Wheel/Tire Upgrade
- Thread starter BavarianSteve
- Start date
![[rolleyes]](/images/smilies/rolleyes.png "Roll Eyes (Sarcastic) [rolleyes]")
I have 16" tires also and thought about getting the 17" rims. It doesn't make the gap any smaller because the total diameter of the wheel is still the same. The metal is bigger but the rubber part is thinner. But I think because the rubber is thinner it makes the gap look much bigger. I think you'll likely need to lower your car to make it nice looking. That's why I haven't switched to 17" yet. Of course you can get thicker rubber on the 17" but that'll make it handle worst and speedometer not show the correct speed.
don't even think about a used OEM suspension, and I'd go away from OEM anyhow - they are notorious for early shock failure (unless it's under warranty and are worried about voiding it). If you're looking to drop your car in any way, go aftermarket.
Lots of different options:
Tuned Springs that work with OEM shocks (wouldn't suggest unless your current shocks have low milage) - mild drop, around 1/2" to 1" at best, depending on if you already have a sports suspension or not.
Cup Kit - complete springs/shock kit, tuned to work together - has a 'racey' feel to it, to some it's fine, to others looking for a gentler ride, it can be a lil' bumpy. Very good drop from cupkits, usually around 2"
Spring/Shock combo - make your own combo - Eibach, H&R for springs (there are others), koni, bilstein for shocks (again there are others). If you go this route and plan to do some DE or autox events, get self-adjustable shocks, so you can set it for daily driving, then change it around for the track (about 20-30 minutes to change). Depending on if you go with 'pro' springs or 'sport' springs, will determine your drop. It can go from safe, to aggressive depending on your combo here. anywhere from 1.2" to 2" here.
Coilovers/PSS9's - ultimate suspension package. Complete kit similar to a cup kit, but fully adjustable. You get the most drop here. Easy to adjust - great for the track. 2" plus usually on the drop is possible depending on how you have it set.
If you don't want to lose any 'ride quality' - don't drop it, or just go with tuned springs, that'll impact the feel the least. And don't get big tires, the bigger you get, the thinner your tires - the more of the road you will 'feel'. You 'could' go with a 'new' OEM sports suspension, but that's alot of money, all of the aftermarket minus coilovers is less than the oem parts.
If your car has 50k+ miles on it with original suspension, I would suggest getting new rear strut mounts as well - and go with something aftermarket here again - the originals are prone to early wear, even dryrot.. Go with good aftermarket polyurathane RSM's or original M3 RSM's. (polyurathane is supposed to last longer - but can sometimes 'squeak') I have them on my car and haven't heard it squeak yet though.
Just some helpful knowledge and my opinions, hope this helps you out some.
[driving2]
Lots of different options:
Tuned Springs that work with OEM shocks (wouldn't suggest unless your current shocks have low milage) - mild drop, around 1/2" to 1" at best, depending on if you already have a sports suspension or not.
Cup Kit - complete springs/shock kit, tuned to work together - has a 'racey' feel to it, to some it's fine, to others looking for a gentler ride, it can be a lil' bumpy. Very good drop from cupkits, usually around 2"
Spring/Shock combo - make your own combo - Eibach, H&R for springs (there are others), koni, bilstein for shocks (again there are others). If you go this route and plan to do some DE or autox events, get self-adjustable shocks, so you can set it for daily driving, then change it around for the track (about 20-30 minutes to change). Depending on if you go with 'pro' springs or 'sport' springs, will determine your drop. It can go from safe, to aggressive depending on your combo here. anywhere from 1.2" to 2" here.
Coilovers/PSS9's - ultimate suspension package. Complete kit similar to a cup kit, but fully adjustable. You get the most drop here. Easy to adjust - great for the track. 2" plus usually on the drop is possible depending on how you have it set.
If you don't want to lose any 'ride quality' - don't drop it, or just go with tuned springs, that'll impact the feel the least. And don't get big tires, the bigger you get, the thinner your tires - the more of the road you will 'feel'. You 'could' go with a 'new' OEM sports suspension, but that's alot of money, all of the aftermarket minus coilovers is less than the oem parts.
If your car has 50k+ miles on it with original suspension, I would suggest getting new rear strut mounts as well - and go with something aftermarket here again - the originals are prone to early wear, even dryrot.. Go with good aftermarket polyurathane RSM's or original M3 RSM's. (polyurathane is supposed to last longer - but can sometimes 'squeak') I have them on my car and haven't heard it squeak yet though.
Just some helpful knowledge and my opinions, hope this helps you out some.
[driving2]