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[markh]

Phew I'm finally happy.

I ordered the 18" 162 wheels simply on the basis of their looks in the photos. I ordered non-sports suspension, hoping that the ride would be OK after my previous E46 with 16" wheels.

When the car arrived, whilst I was generally delighted, the ride starting getting to me. With poor UK roads, I just did not like the tramlining and feeling every single bump and change of surface. It did not 'glide' like my previous car. Handling was superb, just not relaxing on long journeys.

First of all I thought it was due to the runflats. After numerous contacts with BMW, I found that changing to standard tyres would not affect warranty or roadside assistance. However, it was my insurance company that stopped me changing. They wanted evidence that changing to non runflats would not affect car safety. Given that BMW say they have not tested the E90 with standard tyres I simply could not given them this evidence. I decided that changing to standard tyres was just too problematic.

I talked to my dealer, who offered test drives in cars equipped with 17" and 16" wheels. On the test drives I discovered that the 17" wheels were perfect for my requirements, with a MUCH smoother ride than the 18". In fact, the ride (with runflats) seems smoother than my previous car with 16" standard tyres. My dealer agreed to replace my tyres free of charge with new 17" wheels.

So, I'm now happy. It's like getting a new car. I've learnt that 18" wheels were just not right for me, even though they still look fabulous!

PS. and the bonus is that the treadware rating of the tyres (280) is double that on the 18".

[northerncalguy]

Thats great information. I know alot of people choose wheels based on appearance, but not all good looking wheels perform well. Some people actually like the harsher, tactile feel of thin sidewalls and wide tires. I think you made a good call to go with the 17" wheels. Good luck and post some pics!

[Costa]

I also chose the 17" based practicality rather than looks. Can you tell us which 17" wheels you got ie: was it the mixed 161s or something else ?

Also, did you get any refund for the difference in value between the 17s and the 18s. The 18s are about $AUD 1500 more expensive here.

[StewtheBassman]

Very interesting story, especially the bit about your idiotic insurance company...as if car is uninsurable just because it doesn't have OEM tyres on it???!!!

[NaTuReB0Y]

My insurance covers my new rims too....like $8.00 more per a year.

[markh]

I got style 159 wheels. I'd like to go for aftermarket 17" wheels at a later stage when there is a wider choice.
I didn't ask for any money, since I'd done quite a few miles on the tyres, but it didn't cost be either.

[Thavash]

I went with the standard 16 inch rims - it's actually not expensive to upgrade to 17 or 18 inch , bu I was concerned about the harsh ride. My previous car had 17's and on some of the back roads here in SA it was bad.

But thanks for the advice - now I know what to get with my next E90 !!

[Choon]

the 18s are a bit harsh, but the handling is superb tho

[DerekS]

Just switched over from my summer 18" wheels/tires (Bridgestone RE050A) to snows, Dunlop Winter Sport M3, mounted on 17" style 158 rims.
The Dunlops yield a very noticable improvement in ride compared to the Bridgestones driving on Vancouver's rutty streets. Also, unlike the Bridgestones, there is no tramlining with the 17" Dunlops.
Heading for high mountain passes this weekend, so we will see how the Dunlops fare in the snow. According to Tirerack.com, other customers have given these tires the highest rating in their class.

[markh]

Here's a photo of the 159 wheels. Do don't see many about, so I'll take a few more this weekend.

[markh]

More pics

[BrunoT]

That's one thorough insurance company. Did you call them up to tell them you wanted new tires?

I have 18" on my non-sport E90 and they feel about the same in terms of ride compared to the 16" that came standard, probably because they're no longer runflats. Grip is incredibly better than the skinny runflats and the car isn't Lexus quiet but it's better than my '03 Saab 9-3 with either 17" or 18" I've had on it.

I do notice some pretty significant tramlining on bad roads, but I didn't drive it enough with the 16's on it to know if it's the new wider tires or not.

Overall, I love the handling, but it does not feel as smooth and "on rails" as the 540's I've had in the past. I may need to have it aligned after the significant wheel/tire size change.

[IDENTITY_MOTORSPORTS]

3 series dont have the BEST rides, they are a driving car. If you want luxury and smooth rides get a 7 series or cadillac.

[ivanwibi]

I just got my e90 with sport suspension and 162 wheels, I found the ride here in Australia (not a country with the smoothest road) to be a tad on the harsh side, but I guess the car tracks very well and its a lot easier to change direction to avoid the odd man hole or crappy patch up jobs on the road.

And it is say approx 120-150mm from the ground, so when I get out its a bit of an effort on my back!

Well I guess the comments above had come at the right moment, but stay tune in 2 weeks, see what I think then.

Regards,
Ivan.

[One-Way]

I put 20" on my 325 and it rides the exact same as the stock.