"19 inch wheels to 18 inch my experience"

[z4mroadster]

I've recently switched from 19 inch alloy wheels on my z4m roadster to 18 inch alloy wheels, before purchasing the new wheels I considered multiple options, different wheel brands (bbs, apex, avante garde, volk, advans etc ) how much the alloys weighed, and the look of the wheels.

I also considered whether to stay with 19's or go back down to 18 inch alloy wheels, I wanted the best look I could get but more importantly I wanted the car to perform at its best by not weighing it down with heavy wheels as I did a bit of research into unsprung weight (I think that's what its called..lol)

Anyway I decided to go back down to 18's as that's what the car came with as standard and the lightest wheels I could get for the budget I had. I picked apex arc 8 wheels in anthracite colour, by doing this I reduced the weight at both the front wheels by 8.8lbs each and the rears 5.5lbs each. now I'm not sure if the theory of unsprung weight is legitimate as I am no expert but I can tell you with all certainty I have definitely noticed a difference in performance, the car handles so much better, their is a subtle increase in acceleration mainly from 30mph and accelerating up through the gears right up to around 90mph and the car feels like it sits a lot better if you understand what I mean.

I would give a slight edge to aesthetic look of the car to the 19's but only a slight edge as due to the look of the lower profile of tyres however after having the 18's on for a week now my eyes have adjusted to the smaller rims.

So overall I would definitely say stick with 18's and go for a light alloy,

My wheels specs:

Front, 2x APEX ARC8 18, 8,5 x 18 ET38 (weight 8,36 kg, 18.3 lbs)

Rear, 2x APEX ARC8 18, 9,5 x 18 ET22 (weight, 8,7kg, 19. 1 lbs)

pictures to follow....... not sure about the colour though so maybe having them sprayed gloss black

[z4mroadster]

[z4mroadster]

[z4mroadster]

[z4mroadster]

[z4mroadster]

[Machine monkey]

I think they look great

I have just brought a set of 16" Daisy's for track wheels off a very nice forum member. I think I am going to really like the handling and ride. So much I am scared to put them on... I love the look of 19" but they do sacrifice everything else.

[z4mroadster]

I also went back to the original sized tyres, front, 225, 45 and rear 255, 40 with Michelin pilot super sports.

[z4mroadster]

put them on... you will love the way the car drives, with my 19's on the car made me smile but now when I put my foot down I look like the joker.

[z4mroadster]

[Hadies]

This has convinced me to stick with 18's. Thank you.
They look great. I think I'd prefer the current colour over black. Where'd you get them from?
Is your car lowered?

[z4mroadster]

[Machine monkey]

put them on... you will love the way the car drives, with my 19's on the car made me smile but now when I put my foot down I look like the joker.

I am sure your right I might just end up keeping the 19" wheels for meets shows and showing off

[stevo///m3]

To the OP, agreed with keeping the colour as it currently is. I really like your current greyish hue and think black (esp glossy black) will detract from the overall package. You chose grey for a reason!
Stevo

[monkadill]

Looks stunning!