19" Wheels on M35x (AWD)??

[smokin1]

I would like to replace the stock wheels on my 2006 M35x. I was looking at the 19" Sport Wheels that were an option on the M35. Two dealers say the wheels will work fine and another parts dealer says no....the suspension is different on the AWD and the 19" wheels won't work. Who am I to believe? I am also looking at custom wheels in 19".

Help?

[szh]

Welcome to NICO!

I'd say go to one of the friendly dealers and have them pull a 19" wheel off a M35/45 Sport and do a test fit (front and back) on your car and see how it does. That will be the simple way to check it out!

Z

[smokin1]

Thank you for your advice. I will stop by the local dealer and see if they will do it, for a price. I'm still interested in hearing from anyone who has put custom sized wheels on an AWD.

[szh]

Thank you for your advice. I will stop by the local dealer and see if they will do it, for a price.

Ummm ... I would not offer to pay them. A good dealer ought to be willing to take a bit of time out for you for this, as long as they are not too busy, I suppose.

(EDIT: see later post from me. I had assumed that you were planning to buy the wheels from the dealer ... if not, your offer to pay them for doing this fitment test would be appropriate.)

I'm still interested in hearing from anyone who has put custom sized wheels on an AWD.

I hope you get a response ... I don't remember if anyone has done this for an AWD.

One other possibility, if you want to spend some time researching. We do have the service manuals for the car's on our site (link is in my sig). You could also look at the Suspension section (front and rear) and see if there is a significant difference in the design that might cause problems with a fit.

Finally, I would recommend the OEM 19" wheels over much of what you can find from third-party manufacturers. First, it has excellent looks, and second, you won't always get the best build quality (unless you pay a lot!) and strength, etc.

Z

[NBP45]

Why does the AWD version have a different suspension setup???

[szh]

Why does the AWD version have a different suspension setup???

Rear suspension components are the same in both, but the front suspension components are different between the RWD and AWD.

Probably has to do with the fact that the front wheels are also driven in the AWD, so needed heftier material and shapes to account for the front differential, extra weight, axle differences, etc., etc., etc.

Z

[themarshall1972]

I bought my 18s from the tire rack, there wasn't a great selection because of the AWD factor. But they look great, and have had no problem with them.

BTW, I would pay the techs for their time, customer service is one thing, but asking a professional to take time out to pull your old tires of and put new ones on, then to replace with original, is a little selfish. Just my two cents.

[szh]

BTW, I would pay the techs for their time, customer service is one thing, but asking a professional to take time out to pull your old tires of and put new ones on, then to replace with original, is a little selfish. Just my two cents.

I went back through my posts here and realized my error ... I had assumed that the original person was planning to buy the wheels from that dealer (hence his questions to them and their parts department, etc.), so the time for this test ("let's make sure the wheel fits before I order a set through your parts dept.") would not be an issue since the purchase would be completed through them.

Of course, if the OP just did the fitment test without an intention to purchase from the dealer, then it would be better to offer to pay them or the technician for the time ...

So, your point is very well taken! Thanks!

Z

[tkeskic]

I ordered custom 19" wheels to replace my 18" factory on a M35xI have yet to get the wheels on the car, hopefully 2 more weeks; they messed up my order so I'm awaiting replacement wheels before I can fully comment;

There was no issues with the suspension etc going from 18 to 19, as long as you lowered the profile for the tires so they were the same circumference; and the offsets were correct;

The Sport M35 also had the all-wheel-steering, so I could assume that the AWS would change some of the specs for the rims also; AWD versions had to have the wheels lined up so they sit flat on both front and back if I recall (against the pavement) and the wheels are the same distance apart (left to right, not stagard setup) so this is why you are likly getting some conflicting answers; the easy answer is no, that way you cant hold then accountable;

the real answer is yes, if you take into account these many things;

tk