19" winter wheels?

Mako · 11-06-2011, 07:19 PM

what do you guys think, 19" too big for winter? I just worry that the 18" will look too small, the 369M wheels that I have on now look okay but not great, 20" would have looked much better.

I was looking at these from Tirerack, they look identical to the M3 19" wheels! not sure how they would look on the X3, the visualizer on the site never does the wheels justice.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ng&showRear=no

Also would you guys stick to RFT with the X3? If so tirerack doesn't have any in 19" (they have one brand but you can only add 2 to your cart...)

JOHNBMWM5 · 11-06-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

what do you guys think, 19" too big for winter? I just worry that the 18" will look too small, the 369M wheels that I have on now look okay but not great, 20" would have looked much better.

I was looking at these from Tirerack, they look identical to the M3 19" wheels! not sure how they would look on the X3, the visualizer on the site never does the wheels justice.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ng&showRear=no

Also would you guys stick to RFT with the X3? If so tirerack doesn't have any in 19" (they have one brand but you can only add 2 to your cart...)

I have gone 18" Metallic Black 10 spoke Team dynamics, they look really good, with Dunlop winter run-flats.
18" tyres are cheaper also.

utcadman · 11-06-2011, 09:25 PM

I went with 19s from tire rack with the Blizzaks the are not RTF. Very Happy and have already driven through one storm... Rock Solid.

Here is my thready with Pics.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=606773

Le Chef · 11-06-2011, 10:11 PM

Screw the looks: go for 18" or 17" if they will fit. It's all about cutting through snow and making it through icy conditions. It's not about looking pretty.

tuco44 · 11-06-2011, 11:01 PM

I have gone 18" and RFT Dunlops. Just put them on Friday so no report. IMO, smaller is better in winter, but probably not a huge diff 18" vs 19". I don't think the 18" "look" too small, but that's a subjective call.

JOHNBMWM5 · 11-07-2011, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

I have gone 18" and RFT Dunlops. Just put them on Friday so no report. IMO, smaller is better in winter, but probably not a huge diff 18" vs 19". I don't think the 18" "look" too small, but that's a subjective call.

I agree and will post a picture of mine when I fit them.

richardew · 11-07-2011, 03:07 AM

I went with 19's, Pirelli Sottozerro's. They were the only 19" RFT. I'm having some second thoughts thought and perhaps would have been better off with the Blizzaks. I've been running winter tires on my vehicles since 2004 when I moved back up north. I've run OEM size tires on my '96 993 and my '08 BMW 335XI. I went -2 (265/60/18) on my '03 FX45 (sold) because that was the largest tire I could get in '04. We've had one storm so far and the Pirelli's did great.
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=601930

Nahoa · 11-07-2011, 04:23 AM

Why are you having second thoughts? About to install the same setup on Wednesday.

Mako · 11-07-2011, 07:12 AM

we need a picture thread for winter wheels, anyone who has them installed can you post here and state what brand/size you went with.

frankwin · 11-07-2011, 09:10 AM

18'' will not look to small, you can't tell the difference between 18 and 19 if you are a bit far, believe me. Remember the overall diameter remain the same!

dunlop wintersport m3 on 18'' replica wheels

richardew · 11-07-2011, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Why are you having second thoughts? About to install the same setup on Wednesday.

I've used Blizzaks the past 7 winters and they are hard to beat. The Pirelli's may be just as good.

Mako · 11-07-2011, 09:58 AM

I think I will go with the 18" based on the comments here, down to the Elbrus I06 wheel on tirerack, now the decision of color: Black with Ice coating (which I think would look good with the black trim of the M Sport package I have) or silver machined with ice coating (more traditional look).

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...OF&qty_front=4

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...OF&qty_front=4

Also is there any preference to tires between the Dunlop 3D run flat or Michelin Pilot PA2 runflat? Michelin are about $160 cheaper after the prepaid card ($70) is figured in. In the past I have always had bridgestone Blizzak (currently have LM25 on my C63 and love them).

Le Chef · 11-07-2011, 10:56 AM

The one thing to consider is snow getting into some of the crevices of the wheel and causing imbalance. I went with 18" Moda EB1 for that reason: simple open spoke that means snow is not going to build up.

tuco44 · 11-07-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

I think I will go with the 18" based on the comments here, down to the Elbrus I06 wheel on tirerack, now the decision of color: Black with Ice coating (which I think would look good with the black trim of the M Sport package I have) or silver machined with ice coating (more traditional look).

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...OF&qty_front=4

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...OF&qty_front=4

Also is there any preference to tires between the Dunlop 3D run flat or Michelin Pilot PA2 runflat? Michelin are about $160 cheaper after the prepaid card ($70) is figured in. In the past I have always had bridgestone Blizzak (currently have LM25 on my C63 and love them).

I currently have the Dunlop 3D RFTs, and previously had the Mich AlpinPilot PA2s on my M3. I have not driven the Dunlops far enough yet to make a call on them, but the Dunlop 3Ms I did have on the '08 535xi were good. I would have no problem saving the bucks and taking the Dunlop 3Ds. Also, I think the Mich PA3 is out now, so maybe the PA2s are outdated..??

Mako · 11-07-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

I currently have the Dunlop 3D RFTs, and previously had the Mich AlpinPilot PA2s on my M3. I have not driven the Dunlops far enough yet to make a call on them, but the Dunlop 3Ms I did have on the '08 535xi were good. I would have no problem saving the bucks and taking the Dunlop 3Ds. Also, I think the Mich PA3 is out now, so maybe the PA2s are outdated..??

according to the manufacturer site, the PA3 are not made in 245/50/18 size, which is why the PA2 are still being sold...

gareth12468 · 11-07-2011, 06:56 PM

18" Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II and Elbrus I05.....

TSM330i · 11-08-2011, 03:36 PM

What are the stock offsets for our wheels and what will work?

My wife's X3 will be delivered this Saturday and she's already hinted that she'd like larger wheels (17" on the X3 2.8). Her X3 is Alpine White and I'd get her the gunmetal Homura wheels.

My question is:
Will a 19x8.5 with et36 work or is the offset too high?
I see wheels on tirerack.com for our cars are usually et40 to 45 so the wheels will stick out further with an et36.

Here's a link to the vendor add on e90post.com
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496963

02420X3 · 11-08-2011, 10:38 PM

The offset is 43mm.

11-06-2011, 07:19 PM	#1
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1547 Rep 2,587 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	19" winter wheels? what do you guys think, 19" too big for winter? I just worry that the 18" will look too small, the 369M wheels that I have on now look okay but not great, 20" would have looked much better. I was looking at these from Tirerack, they look identical to the M3 19" wheels! not sure how they would look on the X3, the visualizer on the site never does the wheels justice. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...ng&showRear=no Also would you guys stick to RFT with the X3? If so tirerack doesn't have any in 19" (they have one brand but you can only add 2 to your cart...)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-06-2011, 09:25 PM	#3
utcadman Second Lieutenant 87 Rep 210 Posts Drives: X5 M50i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Park City UT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X5 M50i [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2011 BMW X3 3.5i [0.00]	I went with 19s from tire rack with the Blizzaks the are not RTF. Very Happy and have already driven through one storm... Rock Solid. Here is my thready with Pics. http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=606773
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-06-2011, 10:11 PM	#4
Le Chef Banned 16 Rep 412 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Screw the looks: go for 18" or 17" if they will fit. It's all about cutting through snow and making it through icy conditions. It's not about looking pretty.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-06-2011, 11:01 PM	#5
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I have gone 18" and RFT Dunlops. Just put them on Friday so no report. IMO, smaller is better in winter, but probably not a huge diff 18" vs 19". I don't think the 18" "look" too small, but that's a subjective call. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 03:07 AM	#7
richardew Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 272 Posts Drives: 2011 x335i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: suburban Phila iTrader: (0)	I went with 19's, Pirelli Sottozerro's. They were the only 19" RFT. I'm having some second thoughts thought and perhaps would have been better off with the Blizzaks. I've been running winter tires on my vehicles since 2004 when I moved back up north. I've run OEM size tires on my '96 993 and my '08 BMW 335XI. I went -2 (265/60/18) on my '03 FX45 (sold) because that was the largest tire I could get in '04. We've had one storm so far and the Pirelli's did great. http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=601930 __________________ Rich '96 911 C4 Cab (276,000 1 owner smiles) '11 X3 35i Black Sapphire/Beige,SAP, CP, CWP, DHP, PREM, TECH, Sat radio, Hi Fi, BMW apps, smartphone, 19" w/mixed performance tires.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 04:23 AM	#8
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Why are you having second thoughts? About to install the same setup on Wednesday. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 07:12 AM	#9
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1547 Rep 2,587 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	we need a picture thread for winter wheels, anyone who has them installed can you post here and state what brand/size you went with.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 09:10 AM	#10
frankwin Private First Class 6 Rep 122 Posts Drives: X3 xDrive35i w/MSport and + Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Quebec iTrader: (0)	18'' will not look to small, you can't tell the difference between 18 and 19 if you are a bit far, believe me. Remember the overall diameter remain the same! dunlop wintersport m3 on 18'' replica wheels
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 09:58 AM	#12
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1547 Rep 2,587 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	I think I will go with the 18" based on the comments here, down to the Elbrus I06 wheel on tirerack, now the decision of color: Black with Ice coating (which I think would look good with the black trim of the M Sport package I have) or silver machined with ice coating (more traditional look). http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...OF&qty_front=4 http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...OF&qty_front=4 Also is there any preference to tires between the Dunlop 3D run flat or Michelin Pilot PA2 runflat? Michelin are about $160 cheaper after the prepaid card ($70) is figured in. In the past I have always had bridgestone Blizzak (currently have LM25 on my C63 and love them).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 10:56 AM	#13
Le Chef Banned 16 Rep 412 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	The one thing to consider is snow getting into some of the crevices of the wheel and causing imbalance. I went with 18" Moda EB1 for that reason: simple open spoke that means snow is not going to build up.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2011, 06:56 PM	#16
gareth12468 First Lieutenant 7 Rep 325 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive 28i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 [0.00]	18" Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II and Elbrus I05.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2011, 03:36 PM	#17
TSM330i 2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport 874 Rep 3,699 Posts Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chester Springs, PA iTrader: (2)	What are the stock offsets for our wheels and what will work? My wife's X3 will be delivered this Saturday and she's already hinted that she'd like larger wheels (17" on the X3 2.8). Her X3 is Alpine White and I'd get her the gunmetal Homura wheels. My question is: Will a 19x8.5 with et36 work or is the offset too high? I see wheels on tirerack.com for our cars are usually et40 to 45 so the wheels will stick out further with an et36. Here's a link to the vendor add on e90post.com http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496963 __________________ 2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course 2015 GTI S 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2011, 10:38 PM	#18
02420X3 Captain 63 Rep 983 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	The offset is 43mm.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search