15s or 16s

[InflatableWolf]

So in the future, I plan on doing the Bilstein shock and H&R Sport swap on my 318IS, but I'm on the fence between 15" or 16" wheels.
I want to know which would be better and if I need any kind of extras to go with the rims like spacers or certain tires.

[TURBOX]

i like the look of 16's

post a poll n sum pics

[Mike36]

16s!

[Metallated]

15s are more available and better looking imo

Plus I've heard 16" tires are a pain to source and expensive when you can...

[InflatableWolf]

So 15s would be easiest, would I need to do anything to the suspension or hubs to fit them with the 1" drop? Or just shoot for lo-pro tires and call it good?

[Holland]

So 15s would be easiest, would I need to do anything to the suspension or hubs to fit them with the 1" drop? Or just shoot for lo-pro tires and call it good?

Check the wheel and tire threads, there are loads of setups in the 15 and 16 inch posts. Short answer is yes though, with the correct offset and tire size you should have no issues.

[varg]

Tire choice is the most important factor if you like driving. If you're looking to hard park or scrape it's all about the looks and you won't mind riding on low traction stuff.

Scope out the availability of good tires before you make your choice.

[MrBurgundy]

With that drop, I'd look at 205/50/16s Or 225/50/16s.

There are plenty of options, both in performance and a higher tread wear

[InflatableWolf]

Tire choice is the most important factor if you like driving. If you're looking to hard park or scrape it's all about the looks and you won't mind riding on low traction stuff.

Scope out the availability of good tires before you make your choice.

I was going to try for a good balance of looks and function. Still going to be a daily, but I love the look of the lowered 318s.

The stock 14s I'm running now look too small even now on the car and I've been seeing quite a few 16s. My main concern was, like I said above, I want looks and function, and I thought maybe the 16s would be too big with the ride drop

[Zeemz]

With that drop, I'd look at 205/50/16s Or 225/50/16s.

There are plenty of options, both in performance and a higher tread wear

205/50/16s are the proper size, but 225/50/16s are a little taller. 225/45/16 are the proper 225 size, just less tires to choose from.

I was going to try for a good balance of looks and function. Still going to be a daily, but I love the look of the lowered 318s.

The stock 14s I'm running now look too small even now on the car and I've been seeing quite a few 16s. My main concern was, like I said above, I want looks and function, and I thought maybe the 16s would be too big with the ride drop

14s vs 15s vs 16s isn't a problem for ride height. What impacts if you can lower on different sizes is the width of the wheel and the offset. If you have the proper offset and width and an appropriate tire size there is no need to roll your fenders or stretch your tires. The more aggressive the offset or wider wheel then you get into having to roll and stretch tires to avoid rubbing.

Check out these threads, offsets and tire widths still hurt my head, but I learned a lot reading through these threads and about how I wanted to setup my suspension and wheels/tires

The suspension setup/ride height thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...=52154&page=36

ASK ALL WHEEL/TIRE FITMENT QUESTIONS HERE - The Official Wheel/Tire Fitment Thread
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...83125&page=633

E30s on 16s - post yours

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=152080&page=167

Here is my post from the E30 on 16s thread:

Wheel/Tire/Suspension:
BBS RS003s - 16x7 ET25 - Nogaro Centers with brushed lips & hexes
Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Specs 225/45R16s
H&R Sports, Bilstein Sports, E90 Drop Hats, M3 Offset CABs

[InflatableWolf]

So after much thought and looking, I'm thinking I'll go with 16" wheels, and I've been looking at Ruff Racing, XXR wheels, and CCW.

As for actually getting a set, money is the next question but I'll leave that to my bank LOL