Hey guys I have a 96 M3 and am trying to decide which would be better for my M performance wise. Staying with 17's or bumping up to 18's. Right now I have the stock 17's that look like the AT Italia type 5's on there. They are strapped with Kumho 225/45 Zr1's up front and I have Potenza RE730 245/45 Zr17s on back. These were in place when I bought the car. Definately need to get rid of all of this. But anyway, would I lose a little acceleration to the 18's due to more rotating mass ? I would assume I would gain some more traction due to more rubber on the road. However, would it be wise to buy lighter 17's ? I have a slighty moded car but the suspension is stock except for front and rear strut braces and an X brace for the subframe. Secondly, I need some suggestions on what wheels to look at. I like the 5 spoke/star style of the AT Italia 5 Razze and the Millie MM11-2's and the Momo Aero's. It just seems that these wheels weigh a lot. I'm just curious if any of you know if there are wheels out there that resemble this style(light bright silver/white in color) and that are in the 15-22 lbs weight range. I would really like the Aero's but tirerack doesn't carry them. I just may have to settle for the Razze's. By the way I have a Cosmo black M. If that sets a picture better. Thanks for any help in advance.
Z-man.

17's are usually lighter (depends on the design and the manufacturing process).

17's also mean that your overall diameter is going to be shorter = faster launches and faster acceleration in general.

with a 17" wheel, you'll use a smaller tire and that means you'll be saving weight (less rotating mass) and this also turns into better acceleration.

with 18's you're going to be hard pressed to with anything wider then a 235/40/18 unless you get a wider wheel and limit your drop. 17's will let you run a 245 or 255 without rubbing in most cases.

good luck!

Thanks for the help. I'll just buy new 17's, cheaper anyway. Is 27.5lbs heavy for a 17 though ? I'm lookin for a light rim and was hopin for 20lbs or possibly less if feasible. Whats an exceptable weight for a "light" 17 ? Thanks.

If you are looking for lighter weight wheels let me know. We do have wheels that will be lighter.
Give me a call.
Thank you

many wheel weights listed here:
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel22.shtml

OE wheels listed at the top, then the rest are aftermarket weights.

27.5 is pretty heavy, there are a few that are heavier though. your stock wheels are about 22.5, so you're adding an additional 5 pounds of rotating mass per wheel. go with forged wheels if you can afford it, they probably offer the best weight to strength combination.

Hey thanks for the help. That list was just what I needed. I picked some name out and now it's time to see what they look like and if they'll fit. Thanks for the help man.:clap: