17" or 18" on 330 Ci? Performance is the issue

Hello everyone!

I truly need help on this! My MY2003 220 Ci with sport suspension is on it's way and I'm choosing which stock wheels I want.

Options are:

225/45-17" on all 4 (Model 89)
or
225/40-18" Front and 255/35-18" Rear (Model 72M)

Let's forget how they look for a moment, what I want to know is which are differences in:

Handling
Braking
Acceleration
Grip on dry and wet

Who can help me solving these performance doubts?

As I said look is not the main issue, I know I have to trade some comfort and tread life to have my 18" but I don't want to loose anything else!

Looking forward to your replies!

Sarastro


my 2003 330 Ci - Topazblau/hellbeige Montana/Myrtle Trim on its way

Good bye to my beloved Alfa Romeo 164 3.0 V6 - Eibach/Bilstein... will miss you!

Wheel size matter because it affects ride quality and the bigger, usually heavier. Its sprung weight and having a lighter rim can greatly increase performance. With that said, the best overall look and performance combo is 17". Why else would BMW use it on their sport package? I have 17" on my car and they have a good balance between ride/performance.

Ricky

knowing which wheels we are talking about the 18's are pretty light and would greatly improve steering response and overall grip ... go with the 72M package or better yet get an M3 for more performance

I have confirmed the order of the car with 72M 18" rims. From your words it sounds clear that those rims are light enough to get the best out of having the 18".

As for the M3... next time! :) I know I am missing something but that's where budget takes me for the moment.

My dealer, who has something to apologize for, has promised me to get me 4 extra BMW rims 17" (probably the 89) for a ridiculous price. I plan to use them for snow tires (225/45/17) which I would use for 3 months a year when I go skiing.

I will have to face some snow during the week-end plus lots of rain and of course some fast motorway transfer to go there.

I need a winter tire with a good mix of performance on snow/wet/dry considering that I won't face often extreme snow conditions.

I am ready to trade tread life to have better performance.

Suggestions

Thank you!

Sarastro