E34's on 18" rims

[RiggsyB]

Just how badly is the ride affected?

I'm running 16" 5 spokes right now (with 225/55R16 tyres) and obviously the ride is exceptionally smooth... I appreciate going to 17's would firm things up a bit and it would lose some of the suppleness, but how bad is it on 18" rims?

[alpinaracerX]

I have 18x8.5 with 245/40 tires. And its not that bad.. Its rough sometimes... I'm switching to 17's next season because I'm installing Dinan lowering springs and Koni shocks and I do enjoy the smooth ride.

[Incantation]

it's fine.. i'm on 18s with a sachs kit.. it rides close to stock, really.

only major difference is that 55mph shimmy comes a lot quicker with the wheels on, whereas with the 15s it doesn't even exist (at least for me)

[alpinaracerX]

I agree with Incantation, I get that shimmy around that speed too. But my thrust arms are toast. Lol. But I'd always get a slight one around 120km/h (I dunno MPH, Sorry I'm Canadian)

[nizmainiac]

i'm running 8x18" fronts and 9.5x18" with 235 and 265's and the ride is fine, i've got a jamex suspension kit to go on it, i'm just waiting for some workshop time to put it all on

[Qube]

Next year, I'm moving from 17 to 18 staggered. Sure, rubber costs quite a bit more but 18 looks nicer Of course, I'll install the Konis then too.

[attack eagle]

Just how badly is the ride affected?

I'm running 16" 5 spokes right now (with 225/55R16 tyres) and obviously the ride is exceptionally smooth... I appreciate going to 17's would firm things up a bit and it would lose some of the suppleness, but how bad is it on 18" rims?

The ride is Firm and Supple. Feels Like a sporting car, not a luxury car, as you cna feel the road, insteado f being completely isolated from it.
Exactly like I like it.
18x8.5s w/ 245/40 18 Bridgestone potenzas.

[saj3n]

A agree with eagle. I don't however get the 55mph shimmy at all. Thrust arms replaced and such. running 18x8.5 fronts 18x9 rear. 255x40 fronts 275x35 rears.

[ILoveMPower]

18x8.5 all around, 235/45/18

Ride is nice, but you better make sure your front end is in check before you toss some big heavy wheels on!

[pundit]

Okay it depends on your road conditions and what you consider acceptable ride comfort.
Most 18 - 25 year olds will say almost anything is acceptable if it looks hot and helps pick up chicks.
In other words looks come first and practicality last... as you get older your perspective changes!

I have geniune factory 17" 'T' Stars with Michelin PP2 Pilot Precedas, Eibach Prokit springs and Koni sports (yellows) set to full soft and the ride is quite a bit less comfortable than the stock factory suspension and wheels. The worse aspect is all the niggling little cracks, joints and bumps in the road surface that now get transferred into the cabin.

The Eibachs claim not to compromise ride comfort, the Michelins are supposed to be one of the most comfortable sports tyres available, the 'T' Stars are forged and quite light and the Konis are supposed to be better ridewise than the Bilsteins. Even so if you increase your spring rates, increase your shocker dampening and then fit heavier, larger diameter wheels which add more unsprung weight AND reduce your sidewall height then your ride quality will suffer.

So knowing what I know at this point would I ever consider going up to 18" wheel???..... NO WAY!!

The next car I buy will be a 2001 E39 530i and have Koni FSD's.