Pictures Request: 214 Flares w/ 19 inch wheels.
 

Hi guys,

Summer is ending too fast, and in the need for winter wheels and tires. My E70 comes with 214 wheels with the flares. I'm thinking to get 19 inch wheels (211 or 212) instead of another 214 for winter tires, well for a lot of reasons (better snow tractions, cost, etc).

Anyone has E70 pics with 214 flares but riding on 'skinnier tires' ? How does it look like ? Does it look the flares is out of place ?

Thank you.

I thought the same thing about expense of a 20" wheel set but then ran across the new Michellin Alpine winter tires at Tirerack. They have 275/40/20 coming in october for $208/tire. So I ordered a set of 214 reps from ebay vendor all four in the 10" front diameter and will run the 275/40/20's all the way around for the winter as staggered tires are not recommend for snows (don't know if true or not but have heard the same thing from multiple sources). In summary, I maintain the rolling diameter of the oems, the look of the 214's (which I happen to like better than any of the other oem styles), close to the same width as the standard 315's, and all at a price similar to a set of 19". I obviously haven't mounted them yet, but they should have an outside width difference of less than an inch compared to the 315's on the oem 11''. If I end up not liking the look I can always add spacers to the rear set to make up the difference.:thumbup:

Smaller is better for snow, boys. You're better off with 17s or 18s for the snow with narrow tires - 255 or so on the width. I wouldn't worry how skinny snow tires would look with flares. I'd worry more about what the X would look like after sliding into something on wide tires.

Just my 2 cents

I think you can stick some spacers on ... no. At least in the rear, to make the tires flush with the flared arches. I think someone did that on the forum, although unable to locate the thread ??

I was considering doing this, when the 19s go back on in October.

I believe the 18 and 19 have the same width (255) if I remember correctly. I guess my question does the tire wall size matter (18 vs 19) ?

I know thinner is better but wouldn't a heavier 11x20" vs. 18 or 19 also help traction somewhat? They always tell you to sandbag the rear right? :D Not lose-lose. I think the biggest issue is staying off summer performance tires because of the hardening. Been ok with my all-season 20s even in 6 inches of slush & snow.

What the hell do I know? I'm just a girl. :rofl: I know there's a reason. JCL or one of the guys will fill in the blanks for me. :) I'm thinking because the larger wheels have lower profile tires :dunno:

But your 20s are 315 wide, aren't they? I'd think those were like sleds.

Yup, 315 and running confidently. ;) Well, more like safely... but it works, highway and all!

I've put 30mm spacers on my 19" rear wheels that are 285's (fronts still 255's).. I also added the flared arches...

I know that I've seen a picture of forum member bigd00755's ride with his flares installed but the 19" 212s still on. Not sure if he posted on here or PMd it to me but either way, I can't find it. You might send him a PM and see if he has it or can steer you to it...