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[MomoM3]

When selecting the Sport Package, should I -
Order 17" wheels w/ all-season tires & buy extra set of 19's + rubber for the summer?
or
Order 18" wheels w/ performance tires & simply swap rubber for 18" snows during the winter?

I know the 1st option is the most costly. Is $4k or less enough for a nice set of 19" wheels w/ PS2's?

Do they even make snow tires, say Blizzak, for the 18" sport package setup on the e92?

Oh yeah, and do the Run Flats really suck?


Some backgroud (it's my 1st post)-

I'm ordering a e92 2009 335i xdrive in September to replace my current 2005 e46 M3. I want it for late-Nov, early-Dec delivery. Always lease.

I usually garage the M3 from November-March and use my Acura CL-s with snows, but unfortunately I had to part with my Acura recently.

Since I now need a year-round car I chose the 335xi as my next car because -

• AWD capability
• new iDrive
• a tad more fuel efficient
• slight reduction in monthly payment
• opinions and comparisons from members on this site (trolled a bunch)
• S5/A5 are sexy cars but are underpowerd relative the Audi's horrible lease rates
• did not like how the g37s drove - even in lieu of its tremendous value (can't get the same car my buddy has)
• it's only my 2nd BMW and I'm hooked

[HERR FSTIR]

Keep in mind the speed limiter is increased to 155 mph if you order 18" sport wheels from the factory on the 335xi. However, this may be a moot point if you don't track the car or plan to utilize an aftermarket tune which nullifies the speed limiter. In past model years there has also been a convoluted relationship between sport package, 18" wheels and oil cooler, but perhaps oil coolers are now standard on all 335xi models. I would clarify this point prior to finalizing the order.

I personally went with the 18" sport wheels from the factory and purchased a 17" set of rims/winter tires that I put on after the first snow fall.

[ATSR]

If you get your 335xi with 17"s you will NOT get the oil cooler even if you get the sports package. The speed limiter is set to 130mph as well.

My car came originally with 17"s from the factory and both of the issues mentioned above are 100% confirmed

[GR8TNESS]

18's all the way!!

[BMWBux]

This was perhaps the hardest decision for me in the ordering process as well. I ended up with the 17 all-seasons because I just did not want to deal with changing/storing/buying an additional set of tires. From an aesthetic perspective, I think the 17s look great, but I'm sure the 18s probably look even better.

[MomoM3]

Wow... didn't know that. This is easy now. No I don't track the car but I do, on occassion, open the car up to 130+mph. Not sure if that will change w/o the M3.

Yes, I want the increased limiter & yes, I want the oil cooler. I plan to add Dinan chip and that's it. Don't like messing with the original set ups too much. Bad luck w aftermarket stuff in the past. Painted reflectors and minor fix it mods are my limit for now.

I would have been upset had I known this after-the-fact.

[DenverJayhawk]

get the 18s. You'll be much happier.

[jeveryday]

I got the 17's on my Xi... Keep in mind we are in NY. The winters can be pretty unpredictable. Extra oil cooler, not really necessary unless your doing extreme modding. i would go 17". Why spend $1000 18. i say just buy some aftermarket wheels and get the 17" stocks.

[pwdrskr]

My 335xi came with the 17s. The car just doesn't look right in my eyes with the 17s. The difference is most noticable asthetically when the car is viewed from the back. The stance of the 17s is very narrow. The stance on the staggered 18s is much more agressive and pleasing to the eye.

Add to that, the suspension sits a bit high.

So, I went after market bought some staggered (8.5" front, 9.5" rear) Beyern mesh wheels and added non-runflat Eagle F1 all seasons. I have had the Eagle F1 all seasons on a previous car and they handle very well in all conditions. I bought the M Mobility kit from BMW in case of flat tires.

To address the suspension, I have a set of KW V3s waiting to be installed. Just need to find the time.

[MomoM3]

Originally Posted by jeveryday

I got the 17's on my Xi... Keep in mind we are in NY. The winters can be pretty unpredictable. Extra oil cooler, not really necessary unless your doing extreme modding. i would go 17". Why spend $1000 18. i say just buy some aftermarket wheels and get the 17" stocks.

If it was +$1,000, I would probably say no. But it's only +$600 since I'm getting the Sport Package to begin with.

While I don't typically drive Monday-Friday, I sometimes find myself going to my office in Jersey. Also, I'm between Westchester & Eastern PA on the weekends so I think I'm picking up 17's with snow tires for November-March.

I'd rather have OEM 17's with snows & aftermarket 19's with summers, but not at the expense of losing the oil cooler and reduced limiter.

Now I could either -
- buy 19" wheels + summer rubber and throw snows on the OEM 18's
or
- buy 17" wheels + snows

Decisions, decisions...

[exidisjon]

I got a 335xi coupe and i got no sports pacckage and no 18's but mine doesnt have the limiter at 130..

Is the limit on 130 on ALL xi's or just sedans?

Mines a 08 xi coupe no ZSP and NO 18's and i passed 130 few times.

[blkfast3]

Originally Posted by MosesDKE

When selecting the Sport Package, should I -
Order 17" wheels w/ all-season tires & buy extra set of 19's + rubber for the summer?
or
Order 18" wheels w/ performance tires & simply swap rubber for 18" snows during the winter?

I know the 1st option is the most costly. Is $4k or less enough for a nice set of 19" wheels w/ PS2's?

Do they even make snow tires, say Blizzak, for the 18" sport package setup on the e92?

Oh yeah, and do the Run Flats really suck?


Some backgroud (it's my 1st post)-

I'm ordering a e92 2009 335i xdrive in September to replace my current 2005 e46 M3. I want it for late-Nov, early-Dec delivery. Always lease.

I usually garage the M3 from November-March and use my Acura CL-s with snows, but unfortunately I had to part with my Acura recently.

Since I now need a year-round car I chose the 335xi as my next car because -

• AWD capability
• new iDrive
• a tad more fuel efficient
• slight reduction in monthly payment
• opinions and comparisons from members on this site (trolled a bunch)
• S5/A5 are sexy cars but are underpowerd relative the Audi's horrible lease rates
• did not like how the g37s drove - even in lieu of its tremendous value (can't get the same car my buddy has)
• it's only my 2nd BMW and I'm hooked

Im doing the exact same thing! Im trading in my 2005 M3 and ordering a 2009 e92 335xi in mid september. I will be going with the 18's

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by exidisjon

I got a 335xi coupe and i got no sports pacckage and no 18's but mine doesnt have the limiter at 130..

Is the limit on 130 on ALL xi's or just sedans?

Mines a 08 xi coupe no ZSP and NO 18's and i passed 130 few times.

all XIs without 18s. the speedometer has a high margin of error at those speeds

BMW will not set the speed limiter above the speed limit of the tires. the non sport package all seasons have an H limit of 130.

without Y or W rated tired FROM THE FACTORY, no raised speed limiter, and NO aux oil cooler.

[exidisjon]

From my experience i will suggest you get sports package and 18's just for oil cooler it self and no limiter. One of my biggest regrets after getting the car is not having an oil filter and having a 130 mph limiter. And YES the run flats drives like you riding on spare tires. I hate it when you go over the smallest bump and feel like you just poped your tires and "hurts" to feel that.

[col4bin]

get the 18's for the oil cooler. I wish I would have done that but oh well. When the time comes, i will get an aftermarket oil cooler.

[vase330]

Originally Posted by col4bin

get the 18's for the oil cooler. I wish I would have done that but oh well. When the time comes, i will get an aftermarket oil cooler.

I was just about to say that! More important than looking good and higher speed limiter, you get the oil cooler!! Buying it after the fact will cost you a lot more. Getting 18" is a cheap option considering the oil cooler is thrown in. If you plan to tune the car at all, oil-cooler is a must have option.

[nicknaz]

I'd definitely get the 18" wheel package and all of the associated goodies that come along

Also, for what it is worth I'd get the i not xi unless I regularly drove through snowy inclines