18" for winter?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: NJ/PA
E63, E90
Plan on upgrading to 20s and using the stock 18s with some blizzaks. I don't think the brakes will allow for smaller diameter wheels... If you go aftermarket get the smallest width wheels 18x8 or 7.5 if possible. I've seen people run 19s with winters without a problem...
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: NJ/PA
E63, E90
Diameter certainly does matter, it determines the amount of profile your tire/rim/car can have without rubbing. Running 20s on low profile tires in the winter with less sidewall can lead to cracking the rim against ice or thick snow... In addition during the winter roads will deteriorate and cracks in the road or potholes will form creating more risk for a bent or cracked rim or bubble in your tire.
In addition the financial aspect of purchasing larger diameter wheels and tires may also be a factor for some. I run 17x7.5 225/45 on my winter car (summer setup is 19x8.5 and 19x9.5) and still managed to crack a rim with a 45 profile tire... The goal for winter tire/wheels is smaller width and higher profile...
Last edited by e550 87ss; Oct 24, 2011 at 08:01 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
2008 c350 sport
Diameter certainly does matter, it determines the amount of profile your tire/rim/car can have without rubbing. Running 20s on low profile tires in the winter with less sidewall can lead to cracking the rim against ice or thick snow... In addition during the winter roads will deteriorate and cracks in the road or potholes will form creating more risk for a bent or cracked rim or bubble in your tire.
In addition the financial aspect of purchasing larger diameter wheels and tires may also be a factor for some. I run 17x7.5 225/45 on my winter car (summer setup is 19x8.5 and 19x9.5) and still managed to crack a rim with a 45 profile tire... The goal for winter tire/wheels is smaller width and higher profile...
In addition the financial aspect of purchasing larger diameter wheels and tires may also be a factor for some. I run 17x7.5 225/45 on my winter car (summer setup is 19x8.5 and 19x9.5) and still managed to crack a rim with a 45 profile tire... The goal for winter tire/wheels is smaller width and higher profile...
The goal for winter tire/wheels is smaller width and higher profile.. agree!!! sorry i was reference to the the rim size.. i misunderstood.
