In the market for a G35 and trying to decide between 17" and 18" OEM rims. I would prefer the performance, but if they are bent easier from pot holes and such, I might go with the 17s.

I drive a 325ci with 16s and they bend regularly. I was told that the metal is soft on these stock BMW rims. Should I expect the metal on the Infiniti 18s to be stronger? Is there anyway to get a sense of how frequently owners bend their 18" OEMs?

Thanks,
k$

 

Bimmer pilot on G35 coupe site? Oh well, I'll answer your question.....it's not
the strength of the wheel that's the issue but the tire size you are using. If
you're running 18" rims with a tire side wall of 45 or 40 you won't have issues
with the rims bending/breaking. On the other hand if you're running 30 or 35
size tires no matter how good the rims are they won't survive understand?
The smaller the sidewall of your tire the closer to the ground your rim is going
to be! On a G35 you can run 18" rims with 245/40X18" tires without any
problems! Unless you live in Beantown.......HAHA terrible streets!

 

The OP does have a point about "soft" metal bending easily. For example: I had 17" Mille Miglia rims on my old 95 Maxima with 235/45 series tires (decent sidewall height), and 3 of those rims warped over time. I never went over big potholes with them, so don't know how it happened, but then I was told those rims were "soft"....

 

i've had my OEM 19"s for over 2 years with a variety of tires, ranging from the oem's (40 or 45 profile, i think) to 35 profile, which i've had on for about a year.

so far, minus the curbing from my stupidity, it's held up well. and i thought they were all forged aluminum?

 

Hey guys,
Thanks for humoring me! I just can't deal with how underpowered the 325ci is and the 330 doesn't seem to have much more then a Honda Accord or Toyota Corrola for that matter.... Looks like G35 w/ 18s may be my next ride. As long as people think the rims will survive bombing through Newark NJ, I'm sold. I'm really not that careful....
kvangil, you have an "I hate your car!" doll in the front seet too? I thought mine was a one of a kind!

 

I would recommend OEM 18s. The major key into keeping the rims from bending is maintaining the proper tire pressure. I actually bent one in April but that's mainly because the pothole was so big that when I hit it, it pierced the tire, the air escaped and in result it also bent the rim. I also had the incorrect tire size on it with a sidewall 40 instead of 45. So just make sure your tires are not underinflated and you should be fine.

 

If you stick with factory OEM 18's, and stay in the 40-45 sidewall range, you will be fine.....unless you live in a pothole ridden city, then go with 17's.

I have my car almost 4yrs, and 41,000 miles. I have hit some pretty nasty potholes as speed with my 18's, and no damage to either tire or rim.

 

what would be the proper tire pressure? go with the tire specs or the door jam (as i was reading on other threads)?

 

^ thread is from 2007 dude....

 

At least you know he HAD to be using the search function in order to pull it up.

 

For a tire pressure question though?

I guess I can't be angry....

 

ive been searching threads like crazy.. this was the best one i thought that could help me out..