M5 wheels

[(H)]

... I totally would go for the 19" wheels - I did. It is teh "standard" equipment on the M5 and BMW wouldN#t chose such equipemnt if it wouldn't do well with the vehicle.

In my opinion they also look a lot more professional than the more decked out 20"ers. The latter one to me are more of a fashion statement rather than a utilitarian detail. The tires sit nicer on the 19" rims and look a lot more like actual high-performance race tires to me.

My 2 cents, backed up by the following pictures ;-)

[Used2be]

Originally Posted by (H)

In my opinion they also look a lot more professional than the more decked out 20"ers. The latter one to me are more of a fashion statement rather than a utilitarian detail. The tires sit nicer on the 19" rims and look a lot more like actual high-performance race tires to me.

I'm with you in my preference for the 19" rim, but disagree in your "fashion statement" characterization of the 20s. The 20s are probably more utilitarian with their lighter weight and forged construction, and perhaps allow the brakes to run a little cooler than the 19s. I just like the look of the 10 double spokes, and do prefer the 40 and 35 ratio sidewall on the tires. We are certainly in the minority on this forum!

[Richard Cranium]

Originally Posted by PatrickC23

Winter tires should be much harder than summer tires, so I think your getting the benefit
Of an extra inch of rubber. On the same brand tire with an inch difference there will definitely be a difference in ride comfort. That said, im still going with 20s bc I like the look. For winter ill run stock 19s.

Winter tires will be softer, not harder.

[Simon H]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

I have adjusted the tyre pressures and the car is much better on these 20" wheels now, so pleased as they do look good.

John,
What were the tyre pressures set at, before you adjusted them ?. I have 20" rims, and have to say, that the ride is spot on in comfort mode. My wife thinks its the comfiest car we have had, and believe me when i say, she says it like it is. She wouldnt even get in the GT-R, calling it, absolute TAT !. How do you like the M5 all round ?. Regards, SIMON.

[racer10]

I have just switched out the 19" bmw winter wheels to go back to my 19" summer OEM set . The winter wheels to my surprise were a bit quieter and softer to ride on. That said I continue to believe that the 19" wheels are very acceptable for noise and ride given the performance qualities of this car. As I said before they are much quieter than my Michelin A/S tires on my SL 550 roadster. These tires make a racket. Regarding the 19" bmw wheels , I like them. I like the 20" too but went specifically for 19" because I didn't want to second guess myself on road noise . It really comes down to where you want to make the trade off and some owners who have 20" wheels argue that there is very little trade off with regard to noise or ride . I don't really know except to say the 19" has to be better in both areas .

[PatrickC23]

Originally Posted by Richard Cranium

Winter tires will be softer, not harder.

Ive always been told the point of a winter tire is so that it will not freeze up in cold temps, hence a harder rubber. Summer tires are for extreme grip, therefore a softer rubber. I've gone back and forth between various brands of winters and summers, and the summer have always been significantly quieter and softer in feel despite being 1 inch difference. Perhaps im taking it too literally.

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by Richard Cranium

Winter tires will be softer, not harder.

Originally Posted by PatrickC23

Ive always been told the point of a winter tire is so that it will not freeze up in cold temps, hence a harder rubber. Summer tires are for extreme grip, therefore a softer rubber. I've gone back and forth between various brands of winters and summers, and the summer have always been significantly quieter and softer in feel despite being 1 inch difference. Perhaps im taking it too literally.

He is right... Winter tires are much softer than summers.

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by (H)

... I totally would go for the 19" wheels - I did. It is teh "standard" equipment on the M5 and BMW wouldN#t chose such equipemnt if it wouldn't do well with the vehicle.

In my opinion they also look a lot more professional than the more decked out 20"ers. The latter one to me are more of a fashion statement rather than a utilitarian detail. The tires sit nicer on the 19" rims and look a lot more like actual high-performance race tires to me.

My 2 cents, backed up by the following pictures ;-)

Attachment 841860

Attachment 841861

Those 19s look good but the 20s suit the M5 better for this size of car.

I had an E92 M3 and the 19s looked appropriate on that car due to the cars size... The M5 is larger so the 20s are cosmetically better.

I don't remember a significant ride difference between the 19/20 on my M3...

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by (H)

... I totally would go for the 19" wheels - I did. It is teh "standard" equipment on the M5 and BMW wouldN#t chose such equipemnt if it wouldn't do well with the vehicle.

In my opinion they also look a lot more professional than the more decked out 20"ers. The latter one to me are more of a fashion statement rather than a utilitarian detail. The tires sit nicer on the 19" rims and look a lot more like actual high-performance race tires to me.

My 2 cents, backed up by the following pictures ;-)

Attachment 841860

Attachment 841861

Car looks great.

[Charlie Brown]

I have the 20" oem wheels/tires and the OEM 19" winter setup. The 19" winter setup has a noticeably more comfortable ride. I mean as soon as I rolled forward a few feet I could tell it was a softer ride. That said, the 20" OEM setup is plenty smooth and quite for an M5 and my taste.

[Neil McRae]

are you kidding me? 20s 20s 20s


M5 at the shops by NeilMcRae, on Flickr


M5 at the shops by NeilMcRae, on Flickr

[MCM5]

My car came with 19" as stock. I was happy with it for the last few months. But after looking at all the great pics here with 20" & 21", I'm now in the process of finding a set of forged aftermarket 20".

19" is a bit too small for the car. 20" would be the way to go. Don't think it would compromise ride quality too much.

[Stash21]

Haven't driven one on 20s so cant comment on their ride, but went for the 19s as they look good and the ride is perfect on sport setting for uk roads.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Ok guys, Thanks for the info.

[Philippe4]

Wow guys! I have been reading your posts trying to decide how to spec tires for my future M5 and find myself torn but leaning toward 19s. As I understand the main benefit of 20s is looks? Are there any differences in road feel, gas mileage, braking, handling (g's).

[Bluehorseshoe]

I really like the 345Ms. They remind me of the wheel from E39 M5. Then again I like the 343Ms and the 601Ms. I'd love to have them all.

[emkmd]

So I am trying to decide,19s or 20s. This thread has great arguments for both sizes. I went with the 18s on my e46 and e92 m3s because I liked the look of them. The darker color of the 18s also matches my eggplant, I mean sparkling graphite e92m3. I know the 19s for the m5 will be a real pain to clean, although I do like the look better. Sometimes I think the 20s look like they should be on a low rider. Here are the 20s

19s

Low rider

[Palomequet]

Originally Posted by Used2be

I'm with you in my preference for the 19" rim, but disagree in your "fashion statement" characterization of the 20s. The 20s are probably more utilitarian with their lighter weight and forged construction, and perhaps allow the brakes to run a little cooler than the 19s. I just like the look of the 10 double spokes, and do prefer the 40 and 35 ratio sidewall on the tires. We are certainly in the minority on this forum!

"their lighter weight and forged construction" question answered.

[Goranot]

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

I have adjusted the tyre pressures and the car is much better on these 20" wheels now, so pleased as they do look good.

What tyre pressures did you put in?

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by Goranot

What tyre pressures did you put in?

38PSI all round, works for me.

[nybimmerfan]

19", 20", 21" I think it is a matter of preference and road conditions the car will be driven most. I was thinking of going to the 20" from 19" until I did try an M5 on 20". I did not like the ride at all of the M5 on 20" -- for me, the ride felt so lofty much like riding in a caddie so I just deduced that the 21" would also be not to my liking. So, I just kept the 19". Also, since I did my ED on the 19" and doing all the tight turns in the Alps passes, I felt the 19" were so well tuned to those tight turns which I doubt the 20" or 21" could surpass. There is no right or wrong wheel size, one has to check which one would fit his/her preference and just try the ride and choose. I quite disagree with the person saying the 19" was hideous as he probably has no idea what he is talking about just muttering his biased opinion without even giving a rationale for saying so.

[emkmd]

Originally Posted by nybimmerfan

19", 20", 21" I think it is a matter of preference and road conditions the car will be driven most. I was thinking of going to the 20" from 19" until I did try an M5 on 20". I did not like the ride at all of the M5 on 20" -- for me, the ride felt so lofty much like riding in a caddie so I just deduced that the 21" would also be not to my liking. So, I just kept the 19". Also, since I did my ED on the 19" and doing all the tight turns in the Alps passes, I felt the 19" were so well tuned to those tight turns which I doubt the 20" or 21" could surpass. There is no right or wrong wheel size, one has to check which one would fit his/her preference and just try the ride and choose. I quite disagree with the person saying the 19" was hideous as he probably has no idea what he is talking about just muttering his biased opinion without even giving a rationale for saying so.

Great advice. I am leaning towards the 19s.