18" Vs 19" Rims On E39

[gates540i]

[attachmentid=13672]Hi everyone,
I am trying to decide on whether to put some 18" or 19" rims on my 2001 540I. Its got 17's with the sport package on it right now. Can anyone give any insight into 1) is there a ride difference between the 18's and 19's? 2) am i going to have to lower the car? The people that sell the rims say they will fit but i guess they dont tell you that you'll have a monster truck after if you dont lower it. 3) those of you that put on 18s or 19s do you wish you had or went with the opposite size?

attached should be a picture of the car.

thanks

[BeelZibub]

Originally posted by gates540i@Oct 11 2004, 08:19 AM
[attachmentid=13672]Hi everyone,
I am trying to decide on whether to put some 18" or 19" rims on my 2001 540I. Its got 17's with the sport package on it right now. Can anyone give any insight into 1) is there a ride difference between the 18's and 19's? 2) am i going to have to lower the car? The people that sell the rims say they will fit but i guess they dont tell you that you'll have a monster truck after if you dont lower it. 3) those of you that put on 18s or 19s do you wish you had or went with the opposite size?

attached should be a picture of the car.

thanks

[snapback]209089[/snapback]

If you put the proper size 18" or 19" wheel/tyre package on, the rolling size (from the top of the tread to the floor) is exactly the same (to within a few mm) so you won't see a difference in how the wheel fits in the arch - the only difference is the sidewall of the tyre is much smaller and the rim is bigger. Of course due to the decrease in sidewall the tyre has much less "GIVE" and can result in a slightly/much harder ride (dependant on tyre choice to a certain extent). So you won't have to drop her at all unless you want to - if as you say you've got the e39 sport, it's already got the m-tec suspension kit - 15mm lower than normal.

[gates540i]

great thanks, that's some good news.

[transporter528]

There is pics on my web page in my sig or my 18s, my cars looks higher becausea it doesnt have a sport package and 528s wit higher than 540s. The fitment is exac and it looks ok without lowering. Depends what look you going for.

I went with 18s mostly for ride confert and i dont have to worry abot little pot holes as much.

Im also selling my 18's right now if you are interested.

[LOS]

Just one quick point...

The bigger the wheel, the less rubber!
The ride could be a little rough with 19" wheels. The tires will wear faster as well.
I have 18" wheels and happy. I don't see myself going any bigger than that.

[gates540i]

Originally posted by LOS@Oct 11 2004, 08:53 AM
Just one quick point...

The bigger the wheel, the less rubber!
The ride could be a little rough with 19" wheels. The tires will wear faster as well.
I have 18" wheels and happy. I don't see myself going any bigger than that.

[snapback]209187[/snapback]

Nice Ride!

[dy540i]

This is a popular topic that keeps coming up every month or two. Do a search for "rims", "wheels" or "19" and you'll find lots of good input on the subject.

I'm wrestling with the same issue.... 19's or 18's. I believe 19's are becoming the new standard upgarded wheel, so I'm leaning in that direction. However, I probably won't bite the bullet and spend the money on them until next year. By then, I hope to know for sure which direction I want to go.

Good luck.

[gates540i]

OK, so i bought the 19's. I'll post a picture and a response to my first post once they are on there and i drive them around and see how they feel. Thanks for the responses everyone.

[BeelZibub]

Originally posted by gates540i@Oct 23 2004, 11:16 PM
OK, so i bought the 19's. I'll post a picture and a response to my first post once they are on there and i drive them around and see how they feel. Thanks for the responses everyone.

[snapback]216878[/snapback]

Can't wait to see the pics - I'm in a quandry whether to but 17 or 18 inch -19 isn't even an option (tyre cost, ride quality etc.).

Hope to see the pics soon!!!