17" vs 18"

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

just wondering what you guys think are the best wheel size for a 97 m3. i have a set of hamann hm3 17"x8.5" wheels that i can put on the car but i'm not sure if upgrading to 18" wheels would be better. what do you guys think?

[m3f_95RogueM3]

what are you going to do with it?



I think the overall consensus is that if you are going for a good looking car and are willing to sacrifice some ride comfort then 18s are the way to go.



If you are looking for a slightly smoother ride and dont want the bigger wheel look, nor the extra cost associated with buying 18" tires, then 17s are the choice.



If you already have 17" hamanns, you might as well mount those.



-RIchard

[m3f_DesmoBob_e0fc43b145]

i agree, if you already have the hamanns, use those, esp. the HM3s, those are really nice



by going to 18" you'll be giving up a little acceleration, it is in essence like getting taller gearing

[m3f_black sheep]

I´ve had 18´s on for 6 months, and i have now gone back to org 17" and i must say that the comfort level, and specially noticing again the increase in accelleration, Has made me decide to keep the 17" on instead.

So Now my 325 TD looks a mean pimp car with my old 18" on,,LOL instead



Stay 17"for the ride and drive, Go 18" for looks...



BS

[m3f_eXpLiCiT_4_fb030f9c5e]

What about lighter 18's with lower profile tires? Say 18"x8.5" w/225/40 and 18"x9" w/ 245/35. Would that decrease acceleration and handling? I plan on going with the SSR GT7s when they come out. Im more into performance than looks so what would you suggest?

[m3f_nixtfy_c9201d70ed]

Depends on where you live. My first year in Coloradowith larger wheels i bent two of them and decided to stay with 17's . the larger the wheel the more they tend to bend on potholes.