Does Mag wheel design affect ride comfort ?

BimmerMan7 · 01-30-2006, 05:13 AM

I was wondering about this. When you look at the various mag wheel (rim) options available for the E90, some are spoke type designs, others are more solid from centre to outer edge, does this at all influence ride comfort, cornering etc. ?
Somebody told me it does make a difference. Example : the more solid the mag wheel spokes, the more bumpy the car would feel, as bumps,knocks are transfered more easily into the cabin, whereas thin spoke type mag rims will feel less bumpy.
Any idea on this/your feelings ?

dlk001 · 01-30-2006, 07:32 AM

I think the question to ask is do light weight wheels offer a better ride than conventional wheels?

The metallurgical process in wheel design affects the wheel weight. The weight is what affects the performance. However, the tire remains the overlying factor by a large margin when it comes to the ride performances. Its how the wheels interact with various suspensions that determines the ride.

It is not so obvious what role the wheel weight plays in determining the vehicle's overall ride, performance and feel. This is why so many new vehicles have replaced the less expensive rolled, stamped and welded steel wheels with cast aluminum alloy wheels.

ben1364 · 01-30-2006, 07:44 AM

If comparing two (or more) wheels that are the same diameter, same weight, same width, and same offset, ride will not be affected by the design or layout of the spokes. Something to keep in mind when considering replacement wheels is that less expensive wheels tend to be both heavier and less strong. Heavier wheels increase unsprung weight and will adversely affect handling, though most people may not notice the difference. "plus" setups may improve the vehicle's handling capability but at the expense of ride quality. While most people will not feel or be able to take advantage of the plus setup, most will notice the lower ride quality.

manilae90 · 01-30-2006, 07:51 AM

As everyone said, the weight of the wheel is the one that plays a factor. Heavier wheels will tend to slow the acceleration and make thee ride a little harsher on less than smooth roads

HRC · 01-30-2006, 12:19 PM

Lighter rims make life alot easier on you suspension components also. Less weight to control.

Danny

01-30-2006, 05:13 AM	#1
BimmerMan7 Private 20 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 325i E90 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pretoria, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Does Mag wheel design affect ride comfort ? I was wondering about this. When you look at the various mag wheel (rim) options available for the E90, some are spoke type designs, others are more solid from centre to outer edge, does this at all influence ride comfort, cornering etc. ? Somebody told me it does make a difference. Example : the more solid the mag wheel spokes, the more bumpy the car would feel, as bumps,knocks are transfered more easily into the cabin, whereas thin spoke type mag rims will feel less bumpy. Any idea on this/your feelings ?
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01-30-2006, 07:32 AM	#2
dlk001 Private First Class 155 Rep 154 Posts Drives: F83 M4 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Johannesburg iTrader: (0)	I think the question to ask is do light weight wheels offer a better ride than conventional wheels? The metallurgical process in wheel design affects the wheel weight. The weight is what affects the performance. However, the tire remains the overlying factor by a large margin when it comes to the ride performances. Its how the wheels interact with various suspensions that determines the ride. It is not so obvious what role the wheel weight plays in determining the vehicle's overall ride, performance and feel. This is why so many new vehicles have replaced the less expensive rolled, stamped and welded steel wheels with cast aluminum alloy wheels. __________________ F83 M4 Convertible, Austin Yellow Previous BMW Cars 2012, E93 335i 2009, E92 335i 2005, E90 325i
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01-30-2006, 07:44 AM	#3
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	If comparing two (or more) wheels that are the same diameter, same weight, same width, and same offset, ride will not be affected by the design or layout of the spokes. Something to keep in mind when considering replacement wheels is that less expensive wheels tend to be both heavier and less strong. Heavier wheels increase unsprung weight and will adversely affect handling, though most people may not notice the difference. "plus" setups may improve the vehicle's handling capability but at the expense of ride quality. While most people will not feel or be able to take advantage of the plus setup, most will notice the lower ride quality.
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01-30-2006, 07:51 AM	#4
manilae90 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 2017 520d G30 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Philippines iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 320i [0.00]	As everyone said, the weight of the wheel is the one that plays a factor. Heavier wheels will tend to slow the acceleration and make thee ride a little harsher on less than smooth roads
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01-30-2006, 12:19 PM	#5
HRC MAUI BUILT 499 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	Lighter rims make life alot easier on you suspension components also. Less weight to control. Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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