I am toying with the idea of going to 18" Rims. How many of you use them, what size (width) and what tire size did you go with? Any problems? PSI?

 

I hear that if you go toan 18" you really shoudl change the suspension but I am not sure, mostly from what I have read.

Is that the case?

I would love to know as well!

Chris

 

Aftermarket Wheel Statistics

Replacement Tire Statistics

 

thegooch,

Take a look at MINIAC's post on tire and rim statistics from MINI2.com and it reveals that the most common rim size is 18x7 or 18x7.5"- both are OK given the correct offset which varies with your suspension.

Most common tire size would be 215/35-18 for a close to stock look and ride otherwise 225/35-18 for slightly wider tire.

The advantage of 18x7 and 215/35-18 combo is generally less cost/less weight which is already quite high with 18" wheels and it is close to stock size overall which fits better. Some rims only come in a 7 or 7.5" width, not both so if you are limited by the rim design that dictates width. The 215/35-18 size will fit both rims and the selection of tires is good.

You do not have to change suspension to do anything special to run 18" wheels. The look is nice but the ride may be more firm. This depends on which tires you choose. Since it is likely you are switching from a 17" runflat I'd say the 18" non runflat will be an improvement unless the roads are in poor shape. Watch out for nasty potholes that can really damage your expensive rims and tires.

 

After I posted this I realised that I am probably better off staying with a 17" becuase the roads do happen to suck here. I am a little ignorant when it comes to wheels so I was also curious what "offset" refers to. Do you think there woulod be a problem going to a 17x7.5"?

 

thegooch,

Yes, if you roads are "poor", then 17" would be better and less risky.
Your choice for 17x7 or 17x7.5" depending on design. 215/45-17 is a common size for either rim width or you can use the stock 205/45-17 size but the selection is better with 215/45.

Wheel offset is-


offsets explanation

Generally for stock suspension look for wheel offsets in the range of +37mm to +48mm and for lowered suspension it may vary with the type of upgrade you choose but basically about +42mm to +48mm.

 

Other than Ride being more firm with an 18" rim what are the other downfalls if any?

Is there a clearance issue in the wheel well with the 18"

I was about to buy a set of 17's and now I see the option for 18's with what I like and I am torn.

Thanks!

 

It really has nothing to do with the diameter of the wheel ... it's the wheel offset and tire size that matter.

There's people running 225 tires on 16", 17" and 18" wheels

 

I'm another one of those people that don't know a whole lot about wheels. I was actually considering going from 17 inch wheels to 16 inch. But don't know if there is anything special I need to worry about besides the size of the tires. And then all I know is to get something with R16.

 

I have a set of the JCW 18s and love them...not sure what the off set is but i just changed from the dunlop 18in runflats to a set of pirelli 215/35 and the ride is much better actually, now i am just toying with lowering about an inch...the 35s leave a bit more of a gap between the top of the tire and the bottom of the wheel well...does anyone know if i'll have any clearance probs with the JCW offset running the config above?

windrider

 

Should not be an issue.

Alex