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[Born2Panic]

I need to make a decision in the next day or so about a winter setup for my 2010 335i coupe which has the M-Sport package and the 19 " wheels. I know everyone says go small(17 inch) but going from a 19 to a 17 will just be tough to adjust to visually. I am going to purchase through TireRack and I know they also say 17 is the way to go...if I keep the same width 225 then does it really matter if I go 18? Will there be much difference? I live in Chicago so I will get some bad weather and I plan on going with the Blizzaks LM 25 RFT or the LM-60RFT. Since you will be traveling on ice/snow a lot will the 17 inch rubber be that much more comfortable...more room to absord all the ice/snow. I just can't find a set of 17 inch wheels I like..the options are pretty limited but I have found some 18's which I like....any and all info/insight would be greatly appreciated as I need to order ASAP as the weather can change any moment.

Thanks

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by Born2Panic

I need to make a decision in the next day or so about a winter setup for my 2010 335i coupe which has the M-Sport package and the 19 " wheels. I know everyone says go small(17 inch) but going from a 19 to a 17 will just be tough to adjust to visually. I am going to purchase through TireRack and I know they also say 17 is the way to go...if I keep the same width 225 then does it really matter if I go 18? Will there be much difference? I live in Chicago so I will get some bad weather and I plan on going with the Blizzaks LM 25 RFT or the LM-60RFT. Since you will be traveling on ice/snow a lot will the 17 inch rubber be that much more comfortable...more room to absord all the ice/snow. I just can't find a set of 17 inch wheels I like..the options are pretty limited but I have found some 18's which I like....any and all info/insight would be greatly appreciated as I need to order ASAP as the weather can change any moment.

Thanks

I personally don't think that 17" looks bad, see this thread of pics with the 17" Rial Salerno wheels : http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=449059

That being said, if you stick with 18" and use 225/40R18 you won't be that much worse off than a 17" setup with 225/45R17. As you stated you'll have a bit less sidewall cushion for rough roads with the 225/40R18 and the wheels and tires in the larger size are typically more expensive.

winter : http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp

[VMRWheels]

Like Gary said, there isnt going to much difference as far as going from 17 or 18" besides the slightly greater sidewall protection and pricing on tires. Since they are a Winter setup, I would probably recommend sticking the 17's for the time being and save some cash.

-Charles@VMRWheels