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[Burgz_]

Hello All,

Currently tossing up pros and cons for running either a 18x8 or 17x8 square setup for my 130i.

Car is not a daily drive and is used 2-3 times a week, with casual track days maybe 3-5 times a year.

So, I'm seeking opinions and guidance on choosing either of the above for the use mentioned.

I'm currently leaning towards the 17x8 for the following:

1) Currently have a set semi slicks to put on - saving $1500 on a new set of tyers.
2) Using one of the stock wheels as a spare as a piece of mind and not having odd sized wheels.
3) Being a casual track day driver, the added tyer size an 18" wheel would provide, would probably go unnoticed.


I'm 100% firm on a square setup as the ability to rotate tyers is a huge plus in my mind. Also, not running huge power there's no need for the extra traction in the back.

Cheers!

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Burgz_

Hello All,

Currently tossing up pros and cons for running either a 18x8 or 17x8 square setup for my 130i.

Car is not a daily drive and is used 2-3 times a week, with casual track days maybe 3-5 times a year.

So, I'm seeking opinions and guidance on choosing either of the above for the use mentioned.

I'm currently leaning towards the 17x8 for the following:

1) Currently have a set semi slicks to put on - saving $1500 on a new set of tyers.
2) Using one of the stock wheels as a spare as a piece of mind and not having odd sized wheels.
3) Being a casual track day driver, the added tyer size an 18" wheel would provide, would probably go unnoticed.


I'm 100% firm on a square setup as the ability to rotate tyers is a huge plus in my mind. Also, not running huge power there's no need for the extra traction in the back.

Cheers!

No track days from me, but I have stock 17" on now and will almost certainly stay with 17's when I upgrade wheels. I like the little extra cushion when hitting something. Just get the tire with the firmest sidewall you can find.

Also agree with you on the square setup

The downside of 17's are less wheel choices and less choice to upgrade brakes.

I'm certainly interested in what some of the more hardcore people on here think.

[Gangplank]

What wheels and offsets are you looking at ?

Also tire size?

[Burgz_]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

What wheels and offsets are you looking at ?

Also tire size?

I'm not 100% sure about the offset just yet, I'm assuming it will have to be in the higher ET range, maybe +35/38.


tyre size is 224 45

[Thunderguts]

The main benefits of the 17s are lighter weight and improved ride/reduced chance of wheel damage. The downside of increased sidewall height is tire rollover. I have 17s and I can definitely roll the tires quite a bit and I have wear on the sidewalls. This would be somewhat mitigated if I ran 17X8.5 instead of 17x8, but it it noticeable. I still think I would choose 17s again.

[Olgeezer1]

I went with 18x 8.5 Apex Arc8's with a 45 offset. I like the 8.5 width to give me the options of 225 - 245 width tires. Currently on 225/40/18 Michelin 4S square, but can go to 245/35/18 for a more track focused car. The 225's are great for the street. Wheels are made for the 1 Series so no fitment issues, and you drop 6 lbs. per wheel to boot.

[nebrilon]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

I went with 18x 8.5 Apex Arc8's with a 45 offset. I like the 8.5 width to give me the options of 225 - 245 width tires. Currently on 225/40/18 Michelin 4S square, but can go to 245/35/18 for a more track focused car. The 225's are great for the street. Wheels are made for the 1 Series so no fitment issues, and you drop 6 lbs. per wheel to boot.

Any mods you did? I saw some nice-looking 18x8.5's while checking these wheel and tire packages, although the offset is +38. I'm curious if I need to adjust the camber and roll the fenders in order to fit 245's.