My Mrs and I are about to order a G35 Coupe (hopefully this week) and are struggling with what to do about wheels and tires. We are already at the top end of our budget with the Premium and Navigation packages so we are cautious about what to do with the wheels and tires.

I fancy an auto with the 18" performance tire and wheel package (since Mrs doesn't really want to share a 6MT) but, living in Michigan, that means that we have to:

A: buy an extra set of winter/ all season tires for $$ and have someone scratch my rims twice a year changing them OR
B: I buy another set of rims AND winter/ all season tires for $$$$ OR
C: I buy a set of all seasons, have them fitted to my OE rims and sell my OE summer tires ASAP.

Alternatilvely I could persuade Mrs to go with the 6MT, but then I have a 19" problem clearing the Brembo's which definitely means new everything (rims and tires) for the winter as far as I can tell.

Of course I could just go with the Auto with standard suspension and 17" wheels, however, as far as I can tell it is impossible to know what those look like as they are not shown in the brochure or on the website.

All suggestions are welcome. What would you do ON A BUDGET?

 

Have you thought about staying with everything stock for now, and wait till the next winter comes, then get some winter/all season tires and/or rims?

 

Don't worry about the Brembos - They're gone on the 05s. However the 056MTs now come with 19s, though they are not as wide as the usual aftermarket wheels. Fronts are 8s and rears are 8.5s. Also you lose the LSD Diff. unless you get the 19s on the 5AT or 6MT.

As far as snows, wait untill you need them.

Lou

 

What you could do is buy it with the 17" wheels and all season tires to cover you for the winters up there, and then look on eBay for a set of 18" Performance wheels and tires when you get some free cash. They seem to go for ~$1000 or so.

Keep in mind, this is not a great car for those on a budget. Premium fuel costs and maintenance costs for wear and tear items (like tires and brakes) will not be low. Also, insurance ain't cheap on the coupe either.

 

i would get it with the 19's [6mt...way more fun than auto], then look for a set of used oem 18's, and try to find some winter rubber for it. maybe try ditching the navi package to save some $...do you see yourself using it a whole lot? i think traction is more important than having some gps lady yell at you to turn....just buy a map from the gas station?