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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes Go smaller, oh the horror
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      02-07-2017, 12:46 PM   #1
nolesfan
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Go smaller, oh the horror

Hey guys, I am new to the forum and my wife just got her first BMW. A 2016 535I. It has the 19 inch staggered wheels on it which look amazing but have a real low profile on them and I am worried about wheel damage and tire repairs. I have read much about switching to non run flats from the run flats that come on the car from factory, and I believe we will be doing that.

I am seriously considering getting a smaller 18 inch wheel with matching tire sizes front and back, to get a bit more sidewall for a more durable wheel/tire combination as well as the ability to rotate as she commutes about 60 miles for work. I know this is the opposite of what most do with this vehicle in fact a lot of people seem to go bigger to 20's)

My question is what size wheel offset and tire size in an 18 would work best. Thanks for your input.
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      02-07-2017, 04:38 PM   #2
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Any factory F10 18" wheel would work. Not many to choose from, some 17's are also available from early 528i's.

That said just ditch the run flats and retain your 19" sport wheels. The difference is huge.

I went from 18's with runflats to 20's with non-runflats and the car rides notably better.
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      02-07-2017, 05:14 PM   #3
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18" tires are 245/45/18. The OEM 18" wheels are 18x8 ET30.
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      02-07-2017, 05:32 PM   #4
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I went 18 non runflat for the winter set from 19 max performance summer runflat, I will never go back to runflat. I have a 2002 330ci and that thing had a better ride than my 14 550 with runflats. possibly keeping the 351 rims and non runflat or go to 18s.
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      02-07-2017, 07:29 PM   #5
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The answers have pretty much already been given, but this link might help you out - bmwstylewheels.com. You can look at any F10 wheel to find out the size and offset, then shop accordingly.
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      03-08-2017, 08:46 AM   #6
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Going to 18 BBS wheels with non-runflat summer and winter tires has worked out great for me. Better grip, better ride, and less unsprung weight. I also happen to prefer the look of the 18s.
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      03-08-2017, 09:04 AM   #7
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I would search for 18" wheels from a 528i M-Sport. Not sure what the latest style is, but they were 350m initially on the F10. Good looking wheel, and they are staggered so you you still have that look. Here is a closed listing, but you get an idea about the look and also shows the tire sizes.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...highlight=350m
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      03-08-2017, 12:12 PM   #8
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My car rides smoother with aftermarket 20" wheels and tires than my cousin's 19" OEM run flats. If you have an M Sport, don't go down to an 18" wheel/tire setup, maybe just find a better tire combo.
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      03-09-2017, 01:10 PM   #9
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I would go with square black 18x8.5 ET20 (deep concave) Apex ARC-8 - great looking wheels and one of the lightest wheels on the market.

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      03-13-2017, 07:19 AM   #10
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Guess how I found this thread! After losing a tooth filling with my my new F11 on 19" with Goodyear RFT. I have NEVER had a car transfer such jolts into the cabin. Its truly disgraceful and actually made us all jump yesterday. So I too was looking to revert to 18" non RFT. I have none of these issues with another 20" huge tyred car I have...

Everyone says that RFT have come a long way since my E61 days, and I think that is partially true, however do people who have done this with the 19" wheels truly feel a lot better about the ride having ditched the RFT's?

I really think that motoring journalists should slam BMW for this RFT ride destroying issue and tell it like it is - it may add safety but it also takes it away. I genuinely wouldn't have bought the car had I test driven it properly and experience these jolts and un-sure footedness.
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      03-13-2017, 03:15 PM   #11
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Bought a '14 535i in December, run flats were ditched in January after modding suspension - Michelin Pilot A/S 3+ give a supple, sporty ride. I kept the 19 inch wheels - mine are all the same size.

I also feared the ultra low profile of the 19's but check air pressure frequently. That will be easier once coded. 19's look excellent but understand going to 18 for other reasons. I think the ride of the 19s with the Michelins is well damped and the ride is great.
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      03-14-2017, 06:22 PM   #12
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All the below keep you at a 26.6" wheel diameter, I plan on changing my 4 245/40/19 to 245/45/18 with bfgoodrich G-Force Comp-2 a/s, with 8.5" wide 18 inch rims from tirerack, I think 8" wide is pushing it. Raijia black rims, $1700 for the package. Haven't decided on the spare or tire repair kit yet.

rim
orig/frt 245 40 19 8-9.5, 8.5
back/stg 275 35 19 9-11, 9.5


rim
orig/frt 245 45 18 8-9.5, 8.5
back/stg 275 40 18 9-11, 9.5
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      03-23-2017, 10:30 PM   #13
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A month ago I got a CPO '14 535ix. It had Luxury package 19" wheels and runflat Goodyears that gave sharp handling but a stiff ride that I couldn't describe as Luxury.

I swapped in four 18" 237 wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ non-runflats and now it's got a Luxury ride along with sharp handling. What a difference, and I prefer the 237 style.
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      02-10-2023, 12:40 AM   #14
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I switched from a 20” to 18” bmw 350 style wheels and nv felt happier. The ride is so cushy & comfortable now.

Who said 18” looks small? Its perfect!

- the bumpiness is gone
- i dont have to avoid portholes or bad roads now
- very comfortable
- handling remains sharp

18x8 et30
18x9 et44
With 12mm spacers all around
Lowered with coilovers
Pirelli Cinturato p7 rft (wanted to go for non rfts but it came as a package)

Last picture with the 20” rims




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