Sorry to open up this can of worms again, but...

[WashDC318ti]

...are 18's really too big for the ti? I've finally saved up enough for new wheels, and am absolutely torn between 17" and 18" rims. I really, really like the way 18's look, but again, there are conflicting opinions in this group.

Do those who oppose 18inch rims feel this way because they don't like the aesthetics or for more practical reasons?

THANKS! And sorry to reopen this debate...

BTW, probably going to get ASA ar1's because I am still poor and that's the best I can do!

[1996 328ti]

Yes. Both reasons.
I don't think 18s look good on the ti.
The ride will suck.
Not to mention, Metro Washington DC roads.
I think you will find yourself bending the wheels and getting them very scuffed up.

[XRSMat]

Buy 17'', save money on tires & wheels, go faster with this lower weigth rims.

[WashDC318ti]

Good advice, thanks. Looks like I'll be going with 17's.

Also, do you guys have any tire recommendations? My ti is NOT a daily driver, and I mostly just have fun jetting around town or going out to the suburbs where it gets curvy... I was thinking about getting some fairly sticky rubber, but nothing too pricey.

[96cali]

On tire rack, the General UHP's get a very high marks regardless of price. Plus they sell AR1's and you can get them shipped to you mounted and balanced. You can almost never beat their pricing when buying both.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by WashDC318ti

Good advice, thanks. Looks like I'll be going with 17's.

Also, do you guys have any tire recommendations? My ti is NOT a daily driver, and I mostly just have fun jetting around town or going out to the suburbs where it gets curvy... I was thinking about getting some fairly sticky rubber, but nothing too pricey.

Go to Radial Tire in Silver Spring. They will beat Tire Rack and give you personalized service.

It's best to develop a relationship with a shop.
When I lived there they always fixed flats for tips, gave me good advice and service. Flipped tires for tips.

Edit: Toyo T1R or T1S FTW!

[lkwd318ti]

Yeah, I have 18s on my ti, and I think it looks nice. (Couldn't resist the price haha)
Although I kinda liked the way the ZHP wheels looked on my car, I would like a nice set of 17s to put on it instead.

[Minninips]

Look at it this way, which ever you decide the over all size of the wheel and tire will be very close to the same size. When you go with a bigger rim, you end up with a smaller side wall, in return losing ride quality; the reason being there is less tire to absorb road impacts. Keep in mind while bigger may look better you are the one driving the car, so IMO comfort > looks.

For reference use: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[bullmand]

I heartily recommend the Kumho Ecsta SPT. They're cheap (~$70), have great grip in the dry and wet (when they're not worn ), and they wear like iron. I've got them on my daily driver ti and an E30 that my buddy and I use for autocross. The set on the E30 has been absolutely heroic. They've got two seasons of autocross, two track weekends, and two years of daily driving on them. They're pretty thrashed, but he was still using them until he picked up a nail in one the other day.

[madfronter]

You most certainly can run some 18s on the ti. Look at my sig. I think 17 still look good but I would go 18s over 17s any day unless the wheels are for autocross or track events. The 17 would be better auto cross and track events, but I think 18s look great on the ti. The 18s will be a little harsher than the 17s but when you go from 15 to 17s or 18 you are always gonna be a little rougher of a ride.

[WashDC318ti]

At this point, I think 17's are the safer bet. Even though I really only mess around in this car, I do live in the city, and DC is notorious for crappy streets. As careful as I try to be, 1996 328ti makes the astute point that DC streets would almost certainly wreak havoc on a set of 18's. Having a set of dinged up 18's sort of defeats the purpose...and besides, with the money I save on less metal, perhaps I can invest in better rubber!

[madfronter]

Have you checked out modbargains.com for wheels? They have awesome prices.

[familytruckster]

I cracked a 17" wheel in DC...and bent another one. With 215/40's on them.

Driving in DC sucks.

[WashDC318ti]

After a while, you pretty much memorize all the bad roads and plan your route accordingly. If scientists ever did a study on DC drivers, they would find the region of the brain responsible for spatial memory is more developed than in non DC drivers. True story.

[familytruckster]

Originally Posted by WashDC318ti

After a while, you pretty much memorize all the bad roads and plan your route accordingly. If scientists ever did a study on DC drivers, they would find the region of the brain responsible for spatial memory is more developed than in non DC drivers. True story.

I know, been driving down there for over a decade. Still have surprises though. And that's why I have 16" wheels with big fat sidewalls. (on my daily driver)