Help understanding alloys/tyres

[andypackage]

Hello everyone

Firstly, please forgive me for sounding stupid when asking these questions, I have no real knowledge here at all.

I recently bought a 2008 2.5 SE Roadster and have terrible looking 16" alloys fitted. I would really like something that stands out as I do not wish to make any other changes to the vehicle.

Ideally I'd like a set of 19's, perhaps M3 or AC Schnitzer rims... but I have a few questions....

1. can I fit 19s for a start?
2. If yes, what are the tyre size limitations (tyre width/sidewall profile)? i'd love to go mad with 285s.... but is this physically possible?
3. Any recommendations for choosing a specific brand over all the others?

Any information at all would be gratefully received. I did warn you I'd sound stupid....

Thanks all

Andy

 

[Russ59]

I have just fitted 19's with 235/35/19 on the front and 265/30/19 on the rear.
I was a bit dubious about them catching because my car is lowered but I have had no problem even with my wife in the car who is a good 6 stone heavier than me :roll: , oh and + luggage in the boot.

I don't know about 285's though, maybe a tad too wide.
I think 235's are max on the front.

 

[toledo]

19s will definitely fit. Being an Alpina Z4 my car came from the factory with 19 inch Alpina Dynamic alloys. No problem with tyres rubbing or anything like that. I can check what size my tyres are if you like, will check when I get home from work.

The only thing you may find is that putting such big wheels on and low profile tyres may make your ride comfort substantially worse if you are used to 16 inch wheels. My car actually rides real nice but as I understand it Alpina suspension is slightly different to a regular Z4 so maybe wait till someone with experience of 19s on a normal Z4 answers that.

 

[Stingray468]

Hi,

Here you got 11 pages on fitting Wheels to non "M" Z4: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=398990

Check for correct ET... and forget RTFs for "better" Comfort.

See my footer for one setup, rubbs 2-3 spots easy in front before I adjusted with heat pistol.

 

[alane29]

Mine is a 2.5 SE with factory fitted alpina bits including Aplina dynamics 19" rears 265/30/19 fronts 235/35/19 ,they looks great on the car never had any rubbing issues.
19" is the way to go there are many options depending on taste and budget

I use Pirelli P zero tyres

 

[andypackage]

Thank you very much everyone for all your responses I REALLY appreciate the time taken to provide info and your experiences.

toledo - definitely like your suggestion here. My friend has a 2.5 SI and whilst I don't care too much about the additional things you get compared with the SE, there is quite a noticeable difference in the upgraded suspension. So I think your suggestion is wise. Ideally I wanted to put on run flats too but perhaps the combination of all these things might start getting a little uncomfortable :?

alane29 - great to see those tyre sizes on yours, I'm sure I could settle for 265s I'm with you on Pirellis, they are generally my first choice

stingray468 - thanks for tonights bedtime reading!

Russ59 - you are a brave man.....

Cheers chaps!