18s on a CX-5

[Bopper]

Looks great, congrats.
Did you actually weigh the rims?
Does the buttometer notice any difference?
Glad to see you pulled the trigger, my finger has been frozen when it comes to the rims.

 

[Lt Johnny]

Thanks Bopper!
We weighed two complete wheels & tires. The OEM 19's w/ 225/55R19 and my new Motegi 18 w/ 255/55R18.
Honestly I think it rides a little better. I'm sure every driver here will agree we each have are own preferences too.
I'm loving these Nitto Crosstek's! The other people I know that have them, swear by them, and none have worn a set out yet lol
This is my first set of black wheels on any vehicle I've owned. Trying to get used to that and the fact that they are a very open design, my rotors almost make them look smaller. That design however is lightweight and quick and easy to clean. And it's way to early to report yet, but even with wider tires I'm seeing a 1-2mpg INCREASE in city driving.

 

[Lt Johnny]

Don't LOL, I think I'm going to sell my new rims. I think the Motegi design I chose lends itself to much lower profile tires. The matte black finish blends in with the tires so my sidewalls deceptively look wider then they really are. Not what I wanted!

Plan B is in effect. As soon as my OEM 19's sell, I'm buying 18" Enkei M52's in Hyper Black. Then sell my Motegi's rims. The Nitto Crosstek's are a win. Love em!

 

[Lt Johnny]

Bopper,

Before deciding to get different rims and just sell the Motegi's I just bought, I looked into to painting or powdercoating them. There is a place in Sarasota, FL called The Wheel Doctor that specializes in wheel repairs (painting, welding, etc) He warned me to stay away from OZ wheels. Because they are so light they are one of the most prone wheels to being damaged from a pothole strike or similiar. He went on to say increasing sidewall helps a little but the tire can transfer the shock straight up and still bend the rim. It typically occurs on the back side of the rim where there is no reinforcement. He said don't be scared of a little bit heavier rim because they are less likely to bend. Just something I thought I would share which I learned yesterday.

 

[Bopper]

Thanks. I appreciate any and all input. I have actually been reading many forums about the OZ's. Many people love them, and just as many hate them.

 

[MikeM.]

There is a place in Sarasota, FL called The Wheel Doctor that specializes in wheel repairs (painting, welding, etc) He warned me to stay away from OZ wheels. Because they are so light they are one of the most prone wheels to being damaged from a pothole strike or similiar. He went on to say increasing sidewall helps a little but the tire can transfer the shock straight up and still bend the rim.

Ha! Every wheel approved for use on US or European roads has maximum load ratings and are rigorously tested (using destructive testing processes) to insure compliance. It's a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, some people don't bother to check if their vehicle is compatible with the wheel and (as your wheel painter pointed out) putting ultra low profile tires on extra large rims compounds the problem. When I checked the load rating of the OZ Alleggerita's I was surprised to learn that they would work on a much heavier vehicle than the CX-5. The margin of safety is huge. There is no doubt the more expensive casting and peening process of the OZ wheels makes them stronger for their weight than the OEM wheels. There is no reason to believe they shouldn't be used with complete confidence.

I do not recommend ultra-low profile tires even with a very heavy, very strong wheel. There is too much compromise in terms of peak loads when the sidewall is too short.

 

[xtrailman]

Interesting.
Some years ago the Audi RS3 or was it 4, suffered from the alloy wheels distorting, didn't like pot holes etc at speed.

Bopper,

Before deciding to get different rims and just sell the Motegi's I just bought, I looked into to painting or powdercoating them. There is a place in Sarasota, FL called The Wheel Doctor that specializes in wheel repairs (painting, welding, etc) He warned me to stay away from OZ wheels. Because they are so light they are one of the most prone wheels to being damaged from a pothole strike or similiar. He went on to say increasing sidewall helps a little but the tire can transfer the shock straight up and still bend the rim. It typically occurs on the back side of the rim where there is no reinforcement. He said don't be scared of a little bit heavier rim because they are less likely to bend. Just something I thought I would share which I learned yesterday.

 

[Lt Johnny]

I'm sure alot of it boils down to how attuative of a driver someone is. Look at some people's wheels and the amount of curb rash on them. Makes you wonder if they have as much wear on the rims as they do the tires LOL Most potholes can be avoided, and others can't. A little more sidewall certainly helps but if it's a hard enough hit, bye bye inside of your rim.

I'm sure most if not all of you care about your vehicle, take care of it, and drive better then a 16 year old texting. Accidents will always happen. (thats why I have job security) I'm buying Enkei's soon. They also make a light well tested wheel. Chances are I'll be fine, but you never know what's ahead on the road of life.

 

[Bopper]

Just got off the phone with Todd at Tyre Rack. He gave me some additional info on the wheels I been interested in regards to Certifications, Load Rating and Structural Warranties. I included what info I know about the OEM's as well. My CX-5 is White and I drive only about 7k per year, no autocross, no offroading. Just potholes.
I find it interesting that the Sparco's have a Lifetime Structural Warranty, that is directly through TyreRack.
I like the Borbets the best, but am struggling with the weight (I guess I could diet to make up the difference)
Please give opinions on known quality, past experience, which one that you like. You won't hurt my feelings.

OEM 19" Rims:
Made in China
Gravity Cast
30 Lbs.
3 Year ? Warranty Finish/Structural
JWL Certified - Japan

Rims I've been considering:
Borbet LV5
$189
Size: 18x8
Offset: +45mm
Backspacing: 6.25"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 225/60-18
Weight: 25.8lbs.
Finish: Anthracite Painted
Construction: 1 Pc. Low Pressure Cast
Finish Warranty: 1 Year - 5 year Structural
Manufactured in Turkey
No Load Rating
TUV Certified

Sparco Assetto Gara
$176
Size: 18x8
Offset: 45mm
Backspacing: 6.25"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 225/60-18
Weight: 20.1lbs.
Finish: Matte Graphite Silver
Construction: 1 Pc. Gravity Cast
Finish Warranty: 1 Year - Lifetime Structural (Direct Dealing with T re Rack)
Manufactured in China - Engineered by O.Z. - Manufacturing overseen by O.Z.
Load Rating 1430 Lbs.
TUV Certified-German
JWL Certified-Japan

O.Z. Alleggerita HLT
$349 currently with 20% off
Size: 18x7.5
Offset: 48mm
Backspacing: 6.18"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 225/60-18
Weight: 17.0lbs.
Finish: Matte Graphite Silver
Construction: 1 Pc. Low Pressure Cast/ Shot Peened
Finish Warranty: 2 years / 2 Structural
Manufactured in Italy
Load Rating 1521 Lbs
TUV Certified

 

[CX-5um]

Just got off the phone with Todd at Tyre Rack. He gave me some additional info on the wheels I been interested in regards to Certifications, Load Rating and Structural Warranties. I included what info I know about the OEM's as well. My CX-5 is White and I drive only about 7k per year, no autocross, no offroading. Just potholes.
I find it interesting that the Sparco's have a Lifetime Structural Warranty, that is directly through TyreRack.
I like the Borbets the best, but am struggling with the weight (I guess I could diet to make up the difference)
Please give opinions on known quality, past experience, which one that you like. You won't hurt my feelings.

OEM 19" Rims:
Made in China
Gravity Cast
30 Lbs.
3 Year ? Warranty Finish/Structural
JWL Certified - Japan

Rims I've been considering:
Borbet LV5
$189
Size: 18x8
Offset: +45mm
Backspacing: 6.25"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 225/60-18
Weight: 25.8lbs.
Finish: Anthracite Painted
Construction: 1 Pc. Low Pressure Cast
Finish Warranty: 1 Year - 5 year Structural
Manufactured in Turkey
No Load Rating
TUV Certified

Sparco Assetto Gara
$176
Size: 18x8
Offset: 45mm
Backspacing: 6.25"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 225/60-18
Weight: 20.1lbs.
Finish: Matte Graphite Silver
Construction: 1 Pc. Gravity Cast
Finish Warranty: 1 Year - Lifetime Structural (Direct Dealing with T re Rack)
Manufactured in China - Engineered by O.Z. - Manufacturing overseen by O.Z.
Load Rating 1430 Lbs.
TUV Certified-German
JWL Certified-Japan

O.Z. Alleggerita HLT
$349 currently with 20% off
Size: 18x7.5
Offset: 48mm
Backspacing: 6.18"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 225/60-18
Weight: 17.0lbs.
Finish: Matte Graphite Silver
Construction: 1 Pc. Low Pressure Cast/ Shot Peened
Finish Warranty: 2 years / 2 Structural
Manufactured in Italy
Load Rating 1521 Lbs
TUV Certified

For 18x8 I'd try to aim under 20lbs. That said between the three I'd go for the Sparco's. Personally I'd shop for Enkei's if they were on sale though. There is a line of nice light weight Konig wheels made by Enkei that are really good too. I forgot the line name dammit.

 

[Snowie78]

Hi LT Johnny,

do you have 255 tires on 8 inch wide rims? That seems like a big tire for the 8 inch width....

 

[Bopper]

I just purchased the Sparco Assetto Gara's with 235/60R-18 Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia XL's. My Wife was tired of watching me struggle with the decision of picking a wheel, so when she got home today and I was sitting at the computer, like I have been for a week, she started in on me. She called me a wussy, sissy and a few other choice names, then dared me to do it, then double dared me, so I did it.

Helping my decision, was the fact that I could not find any bad reviews of the Sparco's. There are some skeptics out there, but no real owners that had a single bad word to say. I figured that with all the rubber I will have between the rim and the road, I will be giving the Sparco's a much better chance at survival.

There should be a 9 Lbs per wheel drop in weight. I am very curious to see if there will be any noticeable difference in performance.

I will post some pics when they arrive.

 

[Meat]

Hi LT Johnny,

do you have 255 tires on 8 inch wide rims? That seems like a big tire for the 8 inch width....

That's is about as big of a tire you can fit on an 8" wheel. I had 255/40/17's on an 8" wheel on my track car.

As you can see, they're bulging a bit but do remember that 255 section tires of Brand X can be wider or narrower than 255's from Brand Y.

 

[Snowie78]

I always thought that sizing would be standard but I have noticed that the 235 Goodyear eagle gts that I have on my 8.5 inch wide rims seem extremely wide compared to other 235's I have been eyeing in parking lots on other vehicles.

 

[Lt Johnny]

Hi Snowie,

Yes I'm running 255/55 18's on 18X8" wheels with NO problem. I looked at your car alot before I purchased them. In the case of mine, I love the stance now! Wishing I chose a different wheel. The wheel design I chose (actually they are almost identical to the pic above that Meat posted but matte black versus bronze) and being matte black would lend itself better to a much smaller sidewall. That said as soon as I sell my OEM wheels & tires, I'm going to replace the wheels with Hyper Black Enkei M52's 18X8. Snowie you having gloss black wheels with the bigger sidewalls looks alot better then my matte black ones. From a distance it looks like 16's from the side because of the way the spokes curl in before the lip and the very open design. Nothing I can't fix with different wheels!

As far as the tires go... LOVE EM'!!! I went with Nitto Crosstek CUV's and they are awesome. The ride is BETTER then the stock 19's and here is the kicker... I shed about 8-9lbs switching to 18's and wider tires and picked up an extra 1-2mpg both city and hwy. The Enkei's I'm going to replace my Motegi Racing Wheels with weigh within a pound of them.

 

[Snowie78]

The offset on my rims is 40 and I feel the stance of the vehicle has been drastically improved with a wider tire etc. Visually it looks like it is perfectly flush. The down side I have found is that I am finding very pin hole size chips in my paint on the lower half of my doors.....so my obvious conclusion is that the wider tires are spitting up little rocks etc and beating up the paint job. I posted a thread to see if any body has seen the wider fender flares they put on the matte grey modified cx-5 at the Sema show, no luck......I am now considering buying factory mud flaps even though I am not a big fan of how they look.

 

[mr.fusion]

I've been set on 18's for a while, but waiting for winter to end.....

Sounds like I will end up with something very similar to LtJohnny. I'm glad you showed pics of the 255 because I had been looking at 245 but the sizing isn't really right and I'm finding more/cheaper options with 255 anyway. I'm looking at a couple different tires. One that would be sweet is the nitto 420s, but I think they would be best with a low spring kit. I'm sticking with the stock suspension... so I'm not going to do the race look tread. The nitto cuv does look like a nice tire.

I love the hyper black finish on the Motegi and Enkei... just gotta pick one and pull the trigger. I like the ones with the spokes that extend all the way to the lip... makes the rims look bigger imo than the inset spoke style.

 

[Lt Johnny]

With 18" wheels, you definitely need a spoke that extends to the lip. Mr. Fusion, your definitely looking in the right direction. The Montegi's I got are cool wheels but it's crazy how looking directly at them from the side how the wheel lips blend in with the tires and seeing so much rotor gives the optical illusion of the wheel being much smaller. Nothing a set of Hyper Black Enkei M52's won't fix

Snowie, I think your 235's look more like 245's... I kept comparing them to a CX7 next door to me that has them lol I'm in total agreement with you about how much they change the stance for the better. If you look at the rim width reccomendation from the tiremanufacturer for 255 55's in 18", you'll see 8" is about perfect. Going up to a 20" wheel you need to go to an 8.5" or 9". There are die hards that won't change a thing on their CX-5's. I think the stock stance is goofy looking. I know some people will disagree but as long as you don't mind be laughed at, so be it. I don't care what they say or what Mazda engineered, there are forum members on here with different wheel, tire, and suspension set ups that I know will out perform stock.

 

[mr.fusion]

Yeah I think the stock setup should have been more flush with the fender. Tire width Mazda chose was probably for mpg concerns, but I don't expect much of a hit just by a little wider tire, that's actually a lighter weight package.

The M52s are pretty sweet.

 

[mr.fusion]

Well, I almost ordered Motegi SP10 in hyper black, but had some concerns about the quality vs. Enkei. Then almost ordered Enkei Raijin hyper silver, because I like them. But the M52 are cheaper, a little more unusual design, and have and extra 1/4" offset.... so I now have a set of M52s on the way in hyper black, 40mm offset. Saved $50+ each over the Raijin.

I will pick up tires this week also, probably the Nitto Motivo or CUV in 255/55, even though 245/55 is an exact diameter match to stock. The extra 1/2" dia may even help me out. The speedo is already half a click off the other way, so I'm not really losing anything there, and I think the 1% taller "gear" will only help my hwy mpg. The manual trans is rated higher mpg, and it's a taller final ratio than the auto according to mr.Gore's interwebs.