18" or 19" type 3's

[stub101]

Looking for some advice as to whether to go for 18's or 19's in the type 3's for the 330ci sport?

19's really do look the nuts but where i live the roads are completely poo and i dont really want 2 wreck them! or ruin the handling of the car while driving to and from work.

are 18's the better compromise? but i have to also remember that the cars not dropped on eibachs yet + it prob will be soon.

Just dont know which way to go with them.... any opinions from those that have had them (or others)

[peppernick]

I would say 19". The 'cliche' 19" wreck the handling IMO is way over exaggerated and unless you're one who moans about the slightly bump knocking your fillings out, the chances of you regretting not getting 19" is much higher than the chances of you regretting the ride compromise on 19". Since you're already on a modding forum and are buying your mods even before you got your car, I would say trust your instinct and go for 19". We have all been down that route of 18" vs 19" and TBH, I can say the majority of us were way too careful where in actual fact, we should have just gone straight for 19"s.

Pro Kit is not going to make much difference to the ride quality. For an E46, 19"s fills the arches the best. So go for them, don't make the mistake most modders made by being too careful. 19"s are perfectly fine for your 330 [cool

You won't wreck the Type 3s unless you drive over a massive pot hole at full speed.

[Afif]

yea i remember when practically all the ET guys were rolling on 18's... Debates on 18 vs 19 was a bit more heated back then but now it HAS to be 19... if you want to be brave you increase the rear J to 10+ ;). 19 inch type 3's lowered on a 330ci look AWESOME. Just check out Lee's car on his old rims and im sure itll change your mind :D

[Chaos]

I could have written Nick's paragraph myself, totally bang on with my opinion aswell, you won't notice any difference between 18s and 19s on an everyday basis but the aesthetic benefits are night and day. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go 19s if it were me.

[Davidch]

Yep I have the Type 3's on my 330 and I think they look small! :D. Don't buy 18's!!!

[Nickleback]

I agree, go for 19" you will not regret it :D
I've got 18" ACS Type 3r's with pro-kit on mine only because they were warranty exchange & BMW would not let me have 19" 's :(
This pic should give you an idea (It's before the correct spacers were fitted !

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y98/Clubsport/EibachDropRSide.jpg

[Achilles_318]

Go for 19's man..
They look SICK E46 cars..

I'm thinking of having a new set next month..

Achilles..

[pip79]

stub, Go for 19" they are the dogs!!!! (mine is on sport setup)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/pip79/car014.jpg

[peppernick]

Hope these help you make up your mind :cool:

[N5CKO]

Gotta be 19"s fella... father christmas is bringing me a set!!!! :D :D

[stub101]

Cheers guys - decision made on 19's - it has ro be really doesnt it.

I really like that acs rear diffuser for the sport bumper, anyone have an idea of price?????

Right need to find me a set of 19" schnitzers to buy now then....

[peppernick]

The original ACS rear diffuser for the M TECH bumper cost £280 plus painting. Fitting is a doddle. PM Roy, he might be able to get you a better price.

[baz1985]

19s way to go. Anyone know if 19*10 with 265/30 can be fitted to E46 without anything more than basic Rtec ach rolling?

[peppernick]

19s way to go. Anyone know if 19*10 with 265/30 can be fitted to E46 without anything more than basic Rtec ach rolling?
Depending on offset and tyre brand. Offset of ET40mm is just on the limit, may rub under full load. Tyre choice makes a huge difference too. Yokohama for eg. is more prone to rubbing because it's very heavy shouldered. Falken FK-451 you have plenty of space because the side wall is extremely narrow for a given size.

[Raj]

I was one of those careful deciders and went for 18's. You've made the right choice deciding upon 19's, but now you need to decide on the best rubber. :cool:

[M5 SC]

19's all the way mate...

[CA Automotive UK]

19 s do look the nuts .....but they really DO affect handling , ( harder to turn in and switch direction quickly, tramlines easier ) . The E36 chassis was designed around a 17 " max diameter wheel , so is far more affected than the E46 which was designed with larger wheel options in mind .

Conversley , straight line stability is improved with a larger wheel generally speaking

either size will look cool IMO