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It's always been a compromise....always will be... (archive)
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Posted by Steve F. on December 10, 2001 at 02:04:36:

In Reply to: 18' or 19' rims? (m) posted by Donovan on December 09, 2001 at 08:20:20:


There was a time when BMW would NOT recommend anything bigger than 17" wheels...The problem is that as the wheel diameter becomes larger, the tire sidewall of course becomes thinner, and subsequently, the ride becomes harsher due to less cushion in the tire. The sidewall is the cushion that has to flex and absorb any impact(s) from the road. Further, as someone already mentioned, as the sidewall becomes thinner, there is significantly less margin for protection from bending wheels from impacts with the road surface, (pot-holes, etc.) BMW cares about your performance and ride quality as well. All things being equal, the wider the sidewall, the better the ride. As tire technology continues to move forward, greater compromises will/can occur. It is your decision. If you want a very stiff ride with tremendous road "imput" use 20" wheels/tires. If you want the best ride, go with 16". However, if you want a combination of both, high performance and acceptable (non-track) ride, then you must compromise-- somewhere in between....At the moment, it appears as though BMW is saying that 18" is the limit for both....

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