[Pray for Mojo]

Anyone rocking the 21s in inclement weather is asking for trouble. You're better off getting a second set of wheels and tires for winter.

[bizzyqu]

Originally Posted by Pray for Mojo

Anyone rocking the 21s in inclement weather is asking for trouble. You're better off getting a second set of wheels and tires for winter.

I usually swap my tires in the winter, I assume the 20s wont be too bad in the winter with dedicated tires.

[Pray for Mojo]

20s would be fine, I don't even know if they make 21s in an appropriate winter tire. Depending on how long you own the vehicle, it might make sense to buy a cheap set of wheels and avoid paying the mount and balance cost twice a year.

[drexplode]

Coated my 718m's with gyeon rim and cleaning is easier.

Definitely consider a winter set of wheels and tires. Getbmwparts is selling a full set mounted, balanced and with TPMS.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by bizzyqu

My only concern is tire and wheel durability. I think the 21's look nice but I'm concerned I will be replacing tires and fixing wheels more often in the awful NY winters. Anyone have experience with the 20s or 21s through the winter and how they held up? horror stories? Coming from 2 hellish winters with my Golf R on 19s

If you're only focused on the wheel diameter you are missing the critical information. The tires on my M40i with 21" wheels have a taller sidewall than tires I've had on 18" and 19" wheels on past sports cars. So calculate the sidewall height, factor in RFT/not, and decide if the tire will be too thin/stiff compared to other vehicles you have owned.

I am real happy with the looks and ride quality of the 21" wheels, but if I had to do a lot of winter driving with my M40i, I would get a cheaper set of winter wheels with all season tires or winter tires. The summer tires on the M40i are not going to do well in the winter, no matter if you have the 20" or 21" wheels. And winter tire options, or even all-season tire options, are somewhat limited for both of those rim sizes in staggered setups. I'd say get whatever factory wheel you like the best, and then plan on a set of 19" wheels/tires for winter.

[verysideways]

Originally Posted by skier219

The summer tires on the M40i are not going to do well in the winter, no matter if you have the 20" or 21" wheels. And winter tire options, or even all-season tire options, are somewhat limited for both of those rim sizes in staggered setups. I'd say get whatever factory wheel you like the best, and then plan on a set of 19" wheels/tires for winter.

^^^ this is excellent advice ^^^

[JayPichardo]

If you hate them give me a call I have a set of 19s plus cash!

[$M2]

Love them. Ceramic coated inner and outers as soon as I got it home. Makes cleaning easier.

[Lux700]

For looks and ride, no regrets.

[T16ole]

I have the 21”s, I also bought a spare set of 695 20” wheels with winter tyres.

I swapped them back recently as the winter has been so mild recently.

The 21”s are runflats the 20”s are not. The difference is negligible, I actually prefer the sharpness of the 21”s.

Then there the looks, the 21”s make it.

[Tchgrif]

I now have a separate set of winter tires/rims, went down from the summer 21" to winter 20" non run flats so the side wall is softer as is the rubber compound but the ride is almost exactly the same. I have pirelli winter scorpions in the staggered sizes, rear is wider. the stock summer tires were less than useless in snow, do NOT drive around in snow and ice with these tires they will get you killed. fyi I put a "slime" kit in the storage area since these are not run flats.

[HampshireUK]

Had concerns but thanks to this forum I stuck with the 21” and very happy. In comfort mode the ride even on UK Hampshire roads is very good. I feel the 21” wheels set off the X3 M40i, without them it could be any X3

[Brucecris]

Originally Posted by SWOT1

LOVE them! Not only no regrets, I would not have purchased the M40i without the 21's as an option... they complete the aggressive, athletic look (and stance, once I get the 18/15mm spacers on) that really help differentiate the M40i from the pack. The ride has been firm, but surprisingly more comfortable than expected, even over bumps and rough roads. Also quieter than expected. I do plan on going with 255/285's soon for the improved stance and traction, and lower cost on replacements.

Originally Posted by SWOT1

LOVE them! Not only no regrets, I would not have purchased the M40i without the 21's as an option... they complete the aggressive, athletic look (and stance, once I get the 18/15mm spacers on) that really help differentiate the M40i from the pack. The ride has been firm, but surprisingly more comfortable than expected, even over bumps and rough roads. Also quieter than expected. I do plan on going with 255/285's soon for the improved stance and traction, and lower cost on replacements.

Hey is there any way you can take a pic down the side to show how those spacers change the stance? I'm curious as to how well they line up the tires with the fender.

[Viper450]

Second that, I would like to see a before and after picture if possible.

[SROC3]

I originally was irritated that the 30i MSPort pkg did not have the 21s as an option.....but grew to love the look of the 20inch 699s. Now that I have them Im happy I got them. Really good balance of comfort and style

[SROC3]

Originally Posted by Brucecris

Hey is there any way you can take a pic down the side to show how those spacers change the stance? I'm curious as to how well they line up the tires with the fender.

I'll be doing this Saturday in a separate thread when I do a photo shoot, after I get my spacers installed

[FIRESTARTER]

Originally Posted by Viper450

Second that, I would like to see a before and after picture if possible.

Post #69 and #70

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...1456715&page=2

[Thomcash]

I fretted for days last month before placing my order, debating 20 vs 21 ad nauseum. Although I was queasy about 21's tire replacement cost and apparently short tread life, I chose 21s because they look awesome and are exclusive to M40i.

Two weeks in, I do not regret 21s although I have learned they contribute to a jittery highway ride and are VERY difficult to clean. I always wash by hand, and found the 21s made me work for it. Somehow the brake dust and grime seem to bond to the wheels. Anyone have advice on a cleaning product that is safe for these wheels?

[Lux700]

Originally Posted by Thomcash

I fretted for days last month before placing my order, debating 20 vs 21 ad nauseum. Although I was queasy about 21's tire replacement cost and apparently short tread life, I chose 21s because they look awesome and are exclusive to M40i.

Two weeks in, I do not regret 21s although I have learned they contribute to a jittery highway ride and are VERY difficult to clean. I always wash by hand, and found the 21s made me work for it. Somehow the brake dust and grime seem to bond to the wheels. Anyone have advice on a cleaning product that is safe for these wheels?

Bilt Hamber wheel cleaner is excellent. It was recommended on Bimmerpost so I bought some to try and can confirm that it is brilliant stuff.

[RevNev]

Personally I hate the 718M wheel design and the colour looks a like matte brown to me. I like the 648M 7 Series wheels and fitted them to my M40i. The 20" wheels with a bit more tyre sidewall are a lot smoother than the 21's yet the handling and corner grip feels the same.

[Tex94]

Originally Posted by RevNev

Personally I hate the 718M wheel design and the colour looks a like matte brown to me. I like the 648M 7 Series wheels and fitted them to my M40i. The 20" wheels with a bit more tyre sidewall are a lot smoother than the 21's yet the handling and corner grip feels the same.

Great combination with the white color! Would look great with some black grilles too.

[RevNev]

Originally Posted by Tex94

Great combination with the white color! Would look great with some black grilles too.

Yes. I've had the fog light eyebrows painted gloss black, the gloss black fender vents and grills from an M Sport 30i and the grill surrounds painted gloss black would finish it off.

I saw a white M Sport 740i sedan with these wheels and looked great and had the same visual impact on the M40i and worked well with a white X3 I thought. The 648M wheels have a decent dish too where the 718M's wheels are quite flat.