HI, I have a 2016 F55 with 15 inch wheels. I am thinking about moving up to 16 or 17 inch wheels. What is the difference in the drive with large/wheels/tires. Presently it feels like the tires won't support twisty roads
thanks
MartyS

 

Marty. Firstly welcome to the forum.
What you say makes complete sense. Lower profile tires are more stable on corners. That being said, runflat tires are stiffer in the sidewalls than regular tires. There are lots of treads on wheels and tires. Generally though I think most feel 17" rims give you the best all round comfort and ride quality. I personally run 18" but break a tire a season due to put holes.

 

Congrats on the F55! I just got my F56 and went from the stock 15" wheels with skinny 175 all season tires to a set of stock 16" wheels with 195/55/16 summer tires. I can definitely feel a grip difference, but I can also feel the weight difference. The 15x5.5" wheels are just over 11 lbs. The 16" Loops I got were over 18lbs. That plus the tire weight difference means that I've added about 12 lbs to each corner (which can be felt). For me, the grip of the summer tires is worth it, but if I could have afforded it, I would have definitely gotten some lighter 16s. I didn't go 17 as I wanted to keep a little bit of sidewall.

 

Excellent point. If you are not careful on the wheels you choose, it will feel like boat anchors on the corners w/ heavier wheels.

There is a constituency that will actually reduce their wheel size for the weight savings. Wheel weight (rotational weight) actually equates to more or less WHP and Wheel torque, depending on which way you go. Lighter allows more of the crank HP and torque to reach the pavement making your car quicker and more nimble.

Check Tire Rack wheel weights and sizing before you buy. You may find a set of 16 inch wheels that weigh the same as your 15's. Also check tires. My RF Hankooks weighed 2 lbs heavier than the Conti DW Summers I swapped them for.

Often the devil is in the details when you start to make changes to your car.

Good luck

 

It may well be the tire rather than the wheel size. My 2010 R56 was quite nimble and quick on 175/65-15 Continental Premium Contact 2 summer tires. OTOH there are better choices for all-season and summer performance tires in the 16" and 17" wheel sizes.

 

I'm selling my 17" stock wheels if you are interested. PM me.