[3gen5zr]

Hey guys, im new here and have my first post on E90POST regarding my dads car!

He has a 2008 323i sedan with stock suspension, currently has 16" oem rims with 205/55/16 EL42 tires. I want to get him a summer set of wheels and tires, im looking to go 17" or 18" rims. He used to have a 17" setup on his E36 which was sold a while back before this car came, the e36 was lowered to accomodate the 17" rims for a flush look.

My question is if I go 17" vs 18" wheel setup on his new E90 sedan, will I need to do suspension on the car? I know the car may look lifted with the lower profile tires for the larger rim. But would you recommened a 17" or 18" setup if we dont want to upgrade suspension? My dad wants to take a break from the custom work but does want to compliment the car with slighty larger rims with no suspension upgrades.

Please provide recommendations or pictures of what I may expect with the wheel size! Thanks again!

[PepE92M3]

go with 18.

[leungsta]

I'd go with 19" imo...

[3gen5zr]

18" would be ok without lowering the suspension?

19" sounds crazy lol, if it was my car I for sure would go 19" and drop it down! :P

[Volasko]

No matter what type of rim size you go with the gap between wheel arches and the tire will be the same assuming you reduce the tire sidewall size accordingly as you go up in rim size! There is no need to adjust your suspension unless you want that dropped look or have some other use for a more responsive suspension setup (autocross tracking etc). Bigger rims will just look better no matter what you do with the trade off being a slightly harder ride because of less tire sidewall. If this is your dads car I would think 18" would be the best combination or looks/drive-ability.

[3gen5zr]

Thank you for the feedback, im leaning toward an 18" wheel setup as well.
Most probably a BBS LM look. My Dad is older now so I cant sacrifice too much of the ride quality lol
Once I get an E92 then it would be a different story lol