Hi. I am new to the forum. I drive a 2005 156 2.5. Want to upgrade from standard 16" wheels, but would also like to drop the car slighlty. Is it possible to go for 18"s and still drop 25 - 30 mm??? Would this make the ride ridiculously hard or will it touch the arches? Would 17"s be a better balanced option? The 156 is a gorgeous car but needs the right wheels and suspension. Please help. - South Africa.
Thanks for responding. I still think the car might look 'hopped-up' on 18"s without any kind of lowering. So in effect the stance car could look worse with the bigger wheels. Decisions, decisions...
As David C says , its a personal thing , 18's should go but in my opinion may look a little too much , i've got 17"s on mine and it handles excellently , the ride is a little stiff but as long as you avoid the big pot holes you dont end up with a compressed spine.
yes, you will want to lower the car for a better 'look'. my (old) 156 had this combo: 18x7.5" wheels with 225/40 tyres (pirelli P7000), Eibach Pro Kit springs (KONI dampers), Zender bodykit. the combo of lowering + kit = nice look. though i also had a heavy stereo in the boot at the time, so it was another 1" lower!
as above, ride comfort is subjective. i found it 'very good', and the handling was really good. i would do it again. i personally think a 40-series profile tyre is 'about right' in terms of compromise between cost, looks, comfort, and handling.
most other people will suggest 17s is better. perhaps so, but i also wonder how many of these people have tried 18s. at the end of the day, hard to advise you, cos we cannot know what you are expecting. all i can say is i was very happy with the 18s.
yes indeed! well spotted - you must have been there!
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