I am expecting to receive my black/black, fully-loaded 6MT Coupe in about two weeks and am considering either requesting that the dealer change out the OEM 18" wheels and tires for 17" wheels and A/S tires OR ordering an '04 with the 17" A/S tires (an apparently new option). I live in the Northeast and am concerned about driving in the snow. Many posts indicate that snow tires are needed which requires buying new wheels and tires but I am wondering if people think my idea is a good/cheaper alternative to changing tires and wheels twice a year without sacrificing TOO much performance (not to mention, I really do not have space for 4 18" tires during the winter).

 

Take the car as-is, then sell the 18's to someone. You'll get atleast $1500, which will buy a nice set of custom 17's and tires. Then again, unless you're living above Long Island, I'd just leave the car in the garage on snowy days.

2003.5 - G35 6spd - Diamond Graphite/Graphite leather, prem, aero package/kit

 

will the brembos fit behind 17s

-moooooo

 

Getting a second set of wheels and winter tires is not as expensive as you might think.. since both sets of tires last longer from only being used part time. You can get a decent set of 17" (or even 16" rims -- makes the winter tires much cheaper, if you're inclined) rims for not too much. The A/S tires will sacrifice performance both in the dry (summer tires are better there) and in the snow (winter tires are better there). If you're not too concerned about the looks of the car during the winter months, 16" steel rims are a great economical choice (the rims are cheap, the tires for 16" wheels are much less, and no worries about scratching them up in the bad weather conditions). Otherwise, you can look around and find some 17" alloy rims that won't break the bank.

Of course, if you don't drive the car near it's limits, you may not notice the difference between summer and A/S rubber. You should, however, be able to tell the difference between A/S and winter tires on the white stuff in normal driving.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

there is nothing like the stock 18's