Tires and Wheel Question.....Yeah yeah yeah..Another One!

[M4T5]

Will be needing tires soon. I'm either just going to go with another factory set of tires (245/45/18) or move up to a 20" wheel.If I go with the factory size tire, what brand do you guys recommend using? I don't want a noisy tire to sacrifice ride for performance.Open for suggestions.

Now, if I go with an aftermarket 20" wheel, is there a wheel and tire combo I could get for under $2500?If so, what are some recommendations? Also, if you guys think the car will not look right at factory ride hidth, then I will just forget about doing the bigger wheel/ tire combo.I'm currently not looking into dropping the car at the moment.

Thanks for the help to all who can advise me on the best route to take.

J

[M45Runner]

I would go with 20" even without drop the car - it will look nicer. The only thing that might bother you is the wheel gap, which personally I can care less. But, if you do decide to upgrade to 20", make sure get a good set of rims so you won't regret it later on when you see some NICER wheels.

[New2Import]

Just find some 19" sports wheels or the new G37 wheels if you are not gonna lower it. Will make it look better than the 20s and the gap. With 20s you will have to lower. The non sport model sits higher than the sports model so you will not like the 20s. So stay with what you got or go with 19" Infiniti wheels or even better find some FX 21" wheels.

[M4T5]

I was already looking for some FX50 21" wheels, but have not come across any thus far. I think it would take too long to locate a set, plus I may not be willing to spend what they would be going for.If you guys are pushing to go after market wheels, I will need help choosing something nice. I really do not like any of the G or M OEM 19" wheels either.

J

[cobblecanyon]

If you want an overall wheel package that will offer you the ride, comfort, and performance...I'll go with the 19" wheels. Make sure you buy a nice set of wheels like the other posters stated here. You want to make sure you invest in the wheels right so you won't be upgrading down the road which will cost you more money. More than likely if you do find a nice set of wheels, you will have to get on the waiting list. If you don't have enough money for a nice set of wheels? .....save for it.

Now, If you are not concern about tire cost, than run a staggered setup on your M. It will make your M look alot more aggressive.

I was recommended a staggered setup consist of:

Front: 245/40/19 38+ offset (not overly aggressive)Back: 275/35/19 38+ offset

I love this setup on my M and I am not overly concerned about the little gap between the wheels and fender. Car looks mean IMHO and I have the best of both world on my M.

Look to upgrade your sway bars also, find a thicker - more sturdy sway bar and your M will handle better too!

Just keep it simple and clean and don't go overboard..........

Sometimes LESS is MORE......

[07sportm35]

I like your idea. Don't forget about wheel widths tho.

I'd say 8.5 inches in the front and 9.0-10.0 inches in the rear with 9.5 being ideal.

[M4T5]

You guys have great tempting ideas.....but, if it were my everyday driver, I would go the staggered direction. Unfortunately my wife drives it 95% of the time and having wheels that are flush as the tire sidewall will not be a good idea.I would need a wheel that would have the same offset all the way around.Any recommended sites to look at to get some ideas on what would possible fit my taste?

Thanks,

J

[maxnix]

Wheels that are 2" larger and still strong enough but light will cost you at least $2,500 new if you know where to find a deal. If you buy used, be sure to ascertain balance, lateral and radial runout meet the liberal specifications in the FSM.

A strong tire with sufficient load and speed rating that is not excessively heavy will cost you at least $1200 in 20" size. I am not talking about cheap azz non-Japanese Asian brands here.

Big, heavy,weak and cheap wheels with inferior cheap tires is about the most safety and performance debilitating modification you can make. Be sure to check your insurance policy and that your attorney's retainer fee is current.

[Popsickle]

I'm ordering the TSW Vairano (20x8.5 - 20x10) with Falken FK-452 (245/35/R20 - 275/30/R20), still debating on the offsets etc, all for under $2k. Best part of that is if I bend a rim it's no problem. I'm going for this look... Front view --- http://i105.photobucket.com/al...1.jpgrear view --- http://i105.photobucket.com/al...2.jpg

Anyone remember the offset? I believe I remember someone saying it was +41/+45 (?). BTW that is by far the sexiest M45 I have ever seen

[07sportm35]

For the rears 20 X 10 +43mm would be perfect. (between +40mm & +46mm). In my opinion.

For the fronts 20 X8.5 +38mm would be perfect. (between +35mm & +45mm). In my opinion.

Those wheels look great but I don't think they are TSW's. I have not seen TSW wheels with that design and I don't think TSW makes 20 X10 wheels. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Modified by 07sportm35 at 5:01 PM 6/24/2009

[M4T5]

I like the overall look of that M with that wheel, but I prefer a wheel with more spokes and to be less open. Any websites to suggest worth looking at to give me some ideas?I definitely want a wheel that has a lip on it. The flush type looking wheels are not what I would be interested in.Please help.

J

[maxnix]

I'm ordering the TSW Vairano (20x8.5 - 20x10) with Falken FK-452 (245/35/R20 - 275/30/R20), still debating on the offsets etc, all for under $2k. Best part of that is if I bend a rim it's no problem. I'm going for this look...

Looks are great when the car is parked (all wheels look pretty much the same when vehicle is being operated), but operation is subject to the laws of classical physics.

Hence ignore weight and strength at your own risk of degradation in ride and safety.

Static appearance vs. dynamic functioning. Which is more important to you?

[M4T5]

How about the best of both worlds?I'm sure there are quite a few wheels out there that can meet the aesthetic look and be dynamically safe at the same time.Right or wrong?

J

[ken in az]

Looks are great when the car is parked (all wheels look pretty much the same when vehicle is being operated), but operation is subject to the laws of classical physics.

Hence ignore weight and strength at your own risk of degradation in ride and safety.

Static appearance vs. dynamic functioning. Which is more important to you?

So TSW wheels are junk? I don't like the Falkens, but they are a decent tire and a reputable brand, but definitely not a perelli pzero asymetrical run flat

[cobblecanyon]

I like the overall look of that M with that wheel, but I prefer a wheel with more spokes and to be less open. Any websites to suggest worth looking at to give me some ideas?I definitely want a wheel that has a lip on it. The flush type looking wheels are not what I would be interested in.Please help.

J

Do a search on these wheels: Work, Volt, Advan.....than go from there. Vivid Racing is the site I used to purchased my Work Gnosis GS1 wheels....loving them more and more each day. I waited 3 months for them as they were ordered from Japan and it was money well spent. You can put a downpayment on the wheels and when they are ready to ship, you can pay off the remaining balance. Hope that helps....