17" or 18"

[Swiper]

im getting ready to upgrade my rims and tyres.

i have 16" factory now.

should i get 17" or 18" rims ??

is there anything i need to know before buying larger rims ??

i dont want to make a mistake after i buy.

[minicore]

18" rims will invariably be heavier than a comparable 17" rim. This will have an effect on performance, but you'll probably not notice it in an S.

The main things to consider are ride quality, especially if you'll be sticking with run flat tyres. 17" RFs are expensive enough as it is, but in 18" they're a whole chunk more. Even if you stick with regular tyres, ride quality will still be compromised, and replacement rubber will still be proportionately more expensive.

18s do look more imposing (and most of the 18" JCW rims are absolutely lovely), but personally, I'd say 17s are perfectly adequate for the Clubman, and hatch.

[Macguyvic]

Larger wheel, shorter side wall on the tire makes for a stiffer ride!

[Swiper]

No run flats for me !

[marque]

Hi

Both will fit on but like the guys say 18" will give you a lower profile which will make the ride a little harder but not unbearable But from 16" to 18" you will notice it big time
If you do fit 18" wheels depending on the type and off set you will need steering limiters to stop you hitting the inner arch when you turn left or right

Hope this helps out a little

[Nick007]

Quote: Originally Posted by marque (original)

If you do fit 18" wheels depending on the type and off set you will need steering limiters to stop you hitting the inner arch when you turn left or right

As many have said, you don't really need them with oem rims and you certainly don't need them with aftermarket ones.

As for 17" vs 18", just pick what you like more, the ride will be similar with good tyre and not extremely low profile (aka not 215/35 R18), 215/35 non-RF is similar to 205/45 R17 RF. The best choice is 215/40 R18, imo.

[Swiper]

should i get 7.5 or 8 inch wide rims ? or what width should i get on the rim ?

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nick007 (original)

The best choice is 215/40 R18, imo.

I'll agree with that, very little difference in ride comfort but look much better.

Quote: Originally Posted by Swiper (original)

should i get 7.5 or 8 inch wide rims ? or what width should i get on the rim ?

I'd stick to 7" as you are less likely to have problems with the fit. Narrower rims give better turn in as well.

[Nick007]

Aftermarket rims are usually 7.5" ET38-42 and these will fit, you may consider 225/35 R18 for them too ;-)

[Swiper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nick007 (original)

As many have said, you don't really need them with oem rims and you certainly don't need them with aftermarket ones.

As for 17" vs 18", just pick what you like more, the ride will be similar with good tyre and not extremely low profile (aka not 215/35 R18), 215/35 non-RF is similar to 205/45 R17 RF. The best choice is 215/40 R18, imo.

are you saying dont get 215/35 R18 ??