Are the 18s going to be sought after in a few years?

[JoeFromPA]

Hi all,

As I was commisserating with myself over running winter rubber the next 3-4 months, I was preparing to wax my stock 18s as they sit in storage for next years use.

I'm reading reviews of various competitor vehicles coming out and my guess is that the 18s are going to be discontinued in 1-2 model years as BMW moves to all 19s on the m3/m4. Not a big deal really but....

These are, in my opinion, some of the sexiest and best 18" wheels BMW has ever built. And yet quite lightweight and offering excellent tire size options. The closest analog I can think of in BMW circles, for a favorite 18" BMW wheel, is the e39 m5 style 65 wheel with it's beautiful and almost impossible to match shadow chrome finish.

Anyway, I'm thinking the 18s are going to become a scarce commodity in the coming years as they become desirable as:

- A track day wheel option
- A winter setup option (i.e. square front setup)
- A nice everyday setup

Fun conjecture concluded.

Joe

[Accel Junky]

Not many folks are ordering them. My wife got the 18s and gets a lot of compliments on them. I got the 19s. In hindsight...ordering the 18s would probably mean they will sell for more at a later time. The 19s are going to be so common they will not sell for as much (unless you are unloading them right now).

[gthal]

I think they will likely be used by two groups of people... those who want winter wheels (and like OEM options) and those who like the style of the wheel. IMO, if someone wants a track wheel, I think there are better options and they would go after market to either be able to go wider or square.

They are a nice looking wheel for sure. I wish BMW made them in a 19" size as I quite like the style but personally I find 18" wheels look a little too small. Obviously, that is purely subjective. Others may like the smaller wheel and thicker rubber sidewall look whereas I prefer more wheel and less tire sidewall.

It's hard to predict demand. I think a lot of people order 18's because they intend to go after market wheels immediately. This will create enough supply to ensure those who want 18's for winter use will be able to find them. That is, people order 19's because they like a larger wheel or 18's because they will upgrade immediately. This isn't to say people don't order the 18's out of preference (they absolutely do) but given the relatively low number of 18's we see, I don't think demand will be too high. Besides, you will be able to order the 18's online for a decent price.

[Accel Junky]

Originally Posted by gthal

I find 18" wheels look a little too small

Agree.

[JNoSol]

I like the 18s in my F80 and will stick with 18s for aftermarket wheels. The tires are meaty, just the way I like it. Tires for 18s are still cheaper compared to 19s. I hope the price will be equal as more manufacturers move away from 18s.

[nachob]

The 18s are amazing but the look lame on configurator. Also most don't understand the benefits of a lighter wheel wheel which rides better. They go on looks. Once you see them in person they are stunning wheels and for sure what I would get. I'm also looking m3, m2 and 1m. If I end up with one of those I will buy a set of these 18s if they don't offer them on M2.

[ASAP]

They look fantastic in real life and they allow for a ton of meat on the tires... the downside is that they photograph awful... almost 15 inch steelie awful, that puts off many people. Will they be desired? Highly doubt it... just like the E92 M3 18s aren't desired.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I like the 18s in my F80 and will stick with 18s for aftermarket wheels. The tires are meaty, just the way I like it. Tires for 18s are still cheaper compared to 19s. I hope the price will be equal as more manufacturers move away from 18s.

+1 The 19s look great, but I like the color and look of the 18s. I think it is a bit more of a classic BMW look between the two.

It is nice the tires are a bit cheaper also. Not a big difference, but if I end up going through a few sets it might add up to a decent number.

Originally Posted by nachob

The 18s are amazing but the look lame on configurator. Also most don't understand the benefits of a lighter wheel wheel which rides better. They go on looks. Once you see them in person they are stunning wheels and for sure what I would get. I'm also looking m3, m2 and 1m. If I end up with one of those I will buy a set of these 18s if they don't offer them on M2.

I agree the configurator is not a good representation of the 18 inch wheel. They look much better in person.

[DBACE]

As I prepare to order my dream car, I will be including the 18" wheels. The first and most obvious reason is initial and maintenance costs and the secondary is style. Since planning to have a very long term relationship with the car I figured tires and wheels can be things I look forward to upgrading the car with later on. It may be more expensive to upgrade then the initial 1.2k cost, but I have found the more Pictures I see posted, the 18's really are good looking. As you identify the onslaught of 19's seem to be everywhere and the occurrence of 18's are much less, making the car just a bit more unique. And remember the weakest part of the F8x is not the size of the tire, but the individual Driving it.

[Zeroblade]

Haven't seen the 18"s in person but do agree some pictures make it bad or good. I was thining they'd be good for a winter tire setup but if I were to do that, I'll go with cheaper 18"s that I'd be more willing to beat up.

[mkoesel]

I don't think they'll be discontinued simply because there are some regions where the road quality favors having the taller sidewall.

Plus, in some countries, the 18's were featured on the cars shown at the launch celebrations, such as Taiwan. I suspect they will continue to be the favored wheel there and elsewhere.

[Falafel Combo]

Apparently, this thread just happened.

[jzmundy]

I love the design of the 18s, but they're dwarfed on the M4. They look best on the M3, IMO.

[Damasconian]

I too love the look of the 18" design but really wish they had offered them in a 19" configuration.

[gtr]

I love the style of my 18 and looks great on my M3, with it also providing a better ride. I would have opt for them if they cost the same and saving $1000 is a hugh bonus. Don't know how it matches the M4 since I haven't seen a M4 with 18s yet.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by jzmundy

I love the design of the 18s, but they're dwarfed on the M4. They look best on the M3, IMO.

Not too shabby on E90 M3s either:

[AW BMW]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Not too shabby on E90 M3s either:

These look meaty on the E90, I'm sure they would look great on a E92 m3 also. In person they look awesome, pictures don't do them justice.

[jzmundy]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Not too shabby on E90 M3s either:

Funny you should post that - I much preferred the (darker finish) 18s offered on the E9x chassis on both the coupe and sedan. The 19" offering was far too blingy IMO.

So, THAT looks spectacular!

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by nachob

The 18s are amazing but the look lame on configurator. Also most don't understand the benefits of a lighter wheel wheel which rides better. They go on looks. Once you see them in person they are stunning wheels and for sure what I would get. I'm also looking m3, m2 and 1m. If I end up with one of those I will buy a set of these 18s if they don't offer them on M2.

The 18 wheel may be lighter but the tire is heavier because it has a thicker sidewall. Overall you usually break even

[Hedoniste]

I actually use them as Winter wheels. I think they look awesome and maybe I will order an another set for Summer. I am torn between Apex and those 513M.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

The 18 wheel may be lighter but the tire is heavier because it has a thicker sidewall. Overall you usually break even

Not true.

Originally Posted by stressdoc

The 18" 513M wheels are forged and per BMW weigh 19.1 / 21.4.
The measured weights with tires are 44.0 / 48.25

The 19" 437M wheels are forged and per BMW weigh 21.9 / 22.7.
The measured weights with tires are 45.90 / 49.85

So weight difference is 1.9 lbs front, 1.6 lbs rear, total of 7 lbs. which is a significant amount of unsprung weight.

[Steve B.]

Originally Posted by Hedoniste

I actually use them as Winter wheels. I think they look awesome and maybe I will order an another set for Summer. I am torn between Apex and those 513M.

Why not just switch the tires out if you want the same wheels?