TMack

I just got a beautiful 2008 535xi (Platinum Gray). It has Sport Pkg, but has the bland standard 17" wheels. I'm dying to upgrade the look, but I drive about 30K miles/year and need to make sure I'm not sacrificing comfort. That said, do 18's make the most sense, since they'll provide a bit more cushion? Or is it a waste to do anything but gorgeous 19's? My other concern is that the wheel gap is so great, I'll probably have to drop it no matter what I do. And I assume that will lessen comfort as well?

Help, thougths, advice?

info@trinityautosport

regarding the wheel size, in my opinion 19s will still ride comfortably since the sidewalls of the recommended tire sizes would still be considered pretty thick.

SmG-Deuce

Go for the 20s

mmitev

1. Use non-RFT tires on your new wheels
2. When dropping, use springs that still give a comfy ride (e.g. Eibach), and shocks that also allow for comfort (ideally Koni FSD)

When done, comfort with 18 or 19 inch wheels should be still quite close to the comfort with 17-inch RFT tires and stock sport-pkg suspension. 18 will still be a bit comfier than 19, but IMO then you will have no issues going for the real thing (19).

mmitev

Oh, just saw you have an xi! The suspension options for the xi are very very limited, so ideally do a search on the forum and you will get a good idea of what you can fit that still allows for comfort... the non-RFT recommendation still aplies.

harcorshe

I, too, am a happy recent purchaser of a 535xi with the most unimpressive stock 17 inch wheels and I can't decide between 18 or 19 inch. Please keep the comments comming....

aharper

18" rims with 245/40/18 tires = 3.9" sidewall.
19" rims with 245/40/19 tires = 3.9" sidewall
20" rims with 245/35/20 tires = 3.4" sidewall (this is upsize by 1, normal size is 2.9" sidewall)

You don't sacrifice anything for a 19" rim. I went with 20" (waiting for installation next Thursday for Miro 111!)

harcorshe

I thought with 19 inch wheels you needed to use 245/35 front and 275/30 rear (assuming 8.5 x 9.5 staggered set up)?

Whereas with 18 inch wheels you can use 245/40 and 275/35. True?

jg7879

defininetly agree with nerwyl! im running 19's with h&r sport springs and the ride is comfortable, love it!