How to make 18" wheel/tires look right...?

[Nativetexan]

I've been on a forum and google search mission in figuring out how to jump down from my 20" 666m wheels running 30 series tires, down to 18" wheels running either 40 or 35 series tires.

I started this as a way to research if I can get my ZCP to be a bit more compliant and less harsh in the true daily driving I do with it.

I've read countless pages and threads. The one thing I've seen and noticed is that in pics some 18s look amazing. The right tire sizing looking "beefy" and proportionate to the car. While other photos look like the 18s are just foreign and out of place.

So what's the key to getting 18s looking right on a stock, non-dropped car?

[melanthius]

Why non-dropped? I think that helps.

You should probably just compile some tire sizes from pics that include such info. It may be something as simple as having a 40 profile 18" tire that you like the look of. Some people will have 35 and some 40, depending.

[Nativetexan]

Originally Posted by melanthius

Why non-dropped? I think that helps.

You should probably just compile some tire sizes from pics that include such info. It may be something as simple as having a 40 profile 18" tire that you like the look of. Some people will have 35 and some 40, depending.

It's been challenging finding the stats/details on pics I like. And you can't always tell what the sizing is in the pics. Especially wheel width and offset.

[melanthius]

Originally Posted by Nativetexan

It's been challenging finding the stats/details on pics I like. And you can't always tell what the sizing is in the pics. Especially wheel width and offset.

Yeah I know what you mean. There are a couple threads around here where people have specifically listed out fitment info

[JamesGames]

The 18 inch formula in my opinion is wide and thick tires, matched with proper offsets / width of wheels, topped with mandatory coil over drop.
18x9.5 ET 20-25 with 275/35/18
18x10 ET 15-25 (depending on coilovers/has kit may rub) with 285/35/18 + camber

18x10.5 ET 35-40 305/35/18
18x11 ET 40-44 305/35/18

Plus your choice of coilovers, ideally with camber plates to mess with the wide tires / low offsets in front and better handling (personal choice).

[Nativetexan]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

The 18 inch formula in my opinion is wide and thick tires, matched with proper offsets / width of wheels, topped with mandatory coil over drop.
18x9.5 ET 20-25 with 275/35/18
18x10 ET 15-25 (depending on coilovers/has kit may rub) with 285/35/18 + camber

18x10.5 ET 35-40 305/35/18
18x11 ET 40-44 305/35/18

Plus your choice of coilovers, ideally with camber plates to mess with the wide tires / low offsets in front and better handling (personal choice).

I think your top set is ideal, and it appears a drop is mandatory. I wished for no drop… : /

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Nativetexan

So what's the key to getting 18s looking right on a stock, non-dropped car?

OE 18" 513M or a stock-ish setup.

Anything else is gonna look worse, imo, because nothing can fill that front wheel well. They might be flush with the fenders, but the front wheel gap will still be there so you may risk making it look like it's mexiflush.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...121320&page=21

[Koach]

I think some example pics of what you're trying to achieve/avoid will yield better advice.

[sna66]

My personal opinion is the car has to be lowered regardless of the size of wheels, and I wouldn't go lower than 19" wheels. Ur pretty much converting your m3 to a 328i at that point

[ntg44]

Drop with fat tires is key in my opinion. Also, no lipped wheels for 18s. Need the longest spokes that run to the edge of the wheel. Here was my car on stock 513m:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...2&postcount=14

[Nativetexan]

Originally Posted by ntg44

Drop with fat tires is key in my opinion. Also, no lipped wheels for 18s. Need the longest spokes that run to the edge of the wheel. Here was my car on stock 513m:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...2&postcount=14

Oooo…no lipped wheels is a great point!

[AlterZgo]

Originally Posted by Nativetexan

The one thing I've seen and noticed is that in pics some 18s look amazing. The right tire sizing looking "beefy" and proportionate to the car. While other photos look like the 18s are just foreign and out of place.

So what's the key to getting 18s looking right on a stock, non-dropped car?

It's not just tire sizing, but also the style of rim and the way the tire looks that contributes to whether the car looks good on 18s or not. For example, you cannot get any rims with a moderate or deep lip. That makes the rim look smaller and the tire even beefier. Get a rim that has spokes that goes right out to the edges of the rim to give it the illusion of a larger diameter rim.

With respect to tire size, I'd just stick w/ the stock 18" sizes 255/40/18 F and 275/40/18 R. If you go wider like a 265/40/18 and 285/40/18, the tire would look too beefy. If you go wider with a thinner profile - like a 265/35/18 and 285/35/18, the overall diameter is still less than stock and would increase the wheel well gap - unless you lower the car more to close the gap... which worsens ride quality and defeats the purpose of you going to 18s in the first place (to improve ride quality).