Yes, the ride feels better. I had the "S-lite" factory 17" wheels with the runflats and these 18"s with tires are lighter than the stock ones. What makes the ride harsh on the runflats is because the sidewalls are so stiff and hard. The side wall on the 18"s are hard enough but softer than the runflats. Not only the 18"s look better, in my opinion... the ride way better!

 

I just replaced my 17" run-flats with 215-35-18's. I was expecting the ride to be a little more harsh, as it turns out the ride is a little better.. I went with Excell wheels from wheelmax, Im running Toyo Proxas 4 tires, and so far they are great.