Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[DrGP]

I really like the look of the 19" wheels(thinking about CSLs, VM 715s, M6 reps MRR GTs) but I am afraid that I really should be using all season tires rather than the General Exclaim UHPs that I would put on the 19" wheels. I do not want to use a summer and winter set up. I will be taking the stock 18" run flats off this fall to put back on at lease return in 2 1/2 years. So do I compromise on looks to get a tire that at least has half a chance of going in light snow. Or do I get the 19" tire and wheels and take a chance that I will be able to get around in winter with the UHPs? BTW, I have a 1 mile commute to work and a Mountaineer with AWD that my wife drives. I usually left my S4 in the garage when the snow was significant. What I am really worried about is being out with the car and not being safely able to get home with small slippery accumulations. Which would you choose and why. 18" with all season tires or 19" with General Exclaim UHPs?

[Mark Chen]

My choice:
19" with summer tire for spring/summer/fall
18" with snow tire for winter

[rwwong]

Originally Posted by DrGP

I really like the look of the 19" wheels(thinking about CSLs, VM 715s, M6 reps MRR GTs) but I am afraid that I really should be using all season tires rather than the General Exclaim UHPs that I would put on the 19" wheels. I do not want to use a summer and winter set up. I will be taking the stock 18" run flats off this fall to put back on at lease return in 2 1/2 years. So do I compromise on looks to get a tire that at least has half a chance of going in light snow. Or do I get the 19" tire and wheels and take a chance that I will be able to get around in winter with the UHPs? BTW, I have a 1 mile commute to work and a Mountaineer with AWD that my wife drives. I usually left my S4 in the garage when the snow was significant. What I am really worried about is being out with the car and not being safely able to get home with small slippery accumulations. Which would you choose and why. 18" with all season tires or 19" with General Exclaim UHPs?

I think you'll really regret not getting the 19s. Throw the all seasons on the 18s and swap them out in the spring. I know you said you don't want to do that, but its great, every year when spring rolls around, it's exciting to put the 19s on. It's like getting a new car.

[kujo]

hey Doc,

Generals are M+S tires man. Tire rack calls them UHP, but they are considered M+S (all season performance)
I grew up in New England.
My buddy had these on his car here in So Cal.
I know they'd be able to handle light snow mate.

kj

[SV Concepts III]

I agree, I think going with 18's on an E90/E92 is a mistake. It just looks too small for that large of a wheel arch.

[FotiosF90M5]

19's only. Bangle designed these cars to look perfect with big wheel and tire packages. 18's just dont do it full justice. I think you'll regret it if you get 18's.

[Mark Chen]

Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW

I agree, I think going with 18's on an E90/E92 is a mistake. It just looks too small for that large of a wheel arch.

agree.
after putting 19" on my car
I really don't want go back to 18"
I put 18" winter shoe on my car for almost four months(Dec 3 to March 28)
I can't wait to get my 18" winter shoes off after winter is over

[danielg]

Remember that depending on the wheel you get, the design of the wheel may look smaller depending on the lip.

For example look at this



Because of the wheel design, the face of the wheel looks like its 17"

and look at this



Because the spokes go all the way to the top of the wheels, these will look bigger than what they are.

Just keep that in mind.

[dougman]

If you put UHP Summer tires on it, don't even THINK of getting caught out in the snow. The car will be downright dangerous to you and others on the road.

I agree with others who recommend you get the 19" size you like but stick to M+S rated all-seasons.

If it were me, I'd get snows (oh yeah, it is me, and I'm getting snows).

[montreal_bimmer]

18's look too small.... 19's look just right

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by danielg

Remember that depending on the wheel you get, the design of the wheel may look smaller depending on the lip.

For example look at this



Because of the wheel design, the face of the wheel looks like its 17"

and look at this



Because the spokes go all the way to the top of the wheels, these will look bigger than what they are.

Just keep that in mind.

I believe that is an astute observation. I can see how a CSL wheel without lip will seem visually larger than a VM V715 with a lip BECAUSE the actual length of the spokes are longer.

[DrGP]

I failed to mention in my original post that I live in what I call the "pothole zone" I am really concerned about bending a rim since I have had it happen before on my Audi. I am thinking that an 18" wheel will have more sidewall to cushion the rim?

[jatt bwoy]

19's look sweet, but...

i think you should go for 18's and have a v low profile tyre..
this will give you a smaller wheel+tyre diameter than 19's or stock 18's..

that way you will be able to have a more aggressive offset, and have the lip flush with fender AND still be able to drop the car real low without having any major rubbing issues..

this might mess around with your spedometer readings though..
???

[jatt bwoy]

(sorry, jus read your post about the potholes.. guess the kinda setup i suggested wouldnt really suit you.. )

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by DrGP

I failed to mention in my original post that I live in what I call the "pothole zone" I am really concerned about bending a rim since I have had it happen before on my Audi. I am thinking that an 18" wheel will have more sidewall to cushion the rim?

Just drive the audi.

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by DrGP

I failed to mention in my original post that I live in what I call the "pothole zone" I am really concerned about bending a rim since I have had it happen before on my Audi. I am thinking that an 18" wheel will have more sidewall to cushion the rim?

I'm having the same issue with potholes here in PA. I LOVE the new Breyton GT Race, but they only come in 19 & 20". I'm going with other 18" (maybe TR Motorsports). I'm a little concerned with the strength of reps. I've read horror stories of wheels bending on hard turns and hitting the calipers. Anyone care to elaborate how new CSL reps in 18" will be as strong as a OZ wheel or Enkei?

I've actually bent 15" rims here in PA.

[ward]

there's nothing "wrong" with 18 inch wheels

if you like them better then that's what you should get

19's are as big as you can go without looking ricey, but 18's or 19's will look fine

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Just drive the audi.

Audi is sold, will be gone in a few days