big wheels = no drop?

Black Leopard · 06-19-2009, 02:24 PM

Hey everyone,

First of all, I don't know much about wheels and tires so don't hate and please explain things for me

So I'm thinking about getting a new set of wheels and tires, moving away from the runflats that I have on my style 162 wheels. Right now I have 18" wheels and factory suspension. If I were to get 19" or even 20" wheels would it make it less necessary to get a drop?

Also, If I go for a bigger wheel diameter do I need to do anything special to avoid rubbing or anything?

Sorry for so many questions but can I go the cheap route and put regular tires on my rims which have rfts right now?

Thanks,
Leopard

EDIT: I have 08 E90 if that makes any difference

ChrisTKHarris · 06-19-2009, 02:28 PM

No a drop isn't NECESSARY, but it does make the car look much better. The optical illusion makes the car to appear raised (even with proper wheel/tire sizing to maintain the same overall rolling diameter).

The diameter isn't really the problem as long as you have proper tire sizing. It's the OFFSET that can cause you to rub the inside of the fenders either at full-lock or under compression. I'm assuming you're going with a staggered setup with most likely an 8.5" 35mm front and a 9.5" rear with a 30mm or a 10" rear with 30mm. Also rolling the rear fenders will yield an additional 5mm of clearance if you were looking to run some more aggressive offsets or are looking to lower the car aggressively.

When I finally upgrade to an E90 with new wheels I will for sure be ditching those atrocious runflats for something better like some Nitto NT-05s or Dunlop Direzza Z1s.

SV Concepts · 06-19-2009, 05:39 PM

Generally when you get new wheels you try to maintain the same diameter of the tire by cutting into the tire space.... so... it won't solve your drop problem too much, maybe a little.... I guess optical illusion will help.... But I'm on 20's, and slammed, and loving it

McLuVan · 06-19-2009, 05:42 PM

20's + no drop makes the car look higher, not lower

Black Leopard · 06-19-2009, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the replies I appreciate it.

Any opinions on just putting regular tires on the 162 rims I have after taking off the rfts, is this a decent alternative?

ChrisTKHarris · 06-20-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Leopard

Thanks for the replies I appreciate it.

Any opinions on just putting regular tires on the 162 rims I have after taking off the rfts, is this a decent alternative?

Yes that's a good option as well.

06-19-2009, 02:24 PM	#1
Black Leopard Private First Class 19 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E90 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (0)	big wheels = no drop? Hey everyone, First of all, I don't know much about wheels and tires so don't hate and please explain things for me So I'm thinking about getting a new set of wheels and tires, moving away from the runflats that I have on my style 162 wheels. Right now I have 18" wheels and factory suspension. If I were to get 19" or even 20" wheels would it make it less necessary to get a drop? Also, If I go for a bigger wheel diameter do I need to do anything special to avoid rubbing or anything? Sorry for so many questions but can I go the cheap route and put regular tires on my rims which have rfts right now? Thanks, Leopard EDIT: I have 08 E90 if that makes any difference
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06-19-2009, 02:28 PM	#2
ChrisTKHarris Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 244 Posts Drives: E46 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0)	No a drop isn't NECESSARY, but it does make the car look much better. The optical illusion makes the car to appear raised (even with proper wheel/tire sizing to maintain the same overall rolling diameter). The diameter isn't really the problem as long as you have proper tire sizing. It's the OFFSET that can cause you to rub the inside of the fenders either at full-lock or under compression. I'm assuming you're going with a staggered setup with most likely an 8.5" 35mm front and a 9.5" rear with a 30mm or a 10" rear with 30mm. Also rolling the rear fenders will yield an additional 5mm of clearance if you were looking to run some more aggressive offsets or are looking to lower the car aggressively. When I finally upgrade to an E90 with new wheels I will for sure be ditching those atrocious runflats for something better like some Nitto NT-05s or Dunlop Direzza Z1s. __________________ You might know me from E46Fanatics.com
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06-19-2009, 05:39 PM	#3
SV Concepts 361 Rep 5,859 Posts Drives: Vorsteiner E60 M5 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: 1460 White Oaks Rd. Suite F. Campbell, CA 95008 iTrader: (10)	Generally when you get new wheels you try to maintain the same diameter of the tire by cutting into the tire space.... so... it won't solve your drop problem too much, maybe a little.... I guess optical illusion will help.... But I'm on 20's, and slammed, and loving it
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06-19-2009, 05:42 PM	#4
McLuVan Lieutenant General 304 Rep 13,114 Posts Drives: ///M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Socal~818~ iTrader: (1)	20's + no drop makes the car look higher, not lower __________________
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06-19-2009, 08:06 PM	#5
Black Leopard Private First Class 19 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E90 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies I appreciate it. Any opinions on just putting regular tires on the 162 rims I have after taking off the rfts, is this a decent alternative?
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