What wheels for an Active Q?

[GreenQ45a]

I was driving my friends 89' 533i and noticed how much better the handling was with his new 18's.

The stock rims he had were BBS 15X6.5 wire spoke (vary close to the one on my 94' Q45a)

The car feels like he did a complete suspension rework.

I said Springs, Shocks what else?

he says "Only rims"

I looked at a lot of bimmers before buying my first Q and liked the RIMS

Most any of the those cars with 16x8's could out handle my 1st 93' base Q with piepans Blues and Springs.(not my Active Q)

This other guy put 2002 Q rims on his 93' (he has Blues and springs)And it feels like night and day compaired to my old Q.

I would like to but the new 02+ Q45's wheels on my ACTIVE Q45.

So my questions are.

I was wondering if bigger deeper wheels could improve on an Active Q45's handling?Does it matter if the Q is Active?What's the largest wheel for a ACTIVE Q45?Will incresing the wheel size of the Q45a effect anything in a negitave way?

There are alot of VIP's in Japan that have 18's &19's Even 20's.Is there anything different about the PHG50 (besides wheelbase) that would allow it to have such large rims?

[PalmerWMD]

Yes there is some improvement with shorter sidewalls bit liekly his improvement is due to new tires at proper pressure.

sidewall ratios help but are not a panacea IMO.

I owned many Q45 of that generation and had some of my best handling on stock 15 inch wheels good tires ( thge BBS wheels).

My last Q had 17's in front and 18's in rear, which was nice but were expensive tires.

Many folks would be tempted to try to keep old tires longer at those prices whicyh would be a detriment to the cars abilities.

Other heree will post up some good wheels choices as well I am sure.

Fred..

[Q45tech]

From a cost benefit anaylsis indicates 16 X 8" with 245/50/16 or 255/50/16 because over 30 brands [all V rated or higher] in a combo of the sizes are available to chose from.

245/50/16 Pilot Sport 98Y ~~$172255/50/16 Pilot Sport 100Y ~~ $232

[rover3l]

I have just fitted 235, 60, 15's Michelins. Handling is definately improved. Note the load rating is also a key factor.

How is your active suspension itself. I have still got work to do but have replaced 4 strut accumulators, sway bar bushings front and rear, upper links and tension rods. All of these have contributed to handling improvement.

[elwesso]

Ive got the 17/18 in rims Fred was talking about, and I really likethe handling... Its like comparing a cadillac to a porsche, with my old Q to this Q... I didnt have the best tires on my old Q, and I did enjoy the smoothy silkyness of the old tires, compared to the howling of the directional Hi-Perf tires on there now... But around the twisties, i forget all about it.......!!!

I digress, but I think a 16 or 17in rim would be very nice... Effective, light, and tires are reasonably priced... 16in would give you more tire options (in a reasonable price range), but 17 might handle a little better and would (IMHO) look better...

[rover3l]

but don't forget the basic condition of the suspension rubber and active component's

[GreenQ45a]

One reason I want to get a different set of wheels is the Q45a's Stock Wire BBS's are way to BMW for me.

I think Infiniti has shed the shadow image of BMW and devoloped there own style and the new Q45a wheels are so nice and say Infiniti not I wanna be a BMW.

I mean, not that it doesn't feel really cool sitting in traffic and watching 2 90's Towncars and 3 BMW's with the same style wheels (90's Towncar Yuck!! )

I have replaced my 4 main Accumulators and bleed out my ACTSUS.I have been Air-Locked for the passed year. Had a code 36.Which could not be diag when the ACTSUS light was on. Only a week after the Texasoil Accumulators were installed the system started to work again. (That's for another write-up though)

TEXASOIL IS THE BEST>>>>>>>>>>>

Most of the rubber looks good no real breakdown on the bushings.

However, It drove on bad Accumulators for like 10,000 miles.I'm sure that really worked over the whole suspensions rubber.

Never the less the handeling is still Unf***king real. and with the ACTSUS fully working again I can't feel the road like I use to.AND IM NOT Bitching.

But with my driving habits I need the safest, fastest, and best looking wheel I can get.

I have also given Tirerack alot of thought.

Would 18's in the back and 17's in the front work on an Active Q?

[GreenQ45a]

"I think Infiniti has shed the shadow image of BMW and devoloped there own style and the new Q45a wheels are so nice and say Infiniti not I wanna be a BMW. "

I know the new Q45 is not a Q45a even with "Active-D" system.

Im just so use to following up Q45 with an "a".

Sorry guys no need to bash K.

Does any one if there are HICAS and ACTSUS HG50's?

[fxjackso]

If you have replaced the 4 strut accumulators only, you have 5 to go. That is where the money will be best spent on improving ride and handling.

Keep in mind unsprung weight is the enemy of good suspension function. So if you want to go to larger wheels and tires you will have to pay premium prices to get them in a light weight. Notice how much BBS or Azev wheels are compared with the flashy stuff from Pep Boys!

Q45tech is on the money with the 16" 100 load rating Michelins. In a lower price range the Pilot XGT H4 in 255/50/16 is also good.

[InsanityInc]

Heh, 18's aren't going to do much of anything for your handling, especially since they're incredibly heavy, unless you spend 700+ per wheel. What actually improved his handling was different tires. Your car will handle MUCH better with lightweight 16-17 inch wheels, since you're still getting the wider/better tire advantage, but you'll probably SAVE unsprung weight over stock, as opposed to adding it.

[GreenQ45a]

I will do all the rubber bushings in a few months.

But for now; I will be needing new tires in a few months.

I wanted to get Snow\Winter tires. Put some good winter\snowtires on these Stock 15 BBS rims for the winter.

Then, I wanted to get another set of 16+ wheels for summer tires.

I have just got an ASE 664 ACTSUS\AIR controller from my second favorite NICO member MINI-MAN

I will be installing it soon(a write up w\pics will soon follow).

I just think 15's are too small.

I like the Idea of 16's.

Doesn't the new 02+ Q45 come with 18's stock.
Modified by GreenQ45a at 1:37 AM 10/27/2004