I have ordered a 159 2.4 JTD and specified 18" wheels. This was because I thought they would look good, which they will.
The salesman said there would be minimal effect to ride and I also emailed Alfa to ask.
They replied
"The 18" alloy wheel option on the 159 is mainly an asthetic change for the vehicle. Although the wheel would have more surface area contact with the road the driving would be affected minimally.It is purley cosmetic."
However, I have just been looking at some older threads on here which seem to present a different view. Also, Honest John says more grip but more noise and possibly harsher ride from 18s.
By the way I have a 320i E90 on loan while my car is having work done and that is very harsh around town especially due to run flats.
I expect a slightly harsher ride but would very much appreciate your views while there's still time to change if necessary, please.
Daft question really as I guess no one really has experience.
For interest I emailed the salesman I'm getting the car off and he replied -
"we have just put a set of 18" on our demo 159 2.4 your more than welcome to come and try.....looks great, drive great, i found the ride fine road noise no different to 17" i think if your driving on a poor road surface there not much you can do to improve it all i can say is that with the side window glass being 5mm thick its a prity quite anyway .
the thing with alfas is they are deigned to attack all your senses sight, sound, touch, smell, passion so you will be able to hear the engine and you will be able to feel what the wheels are doing and you will be able to smell the leather as for the passion, well i will leave that up to you and the wife ,or if your lucky the girlfriend."
i went from a 147 with 16" wheels to a golf gti with 18" wheels and the gti rides much more smoothly so i suppose its more down to the way the car is set up. the general opinion between the gti running on 17" and 18" wheels is there is no difference.
Daft question really as I guess no one really has experience.
For interest I emailed the salesman I'm getting the car off and he replied -
"we have just put a set of 18" on our demo 159 2.4 your more than welcome to come and try.....looks great, drive great, i found the ride fine road noise no different to 17" i think if your driving on a poor road surface there not much you can do to improve it all i can say is that with the side window glass being 5mm thick its a prity quite anyway .
the thing with alfas is they are deigned to attack all your senses sight, sound, touch, smell, passion so you will be able to hear the engine and you will be able to feel what the wheels are doing and you will be able to smell the leather as for the passion, well i will leave that up to you and the wife ,or if your lucky the girlfriend."
Well I don't believe a word they say any way - the salesmen that is.
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