Any Shadow Chrome 224 pics?

[AlfaScozzesi]

I'm running CSL reps with OEM sizes on a none M car, I like the deep rear wheel. 19" is deff the was to go

Love the look of 19 CSL. Have you lowered your car at the same time as changing to 19 or are you still on standard suspension?

Maybe 19 CSL but with bigger profile tyres may work as a better look / ride balance?

I keep coming up with another way to give me a headache.

 

[AlfaScozzesi]

Just got my car back from the refurbisher - I went for jet black and it looks absolutely awesome! Excuse the p*ss poor quality photos which do the look no favours but i'll get some better ones up in the gallery when she has had a good wash and the sun is shining!
From this

to this

Old MR with CSLs in shadowchrome (excuse the tit in the middle but I was in Le Mans!)

I got very bored of the impact of the genuine CSLs on ride quality and handling hence it was a no-no with the new car!

224 look good in the black.

The comments about ride quality on your 19 have me going around the fishbowl again!

 

[dgm]

There's a lot of exaggeration on here about the negative effect genuine CSL's have on the ride, I've driven mine on CSL's for 9 years, initially with PS2s and now PSS. I'm currently running Vredestein Wintracs on CSL's and they provide decent ride quality in the colder weather. I've never felt the ride quality was compromised by this wheel and tyre choice and on PSS especially it just doesn't occur to me that I made a mistake on ditching the heavy 18" original wheels with their sub standard Contis.

Negative impact on handling? BMW didn't seem to think so when they put them on their M3 CSL which was, after all, their uncompromised performance edition of the E46. I love the handling with CSLs and can't agree that they're a compromise for improved looks.

 

[tjlazer]

DGM to be specific on the issues I had:
1. Tramlining, you can't ignore this is significantly increased especially on the motorway
2. Rattle factor, there's no doubt the lower profile gives you less flex, even on better rubber. Stick the stock wheels on newer rubber and this effect is even more noticeable. I think this is where CSL owners mistake the ride to be similar, when in fact they are benefiting from high end rubber but losing tyre profile. When you factor in a drop (as the stock suspension + CSLs looks fairly ridiculous) again the rattle factor is noticeably increased vs a stock size rim.
3. Grip - for me the biggest bug bear. The CSLs noticeably reduced the fun factor as the car took a lot more welly to unstick at the rear. I'm probably in the minority but I actually like the back being a little 'lively' in the standard set up. It keeps me focused and the slight unsettled nature keeps me honest as you have to respect what you've got, I found myself pushing the car harder and harder with the CSLs to get replicate that feeling and to be honest on the road that isn't a fantastically great idea, the usual z4m snap hits you harder when it bites.
4. Weight difference is negligible between them, you'd save more weight with a proper race derived rim if that was a factor, the CSLs are not lightweight wheels.

Don't get me wrong I think they look great, particularly in shadow chrome but in my view the above factors, as well as the additional cost and vulnerability of the rim to damage on our roads (especially if you hit a low kerb oops) means that they are more for show than go. I'm a big fan of 18s with a bit of a drop, I think they really suit the car but opinions about aesthetics are always going to vary 8)

 

[synthedup]

I'm running CSL reps with OEM sizes on a none M car, I like the deep rear wheel. 19" is deff the was to go

Love the look of 19 CSL. Have you lowered your car at the same time as changing to 19 or are you still on standard suspension?

Maybe 19 CSL but with bigger profile tyres may work as a better look / ride balance?

I keep coming up with another way to give me a headache.

I'm running slightly high profile tyres. 35 rears and 40 front.

I'm running KW Coil overs currently and in that pic, however I was running H&R springs until last week

 

[beanie]

I wonder if part of the issue is that many go for CSL size tyres with a smaller rolling radius than the stock setup. This is only going to compound the ride problem. If you were to go with the Standard 19" M3 sizes of 225-40-19 F and 255-35-19 R (as above?) you'd have the same RR as stock and a touch more sidewall. It would fill the arches out better too so less 'need' to lower it after.

Tough call really, i've been mulling it over for a very long time and the only conclusion i've come to is that i don't really know what i want!

 

[AlfaScozzesi]

Thanks for all the input and I think the outcome is going to be to go for something and see what happens!

Not very scientific but I think I could change my mind constantly about this.

Think I will go for my initial thought and go for 18 wheel for my Summer tyres and see what they are like. Keep the 224 on the winter rubber. This means I get another set of wheels at same weight as 224 18" for same money as refurb by the time you swap tyres about as I have good front summer tyres already. This will leave me more money for a paint correction and ceramic coating.

If I don't like the wheels then I can go and try the 19 later in the year with the new springs.

That's the new / old plan and I am not changing my mind.......... Yet

Thanks for all the input guys and I will let you know the results.

 

[dgm]

DGM to be specific on the issues I had:
1. Tramlining, you can't ignore this is significantly increased especially on the motorway
2. Rattle factor, there's no doubt the lower profile gives you less flex, even on better rubber. Stick the stock wheels on newer rubber and this effect is even more noticeable. I think this is where CSL owners mistake the ride to be similar, when in fact they are benefiting from high end rubber but losing tyre profile. When you factor in a drop (as the stock suspension + CSLs looks fairly ridiculous) again the rattle factor is noticeably increased vs a stock size rim.
3. Grip - for me the biggest bug bear. The CSLs noticeably reduced the fun factor as the car took a lot more welly to unstick at the rear. I'm probably in the minority but I actually like the back being a little 'lively' in the standard set up. It keeps me focused and the slight unsettled nature keeps me honest as you have to respect what you've got, I found myself pushing the car harder and harder with the CSLs to get replicate that feeling and to be honest on the road that isn't a fantastically great idea, the usual z4m snap hits you harder when it bites.
4. Weight difference is negligible between them, you'd save more weight with a proper race derived rim if that was a factor, the CSLs are not lightweight wheels.

Don't get me wrong I think they look great, particularly in shadow chrome but in my view the above factors, as well as the additional cost and vulnerability of the rim to damage on our roads (especially if you hit a low kerb oops) means that they are more for show than go. I'm a big fan of 18s with a bit of a drop, I think they really suit the car but opinions about aesthetics are always going to vary 8)

We are poles apart on this and never going to agree but briefly:

1. I have no issues with tramlining on my current PSS or Vredestein Wintracs in 265/30/19 & 235/35/19 sizes.

2. The ride for me is fine in the above tyre sizes. I totally disagree that the CSLs look ridiculous on the coupe with stock suspension, I actually think dropping the cars height makes them look worse but that's subjective.

3. I'm glad you expanded on your opinion, grip isn't your priority but it is mine and I would imagine the majority of drivers on here.

4. Never weighed them but I remember a substantial difference lifting them up when I had both 18s and 19s, I would suggest it's not negligible.