2003 z4 on 19 inch wheels

[Newowner1]

Hi guys,

So I feel I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after completing most of the needed maintence work

Due to go for its mot next week whilst I have some time off work. Providing it passes with no major issues, I'm planning on rewarding it by changing the wheels.

The two rear tyres just about need replacing and today I found a screw in one of the tyres, so that cements the fact that something needs to happen so I might as well get a new set.

I was originally going to get some 18 inch mv2s to keep it looking stock, but recently I've seen some cars with 19s, which have really turned my head.

Does anyone have any pictures of 19s on standard springs?

My car I believe is SE model? 2.5 2003, so would love to get some inspiration on how it would look on a standard set up.

Thanks

 

[heavymetalthunder]

I have 19s on my '04 SE, although I am on Bilstein B4 shocks with Suplex springs - softer than B8s that apparently technically replace the M-Sport OEM shocks if I am not mistaken but a massive improvement over the very tired originals after 150k miles! I only swapped the wheels over at Easter after I got a great deal on a set of style 230s (I've always liked these wheels!) but I think the car sits quite well on them. Here's some photos, hope they help.

 

[Newowner1]

They look awesome!

I have always really liked them as well mi friend had these on a e92 highline. I never considered them before

Any idea on the difference in height between the standard springs and m sport springs?

 

[Mr Tidy]

As standard M-Sport models sit 15mm lower than SEs.

I really like the 230 wheels too! But I've got a set of 295s on my car, which look pretty much the same only they are 18s.

Or I suppose you could always go the CSL Replica route, or maybe Veemans - too many choices! :lol:

 

[markplant]

Crap photo alert

 

[Newowner1]

Crap photo alert
IMG_20190323_165845.jpg
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Also looks awesome! Is this on standard springs? M sport ? Or something else?

 

[markplant]

Crap photo alert
IMG_20190323_165845.jpg
IMG_20190323_105220.jpg

Also looks awesome! Is this on standard springs? M sport ? Or something else?

Thanks , on msport

 

[ARCS]

I went down the crazy route before with a set of 132's. Personally I thought it looked awesome but i didn't like the way it drove. Felt like a couple of planets were stuck to the front of it. I've got a set of 230's sitting there but I can't seem to bring myself to take the 224's off it as I think they suit it down to a tee.

 

[paulc_bkk]

BEFORE
Completely standard on 16” wheels



AFTER
This was at standard spring height just after changing from 16” wheels





Since then it’s been lowered a tiny amount on coil-overs - not so noticeable difference

 

[ben g]

I personally wouldn't fit 19'' alloys with SE springs. The car sits high in SE springs as it is. Bigger alloys and smaller tyres will make it look like an SUV :thumbsdown:

I had 19'' wheels fitted to my Z4 for about a year and the ride was incredibly firm (with Eibach springs). Originally the tyres fitted were a on zz3's, which were fine, but the rear tyres caught the inner wheel arch liner when driving at motorway speeds.

I then swapped to cheaper nangkangs, to check whether the slightly narrower sized tyres would fit without fouling anything. The ride was awful, rock hard infact, but it worked, so I upgraded to Goodyear eagle F1 asym 3's. These were very nice to drive on, but still firm compared to my oem 18's.

In the end I took the 19's off as awful road surfaces had given then a few buckles and even a crack! That was after a road trip to Loch Lomond, Scotland though, which was a bit of a mission in such as small car (with luggage) from South East Essex.

I would say stick with the 18's, or fit 19's with larger profile tyres, if possible.

 

[davros]

I personally wouldn't fit 19'' alloys with SE springs. The car sits high in SE springs as it is. Bigger alloys and smaller tyres will make it look like an SUV :thumbsdown:

I had 19'' wheels fitted to my Z4 for about a year and the ride was incredibly firm (with Eibach springs). Originally the tyres fitted were a on zz3's, which were fine, but the rear tyres caught the inner wheel arch liner when driving at motorway speeds.

I then swapped to cheaper nangkangs, to check whether the slightly narrower sized tyres would fit without fouling anything. The ride was awful, rock hard infact, but it worked, so I upgraded to Goodyear eagle F1 asym 3's. These were very nice to drive on, but still firm compared to my oem 18's.

In the end I took the 19's off as awful road surfaces had given then a few buckles and even a crack! That was after a road trip to Loch Lomond, Scotland though, which was a bit of a mission in such as small car (with luggage) from South East Essex.

I would say stick with the 18's, or fit 19's with larger profile tyres, if possible.

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That’s a stunning photo. Your Zed looks brilliant . In fact all the Zeds in this thread look superb and remind me why I love em!

 

[Russ59]

This is mine with 19’s on lowered eibachs. No issues with rubbing either.

 

[Bing]

I went down the crazy route before with a set of 132's. Personally I thought it looked awesome but i didn't like the way it drove. Felt like a couple of planets were stuck to the front of it. I've got a set of 230's sitting there but I can't seem to bring myself to take the 224's off it as I think they suit it down to a tee.

On a lowered car - say on Eibachs - 224s fit the arches perfectly on a non-M. Had them on my 3.0si briefly... before I sold it a few weeks later for an M

 

[ErrErrminator]

My view, for what it’s worth, is that 19s look too big on an E85. The proportions on the car look uncomfortable. More so with some styles admittedly and yes, lowering (a little) does improve things visually.

With a set of 18s I think the roadster looks just right. The coupe is a bit different. I think the proportions work much better with the fixed roof lines on larger wheels.

The above is based purely on aesthetics. I’m not getting into the whole ‘do they or don’t they’ affect the ride and handling debate.

Of course, the only opinion that really matters is your own. There are a lot of different options (ride height, wheels sizes and styles) out there, so have fun doing your research and perhaps trying out a couple of different set-ups to find one which suits.