Newbie Bimmer 325Ci - Need Advice - United Bimmer Community

**Calcosigner** · 11-19-2007, 02:55 AM

Hi all the Bimmies..

I am a bit late to touch the feeling of a bimmer and i am so proud to be one of the bimmer owner after 24hrs. A great car to have in life

Guys, i have a 325Ci E46 2005 and i am thinking of getting an AC 19" 8.5 x 9" for my ride. My question is do i need to change my suspension if i install this set of rim? I quite like the ride at the moment for my 17" original rim but think it will be nicer to have a 19" AC. Will it spoil the sporty looks of it with original suspension to 19"?

Thanks for your input and please drop me a message if you have the same ride as me with experience because i have a line of ideas modifying this cool ride.

thanks again.

325Ci Sport Package - Cal

**defkon99** · 11-19-2007, 10:22 AM

not really, but what size tires you going with?

the bigger the rim though the rougher the ride when going over potholes bumps etc.... i have 18's and im seriously thinking about going to 17's or gettin more meat on my tires 225/40 just aint enough.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 11-19-2007, 08:11 PM

19's may be a bit big, because the larger the wheel, you will have to get proportionally smaller tires, i.e. worse ride quality. I would suggest 18's. I myself have 17's on my '95 325i, and i am completely happy.

As far As suspension upgrades go, you do not need to upgrade suspension to accommodate new wheels, if you are maintaining the same overall rotating diameter. (this means the new wheels and tires overall are the same diameter as the stock wheels and tires- this is a good idea, as it maintains accuracy of your speedometer)

I did not upgrade the suspension on my BMW right away, but because i wanted to lower my car to make the fender wells fit around the tires better (less gap), i got H&R springs and rear bilstien shocks.

**Calcosigner** · 11-20-2007, 03:09 AM

Guys, Thanks for your replys i know the ride is going to get worst if i have an 19" in it but there is alws soemthing that you have to give up for another. I am getting a set body kits in and without a bigger rims it will eventually look weird. I really want to know if a set of 19" being put on my car with original suspension will it make the car look higher and lost the sporty look? The 325Ci i have now is quite look to not sedan.

Thanks for your further input.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 11-20-2007, 07:20 AM

If you get 19's, and the overall diameter of the wheel and tire is greater than stock, it will lift your car, and to make your car look good, you will have to lower you car slightly to make up for the lift. To lower your car you could get moderate lowerings springs and keep your stock shocks and struts, and it would look good.

Keep in mind, with a greater diameter of wheel and tire, you will lose power, gas mileage, and your speedometer will read a little low.

nick_318is · 11-20-2007, 09:51 AM

It will fit and work more then likely, I would opt for a 18" on an e46 and Get a good suspension (read better shocks and lower springs)

**caden** · 11-20-2007, 10:57 PM

19'' will definitely give your bimmer a more aggressive and wider stance. Lowering the suspension isn't necessary if the overall diameter of the new wheels/tires is the same as the old. I've a 2004 E46 with 19''x8 and 19''x9.5 rims. The ride is slightly rougher but the look is awesome. Have fun with the new rims.

**Calcosigner** · 11-21-2007, 02:42 AM

Hey, Caden can you give me the profile of the tires you using for this set of rims? Do you mind send me a picture of your car?

Thanks for you help.

**Calcosigner** · 11-21-2007, 02:46 AM

Sorry my email is id8800@hotmail.com

Thanks