet you're excited!!
Bet you're excited!!
A
Anonymous
Guest
Thanks! Excited? Decidedly yes!
I ordered the 35is in Melbourne Red with the Canyon Brown extended leather interior. I spec'ed every possible option except the multi-disk CD player and auto high-beams. So it will have the Premium, Cold Weather, and Premium Sound packages (along with the Canyon Brown package). Options include those 326M wheels, Comfort Access, Nav, BMW Apps, and Park Distance Control. With the 3-year lease and a 64% residual, it's the equivalent of buying a $27,000 car financed over 3 years. Plus I ordered during the "Mission to Drive" event, so was able to take advantage of the $2500 incentive. A bargain!
The salesman guaranteed me that there will be no more snow after it's delivered ( 8) ) so I'm not planning to buy winter wheels and tires until later in the year.
I also want to repeat my thanks to members of this forum. You guys (and gals) are terrifically helpful, friendly, and exhibit a wonderful sense of humor (US spelling). I'm about to hang my new calendar in my office to remind me of what's coming!
I ordered the 35is in Melbourne Red with the Canyon Brown extended leather interior. I spec'ed every possible option except the multi-disk CD player and auto high-beams. So it will have the Premium, Cold Weather, and Premium Sound packages (along with the Canyon Brown package). Options include those 326M wheels, Comfort Access, Nav, BMW Apps, and Park Distance Control. With the 3-year lease and a 64% residual, it's the equivalent of buying a $27,000 car financed over 3 years. Plus I ordered during the "Mission to Drive" event, so was able to take advantage of the $2500 incentive. A bargain!
The salesman guaranteed me that there will be no more snow after it's delivered ( 8) ) so I'm not planning to buy winter wheels and tires until later in the year.
I also want to repeat my thanks to members of this forum. You guys (and gals) are terrifically helpful, friendly, and exhibit a wonderful sense of humor (US spelling). I'm about to hang my new calendar in my office to remind me of what's coming!