19'' Optional BMW M3 Rims
- Thread starter luvdatbimmer
- Start date
The 19's are not wider. They're the exact same width as the 18's. The handling is improved because of the lower profiles front and rear (40F/35R vs 45F/40R). However, the 19's ride is a bit harsher. But, if you're looking for better performance with a little less comfort, go for the 19s. Personally, I have 18's. I love the balance of performance and comfort they provide.
According to a magazine that I've read a few years back.
On the streets, the 18" would be a better choice since its gives you a better balance of comfort and performance.
The 19" will perform better on the "silky smooth" tracks or roads since the tires are supposed to offer a slightly better grip. However, you will sacrifice ride comfort when driven on regular roads.
Good quality tires will also play a key role in this, but the performance difference is very minimal so I wouldn't really put a whole lot of thought into this. Just go with whatever you like.
If you want my opinion, save the $2,000 and put it towards performance or get wider after-market rims that will give even better performance.
On the streets, the 18" would be a better choice since its gives you a better balance of comfort and performance.
The 19" will perform better on the "silky smooth" tracks or roads since the tires are supposed to offer a slightly better grip. However, you will sacrifice ride comfort when driven on regular roads.
Good quality tires will also play a key role in this, but the performance difference is very minimal so I wouldn't really put a whole lot of thought into this. Just go with whatever you like.
If you want my opinion, save the $2,000 and put it towards performance or get wider after-market rims that will give even better performance.
i'd get the 19s for the looks, rather than for perf.. but 2 grand is quite a change to swallow, and when you are getting replacments, it'll also be a lil more expensive compared to an 18inch counterpart.
but i say 18s look pretty good already, maybe you can put that 2g into a nav system or some other improvement.
but i say 18s look pretty good already, maybe you can put that 2g into a nav system or some other improvement.
I agree 100%! As a matter of fact, that is exactly what I did and I have two sets of wheels and tires now.
As for the driveability/performance of 18" vs. 19", I rather recommend the 18"s for all around driving. If the streets that you drive on have any pot holes, the 19"s with a 35 series sidewall will not offer much protection from getting a rim bent. The 18"s will take much more before anything happens to the rim.
As for the driveability/performance of 18" vs. 19", I rather recommend the 18"s for all around driving. If the streets that you drive on have any pot holes, the 19"s with a 35 series sidewall will not offer much protection from getting a rim bent. The 18"s will take much more before anything happens to the rim.
well the 19'' will have better handling but as far as performance goes, ive heard that the 18's are better bc theyre lighter and u also have to realize the cars suspension is designed around teh 18's so that could have some play in teh size of the rims.
also the 18's are made of that ultra light ultra strong aluminum and i dont know about the 19's but i believe they are just for looks.
also the 18's are made of that ultra light ultra strong aluminum and i dont know about the 19's but i believe they are just for looks.
![[scratch]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_headscratch.gif "Head Scratch [scratch]"){kind=icon}
Well its a pretty penny to pay for OEM rims but they are good looking. I would get the 18s ... and sell them .. get around 1200-1300 for set .. and buy used 19 OEM set for like 2000 and you spend only 700 bucks .. ergo a savings of 1000 bucks. Also, after spending 60000 .. no more money ... but if money was no object .. yes I would get the OEM 19s over any aftermarkets.