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I just put on some 19" wheels on my 2004 525i and there is a good amount of space in the wheel well. I do not want to lower my car and was curious as to how much the car would settle (lower) itself. Please let me know if any of you guys have any insight.
anyway, low profile rubber bands around the wheels will drop the car down around a good inch.
If he has followed the correct path in replacing the original wheels then whether he puts on 17", 18", 19", or 20" won't make any difference in the rolling size (ie the over all height of the wheel + tyre).
Therefore the car will obviously NOT be a good inch lower - if it is, he has been totally misguided and now has a speedo which gives a totally inaccurate reading of the cars speed.
The only way to lower a car is to replace the shocks and/or springs or fit the wrong size wheels (see above).
PS why would the car bloody "SETTLE ITSELF" - Is it going to think "Oh my owner wants me a bit lower so I think I'll just settle myself down a little bit to make him happy"???????????????????????? It's a car, a mechanical lump, if it SETTLES DOWN the suspension you've got problems - Like you need new shocks and/or coils.
Thanks for the replies. After I posted it I went to the dealership and realized it was a dumb question as Beelzibub so graciously pointed out. I followed the guidelines and put on the recommended tires for the 19" wheels and the car will not settle, however I am happy with the way it looks and for now will not lower it. The following are some links to pictures I took of my car for those who wanted to see pics.
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why would the car bloody "SETTLE ITSELF" - Is it going to think "Oh my owner wants me a bit lower so I think I'll just settle myself down a little bit to make him happy"???????????????????????? It's a car, a mechanical lump, if it SETTLES DOWN the suspension you've got problems - Like you need new shocks and/or coils. 
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