The Great Debate

[m3f_AMPowerJ_e8f979e5cd]

I can't decide if I should 'upgrade' to 18 inch wheels. I get a different opinion from everybody that I talk to. Some think 18's are the way to go for better handling and looks if you can put up with a harsh ride. Others think that the M3 was designed for the stock 17 inch wheels and changing that would negatively affect the handling and balance of the car.



I really like the look of 18 inch wheels but I will not spend that much money to negatively affect the overall handling and ultimately the appeal of the M3.



Please help me make a decision once and for all.



Thanks:beer:

[m3f_kchildre]

From what I understand the optimum size for the M3s are 17" and anything else larger is strictly extra weight which as you know the goal is to reduce unsprung weight as much as possible. Now if you go from 22 lb. 17" rims to 20" 18" rims then your better off, however you could probably get a 17" version of those 18" rims donw to 16lbs. (I believe the BBS RK wheels are 16 lb ea.)



Stock Wheel Weights:

M Round Spoke II (Std 10 spoke)

Front 21.90 lb

Rear 22.90 lb



M Contour

Front 22.30 lb

Rear 23.40 lb



M Forged (Lightweight)

Front 19.70 lb

Rear 20.90





So if you like the looks of 18 and they weigh less than stock then the only tradeoff is really the risk of bending it (less tread depth)... but you could get something that makes the car handle better if you went with 17 of the same wheel because of the weight savings.



Good luck

[m3f_WytLytnyn]

I had a buddy put 18's (HRE's, Pirellis) on a 95 M3 and he said that it nearly beat him to death.



He said that it handled slightly better, but when I asked him if it was worth every penny he put into the wheels and tires, he didn't answer me........



Personally, I'd rather put my money elsewhere........but that's just me......

[m3f_AMPowerJ_e8f979e5cd]

Thanks for the opinions .... I think I am going to wait on the wheels and go for some other mods .... that will provide more bang for the $

[m3f_WytLytnyn]

Open an IRA and make the maximum contibution instead......

[m3f_sfoster_f5bf245797]

Hi everyone. This is my first post. Thought I'd join in on the fun since i bought a 99 m3 about 2 months ago. I love the car.



As for your question about wheel sizes. I think I have good advice because my father has been a mechanic all his life and specializes in bmw and mercedes. He is an excellent mechanical engineer. I know this because he put a 3800 motor into a volkswagon vanagon and it will now pick the front wheels off the ground. He also has had a m635csi (the european model) for many years and it is show quality.



He has always told me, "It is German, these German engineers know what they are doing." So I'd say that if they designed the car with 17in wheels, it should stay that way.