15 or 16s? opinions wanted.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I'd go 15's just because
1. Cheaper tires
2. slightly better fuel economy
3. quieter ride
4. easier on the suspension components

[g.ruff561]

Me, Varg, AbsorbantNut all live in the same general area and run basically the same setup. 16x8 / 9 with 225/45/16 is about as good as you can get. The tires are out there and the ability to minimize the wheel to fender gab is a plus. My ET is 15 on all 4 corners. No rub lock to lock. No spacers. I'm on HR sport up front and coils in the rear. Rear coils keep the car from dropping on acceleration and rubbing fenders on speed bumps.

Agressive look and meaty rubber. Price difference between 15 and 16 inch rubber is about $15 to $25. IJS.

[danix]

If you went with the ESM-002R for an E30, what's the correct offset? Are spacers needed?
I've given up trying to find decent 14" tires for the original wheels, these look decent but I am unsure about quality and fit.

[straight6pwr]

I'd go 15's just because
1. Cheaper tires
2. slightly better fuel economy
3. quieter ride
4. easier on the suspension components

1. true
2. not necessarily true, depends on wheel weight, not size.
3. ? what does wheel size have to do with noise?
4. although theoretically true, i couldn't feel a softness difference in sidewall between a 15" and 16" on an e30. between a 14" and 16", yes. between a 17" and anything else, yes. a 16" still has lots of sidewall for soaking up bumps. tire brand/style comes into play here too - if you get a 15" tire with stiff sidewalls, it will be harsher than a 16" tire with soft sidewalls. if the OP runs stupid undersized stretchy tires, it doesnt matter what the wheel size is, the sidewall will be tiny.

i'd say performance and ride quality are pretty near the same for 15"/16", it comes down to aesthetics and tire availability.

[e30onBBSs]

16's usually look better, but a nicely done 15" setup can look just as good.

[bruner]

16s FTW

[digger]

16" can ride better than 15" depending on the tyre

[Streichholzschächtelchen]

15s if you live in pothole city, more sidewall.

[alas]

15 or 16s? opinions wanted.

I think 16's look the best. Not too big like 17". 15's need dish to look good IMO.

That said I just purchased 15" RS's [emoji28]

I think you have a bit more options with sizes and clearance with 16" too vs. 15".

Not sure what engine you're running but I think a tire wider than 215 is a bit much even for a 325i.

205's are more fun [emoji854]...if you're into that kind of thing.


-E

[alas]

15s if you live in pothole city, more sidewall.

Random Q... Your name, does it mean little matchbox? Lol. Please explain!

[Jordih]

Unless you are slammed or want baloon tires, I'd go with 16's. Love mine on 205/45s.


ESM001 8" ET20
Billy sports, IE Stage III springs, drop hats, no springs pads upfront.