Now that you can buy a new M3 with 18 or 19 inch wheels, what are the pro's and cons of each?

Are the weights the same?

It would appear the width is the same on each?

I do like the look of the 19" wheels, but that is not worth $1,750 to me!

Any thoughts or confirmed data on which package will handle better?

I would go with the 19's in a heartbeat.

The 19s are wider but the tires that are delivered with them from BMW are the same width as the 18s, the 19s easily accept 275 rear and 235 front rubber if you want to mount them after you buy them. I have read that the OEM 19s are like a half pound more each than the 18s.
18s should be more pothole worthy, both ride very comfortably, 19s may offer improved steering responce.

19s are almost completely flat. The deep dish look the 18s have is not there with the 19s which is why I dislike them.

The surface on the 19s is better however as it is more durable and resilient against scratches and rash, steering response is identical and ride is softer in a car with OEM 18s.

Brian

An additional $1750 is a bit much at the dealer, considering they're gonna swap out ur 18's for 19's. But I'll be willing to buy them from someone....anyone selling?? ;)

19s come with skinny ass tires in comparison. I don't believe Michelin made a 235 and 275 tire at the time hence the 225 and 255 tire fitment (which look way small on the rim).

I have 19s, and i love 'em. I am however looking for a set of 18s to use on the track...

Why would the 19's give improved steering response? Wouldn't the added 1/2 pund per wheel slow the response??

Originally posted by MDriver315
Why would the 19's give improved steering response? Wouldn't the added 1/2 pund per wheel slow the response??

Less sidewall flex.

18" inch wheels are a little lighter than the 19s but there is one other favorable item. The way wheels are designed, most of the weight is on the outer edge, and with 19s, that weight is even further away. This increases the rotational inertia and hurts performance (braking, acceleration). Of course exactly how much performance is lost is open to debate.

get both sets, and swap back and forth !!!

i have the 18's.... wish i got the 19's anyone wanna trade?? i just passed 1800 miles on my '03 m3

My only bad note about the OEM 19s is the poor tire choice from BMW. They should have used 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 instead of the current fitment 225/40/19 and 255/35/19.

Based upon past experience, I will have to replace the tires at around 20M miles anyway....this would be a good excuse to do it earlier...or take corners a little faster :)

Would the wider tires...245/35/19 and 275/30/19 cause any rubbing or require the fenders to be rolled?

Are such sizes now available from Michelin?

Originally posted by David Glaser
Would the wider tires...245/35/19 and 275/30/19 cause any rubbing or require the fenders to be rolled?

Yes the tires are available, no fender rolling is necessary.

my 2002 m3 had 18s and my new 2003 has 19's. I was skeptical at first but the 19s provide a smoother ride, handles better and goes smoother on rough roads