Which is better? Lower or bigger wheels

winnm5 · 30th June 2012, 20:50

Just got an '06 M5.

If I can do one thing... Which has a better look and ride: Lower with new springs or get 20 inch wheels?

FORMnFUNCTION · 30th June 2012, 21:00

I would def. go with a smaller wheel then 20s, 19s are perfect, and lower it slightly..

You get more performance from a lighter wheel in general, and it would ride better as well.

Cheaper price for tires, more selections of tire.

List goes on and on.

LeeDan00 · 30th June 2012, 21:07

it really depends on what you're trying to achieve. 20's are definitely more popular for aesthetics, but if you're tracking your car then 19's probably for a lighter wheel. i have 20's on my car and wouldn't go with anything bigger or smaller; it fits our cars very well. or you can get 20's and lower it like many others.

winnm5 · 30th June 2012, 21:27

Should I worry about tires rubbing if I go with 20" wheels and lower at the same time?

FORMnFUNCTION · 30th June 2012, 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by winnm5

Should I worry about tires rubbing if I go with 20" wheels and lower at the same time?

You need to get proper offset, tire size, wheels width.

There are many things to consider when you talk about fitment.

sidemarker · 7th July 2012, 03:04

dropping the car will always make it look better. even if you go with bigger wheels you have to drop otherwise you will look like a 4x4

sidemarker · 7th July 2012, 03:05

dropping the car will also add performance in handling.

ACG · 7th July 2012, 07:58

Depends on what you are trying to achieve. I stuck with 19" myself and dropped the car on coilovers. The only reason I kept to the stock wheel size is because the smaller diameter tires can increase acceleration by reducing the drivetrain's effective gear ratio, which allows your engine to exert more torque per revolution, yeah I am all about speed

If it looks you want then go with the larger size wheel.

dhirm5 · 7th July 2012, 19:43

Just so it's clear - smaller wheels doesn't necessarily mean smaller overall rolling diameter. I have 295/30/20 in back, which is very close to the stock 285/35/19 in overall rolling diameter. In fact, 285/30/20 would actually have been slightly shorter overall.

For most people, remaining as close as possible to the stock rolling diameter is the way to go - maintains the speedometer's calibration, and stock driving characteristics. Going taller or shorter should only be done if you know exactly what you're doing.

unfoundhorsepower · 7th July 2012, 20:41

ride??? 19's the best way to go....I like the handling of the 19's better than the 20's. it is much easier to read the 19" sidewall than the 20" sidewall.....and better with road imperfections. Lowering is NOT just the way to derive better handling, one must "tune" the entire suspension to gain a substantial improvement in handling...Study before "Jumping in"....