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2008 E63 Estate, 2017 Land Rover Range Rover diesel, 1978 Jeep CJ7 Golden Eagle
08 E63 Estate wheels, OE 18's or BBS '19's?
I'm about to take delivery on this rare '08 E63 wagon and coming out of an '05 E500 Estate that I left the factor 5 fat spoke 17's and came from the factory w/o a staggered setup. My question is on the 2008 is because I've been given a choice of wheels between the factory 18' five spoke stars, which I do love the look of, or BBS modern web style which are slightly wider but don't know exactly how much wider, didn't ask specifics, but I can.
While i don't mind the look of the BBS's and if I did stray from the OE 5 star would probably pick something like these, but my concern is in two areas: 1) will the larger size in both diameter and width mess with the function of the suspension having been tuned with slightly different parameters? and 2) while the 19's will offer a unique look, is the shorter sidewall worth it in terms of road noise and rough road vulnerability? I live in Houston and those beautiful legacy Oaks have done a number on many of our streets and being surprised by a 1" rise at an expansion gap can be rather typical. This is a heavy Estate wagon, sidewall collapse during high lateral G corners won't be a deal, that's what I bought the gutted E46 for, so.......for this reason I'm leaning OE 18's, but am considering the 19's and curious if anyone has made the move to wider 19's and regretted it. Your comment is much appreciated. Thanks
I have an '08 E63 wagon as well. My bias would be to stick with the factory wheels, 8.5x18 ET 38 and 9x18 ET 39. I'm having some curb rash from the PO repaired on mine right now and 3 of the 4 need straightening after a couple of years in San Francisco. Going with 19s and shorter sidewalls is just asking for more easily bent rims, I lived in Houston for 11 years and remember all the buckled pavement, you need a little sidewall for insurance purposes.
I've got 19" on my 07 E63, but our roads here in Northern VA, are pretty decent. But if your live in an area where the roads are crappy stick with 18", more sidewall to absorb the bumps.
When you go with larger tires, your sidewall ultimately shrinks, thereby causing the rim to absorb the impacts from the roads, as your have little sidewall to help out.
I have 19" BBS CH-R and love how they look. Front are 8.5J 32 Offset on 245s and rear is 9.5J Offset 35 on 275s. There's absolutely no rubbing, since I had to test this wheel setup for rubbing for our German TÜV, when I swapped my suspension for coilovers. The 19s are lighter than the 18 inch oem wheels as well.
I have
I have 19’s right now and from 18’ factory’s the ride is a bit rougher but still acceptable. Nothing will ride smoother than OEM. If you want aftermarket your going to have to give up some comfort…
2008 E63 Estate, 2017 Land Rover Range Rover diesel, 1978 Jeep CJ7 Golden Eagle
Thx much, but he had the fact 18's so I stuck with those. The BBS are sexy but to be honest I could use the sidewalls of the 18's on these lumpy roads in the city. Thx tho, gorgeous car!!
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