Considering the performance advantages of lighter wheels... - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

MarinJeff · 06-10-2010, 01:34 PM

Hello,

Well, my RFT, at 15k are starting to head to pasture. I am interested in trying out either the Star Specs or Hancock V12s. The question I have is, is there any real performance advantage to putting on lighter tires? It appears the GTS-Rs are roughly 7lbs each less than the stock wheels. Is the weight difference something you can feel or is it really mainly an aesthetic choice?

Thanks for your advice in advance. I haven't put on aftermarket wheels on a car since my beater 1971 Camaro from high school when my only criteria was "are they awesome?". Now, I want to more about the benefits.

Thanks,

Jeff

Gill@Tirerack.com · 06-10-2010, 01:58 PM

The weight savings in the GTS-R was immediately noticeable to me. I was a bit shocked at how much difference I could feel. I didn't think it would be that big a deal.

NewYearsBoy · 06-10-2010, 02:53 PM

I want to put 19s on my car.... but I am starting to rethink it.. Is it that big of a difference...

FazerBoy · 06-10-2010, 03:05 PM

I've got Volk VRG2s and Michelin Pilot Sport 3s and there is definitely a benefit in acceleration and handling. It is not massive but it is noticeable when you first get in the car having made the change.

Like every mod though, it only takes a little while before it feels 'normal' and then you're looking for more!

Jack

infinitekid2002 · 06-10-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoutnj89

I want to put 19s on my car.... but I am starting to rethink it.. Is it that big of a difference...

There are light 19" wheels but they are spensive...my Advans are 19 and 20 lbs (front and rear).

leesat · 06-10-2010, 04:06 PM

Well.. I'm not sure that makes any difference.But you know the difference when your are running with heavy shoes or light shoes.

NewYearsBoy · 06-11-2010, 10:15 AM

Ya how expensive??? 1G a wheel?? more?? any ideas for a good Company??

tgxmike · 06-11-2010, 11:50 AM

I changed my 128i to Hankook V12 (205/50) on 17's and the difference is really noticable. The tire grip is the biggest improvement. The suspension is also able to absorb more of the high frequency bumps now too. Low frequency still hurts a bit with the upgraded suspension. But at highway speeds the car is very pleasant to drive.

Problem I have now is I want wider tires, but no exta weight..... going to be hard to beat 42.4lb/corner...

wabbit · 06-11-2010, 01:55 PM

i did it once in my ex-120i and you can really fell the difference
soooo i would say .... DO IT

scott135i · 06-11-2010, 08:53 PM

I definitely noticed the difference in the lighter wheels and tires. I am running the Breyton GTS-Rs and Hankook V12s...

The difference is more felt in steering feel and handling, than it is felt in acceleration. Having said that, there is still an improvement in both areas that is noticeable.

To compare, I drove a fellow member's 135i (chesterfan1320) with the E93 M3 sway bar and OEM 164's w/ RFTs... The improvement in handling feel felt the same as the improvement the Breyton's offer without the upgraded sway bar... (not that each provide the same benefits, but rather that the overall improvement in handling and feel, felt the same)....

bradford · 06-12-2010, 02:01 PM

I would focus on getting the correct offset to maximize your tread width first, and then focus on weight.

sethchan · 06-25-2010, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leesat

Well.. I'm not sure that makes any difference.But you know the difference when your are running with heavy shoes or light shoes.

...divided up between 300 horses.

HPFREAK · 06-25-2010, 11:58 AM

I did not notice anything to be honest when I put the GTS-R's on. I did not even notice the weight diff between stock and the Breytons holding them in each hand. It could be because 25lbs vs 18lbs is nothing to me since I am Superman strong

I wanted to be able to weigh them but the tire shop did not have a scale and the wheels where shipped directly to them.

I do like the wheels though. Makes the car look a million times better.

Qbone · 06-25-2010, 06:05 PM

when i changed from OEM 17" to my 19" i felt big differance so now im waiting for a trackday set of wheels

timhatimay · 06-25-2010, 08:34 PM

Having recently put on lightweight wheels (17's) coming from the stock 261M's and conducting a few butt dynos and butt road courses (twisties) I can say there is a noticeable benefit. I weighed my wheels at just under 16 pounds in the front and about 16.5 pounds in the rear. I don't notice it so much in acceleration though. I feel a difference here, but it is subtle. I notice a major difference in the way the car handles. Bumps are taken much better and the wheels react to the road and inputs much better. Rough roads or mid-corner bumps disrupt the car much less than with the stock wheels. So as mentioned above, I feel the difference more in the handling and response of the car not so much the acceleration.

But 40 pounds may not sound like much on a big car, but the 40 pounds is unsprung weight and rotational mass. Both of these will have a more significant effect on suspension response or engine torque respectively, compared to just removing 40 pounds from the car. Getting proper offset and widths is important as well so you can run decent amount of tire in the front/rear as well.

Tim

spyderx · 06-25-2010, 11:48 PM

So, you went from stock 18 to aftermarket 17"?
I may just do that as well. I'll probably pickup a set of Enkei RPF1 wheels from Tirerack. They're super light, durable and cheap! It should help out soaking up bumps and take out those cowl shakes in my vert!

Lighter wheels should help in acceleration and stopping due to less rotational mass! I certainly felt it in my Evos...

IZAGLO · 06-26-2010, 08:15 PM

indeed you can feel the difference...On my last ride i changed out rims 3 times and i could feel the difference..especialyl with my Advans.Putting oversize rims and tires on a car generally results in poorer performance and speed...I am aggressivly looking at rims ATM and am on the Alufelgen GB and still wondering if going 19 is the right path....it's going against everything i have read on performance...oh well will see................

06-10-2010, 01:34 PM	#1
MarinJeff The Stig Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 43 iTrader: (0)	Considering the performance advantages of lighter wheels... Hello, Well, my RFT, at 15k are starting to head to pasture. I am interested in trying out either the Star Specs or Hancock V12s. The question I have is, is there any real performance advantage to putting on lighter tires? It appears the GTS-Rs are roughly 7lbs each less than the stock wheels. Is the weight difference something you can feel or is it really mainly an aesthetic choice? Thanks for your advice in advance. I haven't put on aftermarket wheels on a car since my beater 1971 Camaro from high school when my only criteria was "are they awesome?". Now, I want to more about the benefits. Thanks, Jeff __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Sport Pkg, Coral, Glacier, Ipod/USB, BMW Assist, BMW Performance Pedals Last edited by MarinJeff; 06-10-2010 at 03:13 PM.
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06-10-2010, 01:58 PM	#2
Gill@Tirerack.com 877-522-8473 x4620 Drives: Sedona 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South Bend, IN Posts: 1,112 iTrader: (1)	The weight savings in the GTS-R was immediately noticeable to me. I was a bit shocked at how much difference I could feel. I didn't think it would be that big a deal. __________________ Refer to 'Gill/1addicts' as your previous contact when ordering online. Credit 1addicts.com by ordering through the 'shop now' banner at the top of the page.

06-10-2010, 02:53 PM	#3
NewYearsBoy Colonel Drives: IS 300 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bradenton FL Posts: 2,365 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 135i M-Sport [0.00]	I want to put 19s on my car.... but I am starting to rethink it.. Is it that big of a difference... __________________ -------------------------------------------------------------- "Speed never killed anyone its very important to get that straight, Speed has never killed a soul. Suddenly becoming stationary thats what gets people." - Jeremy Clarkson

06-11-2010, 10:15 AM	#7
NewYearsBoy Colonel Drives: IS 300 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bradenton FL Posts: 2,365 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 135i M-Sport [0.00]	Ya how expensive??? 1G a wheel?? more?? any ideas for a good Company?? __________________ -------------------------------------------------------------- "Speed never killed anyone its very important to get that straight, Speed has never killed a soul. Suddenly becoming stationary thats what gets people." - Jeremy Clarkson

06-11-2010, 08:53 PM	#10
scott135i Major Drives: 2011 BMW 335d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC Metro Posts: 1,387 iTrader: (7)	I definitely noticed the difference in the lighter wheels and tires. I am running the Breyton GTS-Rs and Hankook V12s... The difference is more felt in steering feel and handling, than it is felt in acceleration. Having said that, there is still an improvement in both areas that is noticeable. To compare, I drove a fellow member's 135i (chesterfan1320) with the E93 M3 sway bar and OEM 164's w/ RFTs... The improvement in handling feel felt the same as the improvement the Breyton's offer without the upgraded sway bar... (not that each provide the same benefits, but rather that the overall improvement in handling and feel, felt the same).... __________________ 2011 BMW 335d Sedan (Blue Water/Black) : Current 2008 BMW 135i Coupe (BSM/Red) & (White/Black) Retired 2007 BMW Z4 M (White/Red): Retired 2003 & 2006 Cadillac CTS : Retired 1993 FD Single Turbo Mazda RX7: Retired

06-10-2010, 03:05 PM	#4
FazerBoy First Lieutenant Drives: BMW E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 327 iTrader: (0)	I've got Volk VRG2s and Michelin Pilot Sport 3s and there is definitely a benefit in acceleration and handling. It is not massive but it is noticeable when you first get in the car having made the change. Like every mod though, it only takes a little while before it feels 'normal' and then you're looking for more! Jack

06-10-2010, 04:06 PM	#6
leesat samuray Drives: 128i Join Date: May 2010 Location: WA Posts: 44 iTrader: (0)	Well.. I'm not sure that makes any difference.But you know the difference when your are running with heavy shoes or light shoes.

06-11-2010, 11:50 AM	#8
tgxmike Second Lieutenant Drives: '09 128i Coupe, 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 279 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 128i [0.00]	I changed my 128i to Hankook V12 (205/50) on 17's and the difference is really noticable. The tire grip is the biggest improvement. The suspension is also able to absorb more of the high frequency bumps now too. Low frequency still hurts a bit with the upgraded suspension. But at highway speeds the car is very pleasant to drive. Problem I have now is I want wider tires, but no exta weight..... going to be hard to beat 42.4lb/corner...

06-11-2010, 01:55 PM	#9
wabbit wabbit! Drives: ///1M Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mexico Posts: 200 iTrader: (1)	i did it once in my ex-120i and you can really fell the difference soooo i would say .... DO IT

06-12-2010, 02:01 PM	#11
bradford Major Drives: 2008 SGM 135i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago > * Posts: 1,037 iTrader: (4)	I would focus on getting the correct offset to maximize your tread width first, and then focus on weight.

06-25-2010, 11:58 AM	#13
HPFREAK Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 09 135 CPE Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 1,835 iTrader: (8)	I did not notice anything to be honest when I put the GTS-R's on. I did not even notice the weight diff between stock and the Breytons holding them in each hand. It could be because 25lbs vs 18lbs is nothing to me since I am Superman strong I wanted to be able to weigh them but the tire shop did not have a scale and the wheels where shipped directly to them. I do like the wheels though. Makes the car look a million times better.

06-25-2010, 06:05 PM	#14
Qbone Second Lieutenant Drives: BMW 123D Coupé Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Västervik Posts: 257 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 123d [0.00]	when i changed from OEM 17" to my 19" i felt big differance so now im waiting for a trackday set of wheels __________________ Icarbon diffuser & spoiler - Bilstein coils - Work VS-XX

06-25-2010, 08:34 PM	#15
timhatimay Lieutenant Drives: Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 418 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	Having recently put on lightweight wheels (17's) coming from the stock 261M's and conducting a few butt dynos and butt road courses (twisties) I can say there is a noticeable benefit. I weighed my wheels at just under 16 pounds in the front and about 16.5 pounds in the rear. I don't notice it so much in acceleration though. I feel a difference here, but it is subtle. I notice a major difference in the way the car handles. Bumps are taken much better and the wheels react to the road and inputs much better. Rough roads or mid-corner bumps disrupt the car much less than with the stock wheels. So as mentioned above, I feel the difference more in the handling and response of the car not so much the acceleration. But 40 pounds may not sound like much on a big car, but the 40 pounds is unsprung weight and rotational mass. Both of these will have a more significant effect on suspension response or engine torque respectively, compared to just removing 40 pounds from the car. Getting proper offset and widths is important as well so you can run decent amount of tire in the front/rear as well. Tim __________________ 135i MT JB/CR ///MSport

06-25-2010, 11:48 PM	#16
spyderx Private First Class Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 133 iTrader: (0)	So, you went from stock 18 to aftermarket 17"? I may just do that as well. I'll probably pickup a set of Enkei RPF1 wheels from Tirerack. They're super light, durable and cheap! It should help out soaking up bumps and take out those cowl shakes in my vert! Lighter wheels should help in acceleration and stopping due to less rotational mass! I certainly felt it in my Evos... Last edited by spyderx; 06-26-2010 at 12:35 AM.

06-26-2010, 08:15 PM	#17
IZAGLO Mbira Drives: Sedonna Red 09 135i SOLD Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Garage cleaning Brake Dust Posts: 912 iTrader: (3)	indeed you can feel the difference...On my last ride i changed out rims 3 times and i could feel the difference..especialyl with my Advans.Putting oversize rims and tires on a car generally results in poorer performance and speed...I am aggressivly looking at rims ATM and am on the Alufelgen GB and still wondering if going 19 is the right path....it's going against everything i have read on performance...oh well will see................

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