Rimster

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Rimster

You recently advised someone to avoid 19 inch rims on a BMW 3-Series and to go for the smallest wheel size. What would you say are the pros and cons of the wheel sizes available on 3-Series? I know the SE and Sport versions have 17 or 18-inch wheels and the ES models come fitted with 16-inch rims.

Asked on 29 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

All the tyres are roughly the same circumference. So the larger the wheel the less tyre between rim and road and the greater the level of discomfort. A further consequence of wide, low profile tyres is lack of steering feel. While, of course, the closet a rim is to the road the more vulnerable it is to damage by potholes and speed cushions.

Tags: wheels and tyres technical issues owning

Similar questions

Are the known tyre sensor faults on my Renault Clio grounds for it to be replaced?

I have a 2015 Renault Clio with approx 18 months warranty remaining. I've had persistent trouble with the tyre sensors malfunctioning and have had three new tyres already. The dealer says it's a fault...

Can worn tyres put enough pressure on the transfer box to crack the casing?

The transfer box on my 2013 Vauxhall Antara requires replaced as the bearing exploded and cracked open the casing. The garage have informed me that although all my tyres are well above the legal limit,...

Winter tyres - which size?

I have a Ford Fiesta with 195/50/R16 tyres. The full size spare is 175/65/R14. This will be a long term ownership, so I am happy if it is necessary to purchase a set of wheels for my winter tyres. If...