I just purchased a 2008 G35xS a couple of days ago. I realized soon after taking delivery that it did not come with the Sport package rims. Instead of the 18" rims that come with the Sport package, it had the standard 17" rims found on all regular models.

I talked to the dealer and they have agreed to swap out the rims with the proper 18" wheels.

Question is: What do all of you recommend in terms of best rim size? I would like opinions as to the advantages and disadvantages of the larger rims.

They look great, but I am concerned about ride quality.

THanks!

 

Welcome and congrats on the new car.
If I where you I would have the 18" sport wheels on my xS.
Pros - They look nicer, better handling due to the lower, stiffer sidewall tire (it is a sport model)
Cons - Generally more expensive to replace the rubber when comparing same makes of 17" or 18" tires. You will feel the bumps a little more.
Your in Boston so get some 17" winter wheel and tires for it and you will be good to go. Running your winter tires is safer, the car handles awesome in the snow and you prolong the life of your summer tires and maintain the condition of your nice factory wheels.
Now some guys will tell you to mod it. Put on 19s and lower the suspension. I have the factory 17s and mine handles great and the ride is still civil over the bumpy pothole roads.

Cheers

 

Everything rpm said. The Sport 18" wheels are just better overall than the 17".

 

yup +1

 

Make sure that they put the TPMS sensors into the 18" rims!

Also, I'd stick with the 18" rims year round. I have an 08 X Sport and really like the look of them. So, I purchased an identical set off ebay so I could put on winter tires.

The ride quality is fine. So I wouldn't go putting on 19" rims if you were concerned about the ride on 18" rims.

 

That seems like a pretty costly winter setup. 17" will save a load of money (new or used) and ride nicer in snow and on frozen, heaving winter ashpalt. I picked up 17" winter alloys with Blizzaks for < $800 Canadian. They look pretty nice too and they are easy to find used.


To each their own.

 

The 4 rims cost me less that $700, plus $480 or so for 4 new TPMS devices, and the blizzaks from the Tirerack. All told, roughly close to $1800-$2000 or so. True, not cheap but at the end of the day, I just wanted to have a complete OEM setup, no worries of offset, spacer rings, etc.

Like you said, to each their own!

 

I leased my 2008 G35x and I didn't get the sport package even though I wanted the 18" rims. I didn't think anything on the sport package was all that good on the x except the rims. So I took off the good year all seasons, but on blizzaks. Then got 18" rims from the g coupe (non sport). I use the 18 for summer and 17's for winter and I can change the rims myself which is a big plus. No waiting for the tire shops fall and spring. It gets crazy busy in Vermont since everyone tries to change over at the first sign of snow.

Also, the sensors are only in the winter rims. I get my state inspection done in April (with the sensors on) so no problems. Then the summers go on and I deal with the indicator light which is not a big deal. Having two sets of sensors means I have to go to the dealer to reprogram which kinda defeats the purpose of doing the changeover myself.

Anyway, very happy with my current setup. The 17's are a bit smoother in winter but the 18's aren't bad at all. Still rather comfy.

 

I have the 18" OEMs on during the summer and 17" aftermarkets for a winter set-up. 18"s ride nice in the summer, but if you are concerned test drive a car with 18"s at the dealer and see if the cons outweigh to pros.

 

Pros - They look nicer, better handling due to the lower, stiffer sidewall tire (it is a sport model)
Cons - Generally more expensive to replace the rubber when comparing same makes of 17" or 18" tires. You will feel alittle more bumpy ride.

+1 on this. 17 look nicer that 18.

 

The little difference in ride doesn't out weigh the good looks of the 18". Go for the 18" IMO

 

I think we are all saying the same thing. Get the 18's from the dealer now.
17's would be best (for a couple good reasons mentioned) as a winter setup.