Is it okay to put 18" wheels on NON-SPORT coupe?

[kyle808]

does anyone know if this will cause a problem with the suspension or any issues at all if you put 18" rims on a non-sport 328ci? I'm asking because I just read this quote from BimmerFest.org FAQ stating

"Typically a +1 treatment yields good results (in cases of a car with sport suspension but 16" wheels, going to 18" may also work for you). I would recommend against putting 18" wheels on a non-sport E46 however as the suspension is not designed for that. The E46 can accommodate tire widths up to 235mm in the front and 255mm in the rear. "

thanks!

[ayn]

r u sure your 328Ci doesn't have sport suspension?

if you really don't, get in the Bilstein PSS9 coilovers GB and you'll be all set! :D

--Andrew

[nate]

All coupes have sport suspension standard.

[blackhawk77]

Originally posted by nate328Ci
All coupes have sport suspension standard.

Thats what I thought, too. AFAIK, they offer the 18s as an option today, so it shouldnt be a problem. The Tire-Rack is a good source for confirmation though.

[andy_thomas]

Originally posted by kyle808
does anyone know if this will cause a problem with the suspension or any issues at all if you put 18" rims on a non-sport 328ci? I'm asking because I just read this quote from BimmerFest.org FAQ stating

"Typically a +1 treatment yields good results (in cases of a car with sport suspension but 16" wheels, going to 18" may also work for you). I would recommend against putting 18" wheels on a non-sport E46 however as the suspension is not designed for that. The E46 can accommodate tire widths up to 235mm in the front and 255mm in the rear. "

thanks!

BMW offers the 18" wheels - the same wheels - as an option on every 3er BMW sold in the UK (except the M3) whether or not it has sports suspension settings. I imagine the ride/handling combination to be poor with this settings - softer springs, no sidewall give, massive grip, heavy wheels, a recipe for bumpstop action, corkscrewing and slow steering - but it's available at least.

I don't know if BMW would then tweak the suspension settings to suit this wheel. they should, but I'm sure they don't (certainly the shocks are exactly the same part according to the ETK, and the spring rate calculation does not take into account wheel type or size, only kerb weight/options).

[Gary@Tirerack]

YES, this fit with no problems at all. We've used 18" wheels for testing on our test vehicles for years. The first two sets of E46 test cars we had 328Is and 328CIs, did not have sport suspensions. This is a very common upgrade and looks great as well! You can see our complete list of fitments in 18" at :

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR8&url=/wheels/index.jsp

[JetBlack330i]

That FAQ makes no sense. Those bimmerfest.org people... :tsk:
Why would the stiffer sport suspension be required?
With a lower tire side wall, one would think that the softer suspension would be better...