Gas Mileage And Rims

[Zapak4eva]

How much gas mileage would be lost by going from 16in factory wheels to 18in maybe even 17in wheels?
Also how much gas mileage does a CAI give?

[Zapak4eva]

I don't know much about rims and tires, but i am interesting in getting a set. I really like the CSL style rims. How does the quality of rims work? I was looking at the CSL rims and the VB-1 on jlevistreetworks and is there a reason they cost much less than the some of the really good looking rims on tirerack? Are they not as strong or something?
Thanks, AK

[boneycat]

Originally posted by Zapak4eva@Jul 30 2005, 10:35 PM
I don't know much about rims and tires, but i am interesting in getting a set.* I really like the CSL style rims.* How does the quality of rims work?* I was looking at the CSL rims and the VB-1 on jlevistreetworks and is there a reason they cost much less than the some of the really good looking rims on tirerack?* Are they not as strong or something?
Thanks, AK

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New tires and rims shouldn't effect your gas milage too much. The diameter of the wheel itself will remain the same. As you use bigger rims the tire sidewall get's smaller. The only thing that increases the footprint is the width. The bigger the rim, the wider the tire. I'm not aware of any serious milage differences, but you will notice better control and traction.

[Zapak4eva]

Is the difference between an 800 dollar set of rims and a 2000 dollar set of rims strength and durability? If I go over a pot hole with the CSL replica's are they definitely going to be bent where as if I had the $2000 rims they would have been better able to take the hit?

[alanh]

he is referring to the weight of the wheels affecting mpg i belive.
those CSL's are replicas, many people are happy with them, i belive they weight about 24 in 19's...same as the 17'' sport wheels

most of the guys who do bend them, do so becuase they are running a small sidewall and hit a huge pothole
ignore the other guys post, the diameter will change thats why its a 18 instead on a 16...the diameter

and dont count on any better traction or control...

depending on your wheel prefrences, the OZ supperleggara from tirerack.com, is a very strong, light, and relativly inexpensive

about more expensive wheels taking hits better... it really depends on the brand and type of wheel.

[AgitatedPancake]

Originally posted by alanh@Aug 2 2005, 09:08 PM

most of the guys who do bend them, do so becuase they are running a small sidewall and hit a huge pothole
ignore the other guys post, the diameter will change thats why its a 18 instead on a 16...the diameter

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The rim diameter changes, but not tire diameter. THats the key.

[alanh]

oh, thats right, the outside of the tire will be the same with the proper tire.
i didnt relize thats what he meant by "wheel"...i dont function well on 3 hours of sleep

[boneycat]

^^ My bad. I didn't specify that I meant the diameter overall and not just the wheel (rim) itself. If you go with bigger rims with concurent tires you will notice better control. Smaller sidewalls=less tire movement giving you better handling ability.

[///M Power]

Depends what kind of replicas you mean. I have a friend who just purchased the CSL "replica" wheels that come standard on the competition package M3. They look awesome and i'm absolutely sure that because it's still a BMW original wheel he wont have any problems.

Now if you arent really looking for weight loss when you are putting in these new wheels, I really dont feel bad suggesting aftermarket replicas. These wheels GENERALLY are not built as strong so I would be careful going 60 mph at a pothole. Try and avoid potholes in general but if you must hit them, keep it slow. There is a higher possbility of gettign a bent rim with replicas but I think for the average driver (and even above average) they should suffice.

Good Luck!