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[Emilime75]

I see most are very happy when switching their RFTs to non RFTs, but most are doing that without changing wheels.

I'm looking at buying new wheels and need to decide between staying with 18s, or stepping up to 19s. Either way, new tires will be NON RFT, probably Michelin PS 4S.

So, I'm looking for people who have made the change from 18" RFTs to 19" non RFTs, and their thoughts on ride quality and noise levels.

My car is a 2010 335i coupe on stock M Sport suspension, and I will be lowering, eventually, likely with H&R sport springs and possibly Koni yellows.

Thanks.

[r4dr]

19" tires on our cars are very low profile. If you look at cars like the F80 M3 that come with 19" and 20" wheels from the factory, the overall tire diameter is larger than ours which means they have more sidewall. Fact is, I would consider going up to 19" an aesthetic choice that sacrifices on ride quality and increases your risk of potholes damaging your wheels.

RFTs suck, but so do 19" tires with 30/35 profile sidewalls. People on here will try to tell you otherwise, but when you're trying to figure out which option sucks less... maybe 18" non-RFTs is the smart choice.

[tcphoto]

I was happy that the original owner of my car replaced RFT’s with MSSP’s. I will most likely get a set of Style 437’s this summer. I had a similar experience when I upgraded my E46 to Style 197’s, a firmer ride but more balanced. The local road conditions should be considered before doing so.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by r4dr

19" tires on our cars are very low profile. If you look at cars like the F80 M3 that come with 19" and 20" wheels from the factory, the overall tire diameter is larger than ours which means they have more sidewall. Fact is, I would consider going up to 19" an aesthetic choice that sacrifices on ride quality and increases your risk of potholes damaging your wheels.

RFTs suck, but so do 19" tires with 30/35 profile sidewalls. People on here will try to tell you otherwise, but when you're trying to figure out which option sucks less... maybe 18" non-RFTs is the smart choice.

Uhmm, thanks, but I don't think you quite grasp tire sizes and how they relate to one another. My stock rear tire is a 255/35/19, then take the 335is 255/35/19 for example...both of those tires have the same side wall height, but the 19" will have a larger outer diameter due to it being a 19", as opposed to an 18".

Yes, going from 18 to 19 is primarily an aesthetic choice. I was dead set on sticking with 18's, but going wider. As I research wheel choices, and see photos, 19's look better to me.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by tcphoto

I was happy that the original owner of my car replaced RFT’s with MSSP’s. I will most likely get a set of Style 437’s this summer. I had a similar experience when I upgraded my E46 to Style 197’s, a firmer ride but more balanced. The local road conditions should be considered before doing so.

Thanks for the replies, guys, but I'm really hoping those who have made this change on this chassis would chime in with actual experience.

The roads here(Mid TN) are "fair". Definitely better than growing up in Chicago, but not as smooth as some of the warmer climate areas.

[r4dr]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Uhmm, thanks, but I don't think you quite grasp tire sizes and how they relate to one another. My stock rear tire is a 255/35/19, then take the 335is 255/35/19 for example...both of those tires have the same side wall height, but the 19" will have a larger outer diameter due to it being a 19", as opposed to an 18".

They will have the exact same outside diameter (within 1-3% if you size them correctly) because the 19" tire has less sidewall than the 18" tire. Hence 225/35/19 and 225/40/18 are both the stock tire sizes for my car, a 2013 335is.

Re-read what I said, and maybe ask yourself if you have any idea what you're doing.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by r4dr

They will have the exact same outside diameter (within 1-3% if you size them correctly) because the 19" tire has less sidewall than the 18" tire. Hence 225/35/19 and 225/40/18 are both the stock tire sizes for my car, a 2013 335is.

Re-read what I said, and maybe ask yourself if you have any idea what you're doing.

Dude, no. If your (within 1-3%...) comment is in regard to the 255/35/18/19, you're wrong. The 18 is 635.7mm, while the 19 is 661.1mm in diameter. That's a difference of of 25.4mm. Guess how many millimeters are in 1 inch. Guess what the difference in in side wall height is.

Do some research and rethink what you clearly don't know, and maybe ask yourself if you have any idea of what you're doing.

[r4dr]

The correct 255-wide, 19" tire for these cars is 255/30/19. A Conti ExtremeContact Sport tire in this size is 25" in diameter, according to Tire Rack.

The correct 255-wide, 18" tire for these cars is 255/35/18. A Conti ExtremeContact Sport tire in this size is 25" in diameter, according to Tire Rack.

What the fuck are you talking about?

[Emilime75]

Dude, just go away. I asked for people who've actually made this change and their experience with it, so your assumptions are meaningless. The point of the question was...do 19" NON RFTs ride any stiffer then 18" RFTs. RFTs ride stiffer than NON RFTs in the same size, you see where I'm going with this?

Thanks for your input, you can go now.

[mjn77]

I went from 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 RFT -> 225/35/19 and 255/30/19 non-RFT.

No difference in the rolling size, but you do feel the potholes more, especially when you’re on H&R Cup Kit!

[martinm0]

Originally Posted by r4dr

The correct 255-wide, 19" tire for these cars is 255/30/19. A Conti ExtremeContact Sport tire in this size is 25" in diameter, according to Tire Rack.

The correct 255-wide, 18" tire for these cars is 255/35/18. A Conti ExtremeContact Sport tire in this size is 25" in diameter, according to Tire Rack.

What the fuck are you talking about?

This is not wrong. I'm not sure why the OP is arguing here.

Emilime75 - you seem to be stating that you would keep the exact same tire size from the 18" and just move to a 19" tire. In that case, yes, there is that 1 inch difference, but that's not the correct size for moving to the 19s. As stated, if you move to 19", you would lower the sidewall height to keep overall rolling diameter the same.

I just want to keep the info true for others that will read this in the future.

[maddmatth]

You might notice a little extra harshness but it won't be dramatic. I started with 19s + runflats, then went to regular tyres, and then downsized to 18s with regular tyres.
The difference from 19in/runflat to 19in/regular tyres was bigger than the difference between 19in/regular and 18in/regular tyres.

If you were considering 19s with runflats, then I'd say hell no, because that was bone rattling :O When I experienced it I couldn't believe they'd sell a car with that setup.

[DYOOS]

Piggybacking off OP's initial question. I'm in a similar boat here. I have a 2011 335i Sedan M-Sport and looking to upgrade to 19" with the Style 359 wheels. If I do just a straight swap, will I have rubbing issues on rolled fenders?

[Volasko]

It all depends on the type of tire you get but I did notice an improvement switching from 18" RFT to 19" non-RFT Conti DW's. They are known for having softer sidewalls so that may play into the equation. I would agree 19" look the best, but after DD the 19" for a few years I ultimately went back to 18" rims for a little more protection.

[hybrid90]

Originally Posted by mjn77

I went from 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 RFT -> 225/35/19 and 255/30/19 non-RFT.

No difference in the rolling size, but you do feel the potholes more, especially when you’re on H&R Cup Kit!

I did the same with my '11 E90. When I first went to 19's, I was using the factory RFT's and the ride SUCKED!! I eventually switched to PSS's and they feel very similar to the factory 18" RFT's. You do feel the road a bit more, but I don't mind that, as long as it's not bone jarring like the 19" RFT's were. And I'm on an Eibach Pro Kit/Koni STR.T setup for reference.

[snedanator]

I went from 19s runflat to 19s non runflat. There is a noticeable difference. Hated the harsh ride with the runflat. Then i went from 225/35/19 to 245/35/19.....and 255/30/19 to 255/35/19 and it was a very slight improvement again. I have 18s non runflat now... had them on about 6 months now with 245/40/18 and 255/40/18all and I would say only a very slight improvement from the 19s. I dare say if I had went from 19s runflat to 18s non runflat it would have been a more noticeable difference. But if you are staying 19s.... defo get at least a 235/35/19 .... and a 255/35/19 non runflat.

[snedanator]

Originally Posted by hybrid90

I did the same with my '11 E90. When I first went to 19's, I was using the factory RFT's and the ride SUCKED!! I eventually switched to PSS's and they feel very similar to the factory 18" RFT's. You do feel the road a bit more, but I don't mind that, as long as it's not bone jarring like the 19" RFT's were. And I'm on an Eibach Pro Kit/Koni STR.T setup for reference.

. I've been looking at getting the eibach/STR.T set up. How do you find it compared the the crap BMW oem shock/spring setup? More comfort😁? I like my comfort...lol

[hybrid90]

Originally Posted by snedanator

. I've been looking at getting the eibach/STR.T set up. How do you find it compared the the crap BMW oem shock/spring setup? More comfort? I like my comfort...lol

I'm enjoying it very much. The Eibachs are progressive so on the freeway or rolling around town, the ride is firm but not harsh, but as you start pushing the corners, they stiffen up, but still track very well and don't let the bumps/ripples unsettle the grip. The STR.T shocks work surprisingly well and keep the rebound in check for the most part.
They are a huge improvement over the factory E90 Sport setup, but that's prob because the factory setup was designed for RFT's.
But I would NOT recommend using the 19" RFT's with this setup. It will rattle the teeth right out of your head. But it could work with the 18" RFT's depending on your comfort threshold. I'm used to driving lowered cars so I know what to expect.

[snedanator]

Originally Posted by hybrid90

I'm enjoying it very much. The Eibachs are progressive so on the freeway or rolling around town, the ride is firm but not harsh, but as you start pushing the corners, they stiffen up, but still track very well and don't let the bumps/ripples unsettle the grip. The STR.T shocks work surprisingly well and keep the rebound in check for the most part.
They are a huge improvement over the factory E90 Sport setup, but that's prob because the factory setup was designed for RFT's.
But I would NOT recommend using the 19" RFT's with this setup. It will rattle the teeth right out of your head. But it could work with the 18" RFT's depending on your comfort threshold. I'm used to driving lowered cars so I know what to expect.

. Yeah I've been looking at reviews on them for a while now....and they seem just ideal for what I'm looking for. The oem sports suspension is just horrendous and not very BMW like. Yes it's supposed to be a firm enjoyable ride but its just too harsh ... and runflats make it unenjoyable. Getting rid of the runflat s was the first thing I done within a fortnight of owning the car. And no I'd never go 19s again. I'm enjoying the car much more on the 18s. The 19s looked good....but I still prefer the 18s with the meatier sidewall....helps with the potholes to. I'll be refreshing my whole suspension later this year... and the eibach/STR.T sounds perfect for me. Slightly lowered than sport height..... still firm and sporty ride without the harshness. Perfect👌. And it's a great price as well compared to others. Much appreciated for the info. 👍

[68vert]

On sport suspension and went from 17" runflats to 19" non runflats. 19 X 10's with 265/30's. They rub a little even with rolled fenders. More so with full tank. This is with a donut spare and jack in the trunk. They ride about the same but there is way more traction now. Used to loose grip really easy accelerating quickly on left hand turns from stop. Plus a little slower off the line but overall I'd probably do it again.

[techwhiz]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Dude, just go away. I asked for people who've actually made this change and their experience with it, so your assumptions are meaningless. The point of the question was...do 19" NON RFTs ride any stiffer then 18" RFTs. RFTs ride stiffer than NON RFTs in the same size, you see where I'm going with this?

Thanks for your input, you can go now.

Running 19x9 in the front with 245/35 and 19x9.5 with 275/30.
I didn't notice a big difference when moving to 19" wheels and tires.
The 18" RFT have such a stiff sidewall, the difference in negligible when ging to a non-RFT 19".

Stay away from Forgestar wheels. I bent/cracked 3 of 4 over an 18 month period.
Running Apex EC-7 wheels for 2+ years with no bending issues.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by techwhiz

Running 19x9 in the front with 245/35 and 19x9.5 with 275/30.
I didn't notice a big difference when moving to 19" wheels and tires.
The 18" RFT have such a stiff sidewall, the difference in negligible when ging to a non-RFT 19".

Stay away from Forgestar wheels. I bent/cracked 3 of 4 over an 18 month period.
Running Apex EC-7 wheels for 2+ years with no bending issues.

Thanks, that's pretty much what I've gathered from multiple threads...and speaking of Forgestars...
https://youtu.be/vtYjujhW27Q