Wheel size... what's the deal?

Robdav

Robdav

Robdav

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Hello.

I've been looking at purchasing a used 18 plate BWM X3 30D but I am unsure if to go for one with 19", 20", or 21" wheels. Can someone explain the difference in performance, grip, and ride quality between these 3 sizes? I am aware that I would be paying more for larger tyres when going for larger wheels but unsure what if there is more to this than the cost of rubber. thanks
 
Generally bigger is more performance oriented, smaller more comfort but it isn't really that simple as the specific tyres, vehicle setup, etc. all comes into the equation as well.

If your main use is commuting I'd probably say stick to the 19s.
 
Bigger diameter wheels are heavier, more expensive and will ride worse. In my opinion you should generally fit the smallest wheels you can fit over the brakes, but fashion seems to dictate otherwise.

The only real saving grace of bigger wheels is that they tend to be wider (although it’s not always a given). Wider wheels means wider tyres, which means more grip (and also more rolling resistance and more road noise)
 
On an X3 it's purely about looks. Go for the smallest size you're still happy with the looks of, half the point in an SUV is practicality and massive wheels compromise this.

Smaller wheels will be more usable less likely to be damaged and offer superior comfort.
 
Bigger wheels are just for looks unless its a performance car and they cost more, the tyres end up costing a fortune and the ride comfort is worse. And you have to watch out for every pothole so you dont bust a rim.
 
Smaller wheels are better for everything. Performance, handling and ride quality. Large wheels are entirely for looks.

Look at the wheels people use on track cars, as small as will fit over the brakes.

The bigger the wheel the bigger profile tyre you also need to smooth out the ride. A 21" wheel with a low profile tyre is just all round bad.
 
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Bigger wheels will be a lot more expensive for tyres and usually have a noticeably worse ride and are a lot easier to damage and normally slightly worse economy, also your suspension will have to work harder as there isn't as much 'give' in the tyre so could wear out faster and be easier to damage over things like pot holes.

You want the smallest wheels that you can fit on a car 99% of the time

On most cars they'll handle the best on the smaller wheels too but that's not really applicable on road cars for most people.

To add i went down from the stock 17" wheels on our Suzuki swift sport to 16" (as i had some spare alloys that fit in the garage anyway) and it's better in every way.
 
For SUVs you probably don't want to go too small (unless doing some kind of off-road setup with high profile tyres and a lift kit or certain winter tyres, etc.) - some are even designed around 20" and going smaller may not gain you anything appreciable.
 
Rroff said:
Did you miss my first post? or that I was saying it seemed like some people were inferring going below 19" and I was heading that off.
Click to expand...

The BMW X3 is not available with a wheel size smaller than 19 inch, unless he buys an SE model (Of which there are very few around) which has a wheel size of 18 inch. Everything everyone has said is true - smaller is better. Yes ok perhaps some 14 inch wheels might not work but you can't get those so it's fine.

Of the available wheel options on the G01 X3, smaller is better.
 
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