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      12-09-2020, 02:39 PM   #1
rak299
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18/19" vs. 19/20" wheels pros and cons

The base model comes with 18/19" wheels with 19/20" wheels optional. For a daily driver, what are the reasons to choose one vs. the other, other than the obvious $1300 charge?
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      12-09-2020, 02:55 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rak299 View Post
The base model comes with 18/19" wheels with 19/20" wheels optional. For a daily driver, what are the reasons to choose one vs. the other, other than the obvious $1300 charge?
Get the cheapest option. Then put some nice wheels on the car
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      12-09-2020, 03:51 PM   #3
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Doesn't seem to answer the question, does it?
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      12-09-2020, 03:52 PM   #4
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Pros will be less money, more understated, and less weight, could also ride slightly better.

Cons, are the looks, which are subjective.
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      12-09-2020, 03:56 PM   #5
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18/19
- Cheaper wheels
- Cheaper tires
- More durable tires
- Softer ride

19/20
- Likely looks better.
- Slightly more stable.
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      12-09-2020, 07:03 PM   #6
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On the Comp model, the 19/20 are standard. You can opt for 18/19 but it's not any cheaper. I find it hard to do that. Although I do like the cheaper tires part.
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      12-10-2020, 03:26 PM   #7
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Really flirting with the idea of going with the smaller standard wheels. Better streetability and comfort, probably less noise, less likely to damage. Cheaper tires and cheaper initial cost. 25 series sidewall....
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      12-10-2020, 03:35 PM   #8
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I'd personally do 19/20 as the 18s are hideous and look like a winter wheel. If you want to track the car pick up something lighter anyway that you don't mind beating on like an Apex Arc-8R. They make 19x9.5s and up to 18x11s if you need more grip. Square setup would be a hoot. I'd go with 18s for the track but not sure how they'll look on this car. It's sort of bulky.
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      12-10-2020, 05:32 PM   #9
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I have 20 ZCP wheels and then 18s for winter.

I have my 18's on right now and it feels like I'm on a cloud in comparison if that helps you out at all.
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      12-11-2020, 12:18 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rak299 View Post
Doesn't seem to answer the question, does it?
Just as everyone has written Cheaper and better ride. Whatever you choose, NO FUCKING RUN FLATS. Worst things ever
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      12-11-2020, 12:26 PM   #11
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It's one of those things where you have to balance what's most important to you as appearance, handling, ride varies based on wheel size. Cars these days had been styled to play off larger wheels and 18" wheels look undersized even on compact vehicles such as a Golf R. However we know that 18's are going to ride better and in a lot of cases make for a better handling car. Personally I'm fine with 18's for winter but like a larger wheel for summer.
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      12-11-2020, 01:46 PM   #12
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For a DD I would go 18/19. The 19/20 set up will be stiffer and shorter side walls. Not sure where you live or conditions of the roads where you are but here in North Jersey, definitely a higher risk for bent rims or blown tires.
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      12-27-2020, 10:14 PM   #13
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This may be dumb question but if 18 inch wheels provide better handling then why would bmw spec the competition model, which im assuming is made for track purposes, with 19/20 inch wheels? Last question....why is it that the sidewalls for the front tires are bigger than the rears?....275/35/19 and 285/30/20 i think.....my chimp brain thinks its bc of better turn in and bc its a front engine car so most of weight is up front .....more cushion?
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      12-27-2020, 10:41 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by safridi View Post
This may be dumb question but if 18 inch wheels provide better handling then why would bmw spec the competition model, which im assuming is made for track purposes, with 19/20 inch wheels? Last question....why is it that the sidewalls for the front tires are bigger than the rears?....275/35/19 and 285/30/20 i think.....my chimp brain thinks its bc of better turn in and bc its a front engine car so most of weight is up front .....more cushion?
And why Porsche 911 also uses 19/20 inches as standard and 20/21 as option, because they know they handle better. No way I'm getting the ugly 18/19 wheels.
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      12-27-2020, 11:34 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SickGTR View Post
Just as everyone has written Cheaper and better ride. Whatever you choose, NO FUCKING RUN FLATS. Worst things ever
M Cars don't have run flats anyway.
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      12-28-2020, 06:39 AM   #16
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M Cars don't have run flats anyway.
Thank god for that!!!!
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      12-28-2020, 04:13 PM   #17
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I'm probably going to go with the 18/19 combination. The primary reason is NJ potholes. More cushion means less chance of buying new wheels.
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      12-28-2020, 05:05 PM   #18
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Another thing to consider, if you want to put some semi slicks on the wheels, there are barely any options for 18" sizes.
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      12-29-2020, 07:58 PM   #19
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I like the 19/20 size... but another problem is the super tiny rear brake rotor and calipers look positively ridiculous inside a 20” rim in the back and even worse if one opts for the 20/21” rims.
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      12-30-2020, 01:43 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by safridi View Post
This may be dumb question but if 18 inch wheels provide better handling then why would bmw spec the competition model, which im assuming is made for track purposes, with 19/20 inch wheels? Last question....why is it that the sidewalls for the front tires are bigger than the rears?....275/35/19 and 285/30/20 i think.....my chimp brain thinks its bc of better turn in and bc its a front engine car so most of weight is up front .....more cushion?
"Competition" has lost its track connotation. It's merely a price point for the more "attractive" items. People like big wheels so they will go on the higher tier package.
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      12-30-2020, 01:45 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kinglagos View Post
Another thing to consider, if you want to put some semi slicks on the wheels, there are barely any options for 18" sizes.
If you want semi-slicks, you are probably better off getting a lighter aftermarket wheel squared so you can rotate your track rubber.
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      12-30-2020, 01:52 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
I'd personally do 19/20 as the 18s are hideous and look like a winter wheel. If you want to track the car pick up something lighter anyway that you don't mind beating on like an Apex Arc-8R. They make 19x9.5s and up to 18x11s if you need more grip. Square setup would be a hoot. I'd go with 18s for the track but not sure how they'll look on this car. It's sort of bulky.
The old 640M winter wheels are actually an improvement over the base wheels on this lol.
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