Large-diameter wheels caused problems on my BMW 325.

I recently bought a BMW 325 with such wheels (50cm diameter) and within a few days I had to get a new tyre, because one had jumped off the rim and become ruined when going over a pothole. I was told this is much more common with big wheels than with standard ones. I also thought the steering was a bit unsteady and was much more conscious of unevenness in the road. So I got a set of standard wheels (secondhand with new tyres) and the improvement in the car’s handling and shock absorption is quite obvious. I am now very pleased with it.

Asked on 1 July 2012 by JD, Stansted

Answered by Honest John

Manufacturers fit bling wheels because they get a special deal on the tyres from tyre makers, who then make the money back plus a lot more on replacement tyres. Pretty much the same way that Hewlett Packard virtually gives away its printers, then charges more than the cost of a printer for a pair of replacement print cartridges.

Tags: wheels and tyres

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