meesr

Hi all:

Test drove a 2.0T Q5 last week with 18" rims. This week we drove a different car with 19" rims, and drove it on the freeway (the freeway there is a bit bumpy).

Anyways, I noticed that the ride seemed much stiffer with the 19's. Did I observe correctly? Those of you with the 19" rims, is it too stiff?

thanks,

D_Frost

There definitely is a difference when going to a larger rim... the 18 is very comfortable, while the 19 definitely feels the road more. You may notice that larger rims will result in more responsive turn-in (understeer is more apparent with the 18). In general I feel the suspension is on the firmer side (so thicker tires will definitely soften it up).

It's all very subjective as to what is too stiff

manup

meesr

Don't know if you did a "search" or not but it seems this very topic was discussed some time ago at great length?

As D Frost stated "It's all very subjective as to what is too stiff".

I have the 19's and was able to test both before buying. I liked the way the Q5 handles with the 19's vs 18's...my opinion, Good Luck.

cwdonahue

My daily driver is a 2011 335xi, so to me, the 19 inch wheel/ tire setup seems just right. I increased the tire inflation to 2 lbs. beyond the 33 psi recommendation and like the road feel. A few pounds less will feel softer. The other variable is the tire you'll get. Our Q5 came with Continentals. The Q5 we test drove with 19 inch wheels had a different tire. So, you might be just fine with the 19 inch wheels after you live with them a bit.

ELEVENS

It depends entirely on the tire, especially the stiffness of the tire's sidewall. But if the tire brand and model is the same between 18" and 19" tires, then the taller sidewall of the 18" wheel will cushion the ride over bumps.

loscoz

+1
I was just going to mention about the tire profile too ... makes a difference along with the aforementioned air pressure.

c-dub

I honestly don't feel a thing upgrading from the stock 18"s to the 19"s

xfirechief

The tire pressure makes a big difference.

We just took our Mustang Cobra out of storage. The tire pressure was down to around 23 PSI. Nice soft ride & then we went & filled thyem up to 32 PSI. Harder ride plus I could spin the tires much easier, not that I want too, so I don't hit the pedal as hard with 32PSI. Better MPG with higher pressure & lay off the pedal of course.

jeff968

I have both, I run the 18"s during the winter. No difference in ride that I can tell. 19s sure look better.

SDCEB

I just odered mine with the 19's. I think they look better with the car and you get a higher grade tire with it too, I believe.