Need wheel and tire advice

[uncfsuno1]

Need wheel and tire advice asap!

I've done some looking around, particularly on tirerack.com, and I've narrowed my choice down to two options. I'd like to purchase them asap as winter is almost over. The wheel/tire package will be for summer driving only btw. First, I found a set of 18" Mille Miglia Evo5 wheels paired with a set of pirelli zero nero M+S tires for about $1,300. The second option is a set of 17" AT Italia Inox wheels paired with a set of Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 tires for about $1,000. I really like the way the 18" wheels look on my car, but I've done some reading and it seems like they will bend easier and give a harsher ride. My main concern overall is I want the tires and wheels to last me around 2-3 years (I have separate winter wheels and tires). I know the Pirellis will prob last longer and are a better tire overall. I'm leaning toward the 1st package mentioned because the tires are better and it looks better. I guess my main question is, does getting 18" wheels really sacrifice ride comfort/durability of the wheel that much? Any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Zchild]

I currently have an 18" M-Parallel on my bimmer. My car handles better with a smoother ride than it did when I was running 16" wheels and a poor Dunlop 2000 OE tire. I like the look of the 3 series bimmer with the 18" wheel but that's what I drive. I suppose you must live in a cold weather climate because you use a dedicated snow tire. I drive the M&S tires year-round. That's my two and a half cents...[driving2]

 

[Average Jae]

if you have a seprate winter tires, why would you opt for an 18 inch A/S tires? M+S won't do you that much good unless you happen on a snow, and even then are pretty bad performers, esp compared w/ the winters. A/S: all around sucky

on the other hand i could understand in not opting for summer perf tires too.. so its somewhat of a tough call.

and w/ 18s, you'll get harsher ride mainly because of stiffer and shorter sidewall. you'll also have to be careful not to hit too many pot holes. if the roads around where you live are full of potholes, like me in michigan, i'd opt for 17s..