[scott in cincy]

I'm trying to decide what wheels to buy, and living in Cincinnati makes me wonder if 19's are too little sidewall. I have the stock zsp 17" with rft's on right now, but will be installing the konis and eibachs I just bought. I'm thinking VMR 810s in 19's or some stock flavor of 18s.

Anybody had one and went to the other? If so, why or why not? Thanks for any opinions.

[84FSP]

Struggled with the same issue. Is this a year round daily setup or a summer month setup? I'm still thinking of splitting up the year between 5 series 17's with snows and a set of style 95's with some meats. I should be able to get away with running some meats given that i'm keeping her stock height...

[scott in cincy]

For me it is for 9 mos out of the year. I'll put the 17s back on in the winter. I'm just more concerned about losing teeth due to our roads with 30 series tires.

I have 30 series tires on my 911, and they seem fine, maybe that's my indicator.

[J-Spec Dan]

my opinion is that as long as you get quality wheels, you should be fine. don't get 19" replica LM's or any replica wheel with fake lips. i did and bent two lips within the first few months of ownership. got them repaired and they got demolished by a pothole.

i bought style 219M's. they look great, got beefcake tires since they're 18's and they're OEM to M3's. can't go wrong with OEM wheels.

[scott in cincy]

I'm leaning toward the VMR 810s which are flow formed, so they should be stronger than stock (In theory!)

[84FSP]

Agreed on the OEM wheel commentary - can't speak for the VMR's but folks on the site seem to like them. Assuming the 335 stays in the stable I need to track down the 17 snow setup for it - especially after this winter...

[fravel]

I had the same debate with myself (fellow Queen City resident here), and I ultimately decided to purchase 18" wheels rather than 19". The roads around here are just too inconsistent and I'd be afraid of destroying the 19" everytime I leave the house and have to travel on unfamiliar roads.

[thompsac25]

This is all non-sense. I have 19's on my e90 335i and am perfectly fine. Just watch where you are going and avoid huge potholes, take railroad tracks a little slower, and avoid giant manholes. I also had 19's on my slammed (2 inches off the ground) G35 coupe - replica wheels (Varrstoen ES1s) and never had an issue. I drive pretty cautiously, being low as well. Also depends how much sidewall you have on the tire.

[pwr hungry]

Originally Posted by thompsac25

This is all non-sense. I have 19's on my e90 335i and am perfectly fine. Just watch where you are going and avoid huge potholes, take railroad tracks a little slower, and avoid giant manholes. I also had 19's on my slammed (2 inches off the ground) G35 coupe - replica wheels (Varrstoen ES1s) and never had an issue. I drive pretty cautiously, being low as well. Also depends how much sidewall you have on the tire.

You just gave more reasons to avoid 19s than to get them. Drive slow, watch the road not the traffic, be more catious(ie drive slow)...your argument takes the majority of the joy of driving the car out of the equation and just replaces it with, "well, it looks cool." Not trying to bust your balls, just pointing out how your post reads. Btw, I'm on 18" factory M wheels and am even considering some 17s to increase tire choice, decrease price and decrease rotational mass.

[fastaction]

I usually leave my snows on until pothole season is over. Debating getting 19" BBS Chs soon and know I take a risk with Clevelands shitty roads. Doesnt really matter if they are 18s or 19s, forged or cheap cast, hitting the right pothole will do damage to any rim. I have forged 18" SSR comps and only run them in the summer and fall for safe keeping.

[thompsac25]

Originally Posted by pwr hungry

You just gave more reasons to avoid 19s than to get them. Drive slow, watch the road not the traffic, be more catious(ie drive slow)...your argument takes the majority of the joy of driving the car out of the equation and just replaces it with, "well, it looks cool." Not trying to bust your balls, just pointing out how your post reads. Btw, I'm on 18" factory M wheels and am even considering some 17s to increase tire choice, decrease price and decrease rotational mass.

I see your logic as well. I argue with my dad about wheel sizes all the time. But regardless of how big my wheels are (or even what car I'm driving), I still drive more cautiously (definitely NOT slow) and avoid potholes and go slower over RR tracks in order to prolong the life of my suspension (both stock and aftermarket). Plus, if the pothole is bad enough, it'll pop a tire regardless how big your wheels are (also know this from experience). I'm also more of a form>function person sometimes so I personally think 19's look better on this car than 18's. Not to mention, the price that wheels are these days, wouldn't you want to try to make a conscious effort to keep them clean, curb/dent-free by purposely avoiding potholes at all costs? But, to each his own.

To the OP, do what makes you happy...look at LOTS of pictures. Find something that you like, and go with it. Maybe even buy a used set of wheels and give it a try - worst case scenario, you sell them and buy something else.

[MUFASA1]

I live in Cbus pothole country bcoz of 19's I am always extra careful/swerving a lot. Well worth it for the look

[J-Spec Dan]

I had bbs LM reps and the lips were very weak. Bent them couple a times and then right side wheels finally cracked badly. Buddy of mine has been rolling on SF-71's in 19inch for four years (low pressure cast) which don't have lips and he has been fine. Be sure you get quality wheels, is all ill add

[EricP3]

I went with 19"s and have not regretted it.