Hi, All -

I have a question about Techart 20-inch Formula wheels...we're looking at a 4S that has had them installed by the dealer. They look wicked, but I'm looking for feedback on any of your experiences with non-stock wheels like these. Have you had any problems with your dealer being able to correctly keep the wheels/suspension (I'm assuming that needs to be tweaked, too?) balanced and at handling/performing perfectly?

I ask because my husband previously had a CL55 with 20-inch Lorinser rims, installed by a Lorinser-trained and certified technician at the Mercedes dealership. The wheels were under Mercedes warranty, but in the years he had the car, it never handled quite right or felt perfectly balanced after the addition of those wheels. We really wouldn't want to have that problem with a 4S!

Any thoughts/experiences/advice appreciated!

Christina

 

Not to mention adding some unsprung weight to the 4S. It will deffinetly slow the car down a bit as im sure those rims are pretty heavy.

 

heres a calculator i stumbled on a while back. not sure on accuracy but very intresting. just change numbers for weights and hp , etc...

http://www.the-welters.com/racing/rotational.xls

 

I have had the 18" Formulas on my Boxster for 5+ years without any issues. I've been really impressed with these wheels, both from a finish standpoint and a ride point-of-view. No vibration, no unusual handling characteristics.

I've also found them to be amazingly strong- I hit a pothole that was absolutely HUGE without any damage or issues. Wish I could say the same for my OEMs.

If you can swallow the purchase cost, ownership won't disappoint.

Good luck!

 

Same can't be said for 20s, regardless of brand.

 

I can't think of much positive to say about 20 inch rims other than aesthetics. They will degrade your car in every other aspect.

 

Alan: How 'bout 19"s?

 

If the car is designed for them (e.g. 997) no problem.

If not then the same applies; I ruined the handling of an SL500 with 19's.

Good ones at that, HRE's.

 

In regards to ease of bending? They're somewhere between 18s and 20s

Seriously though, 18s are probably optimal for performance and wheel protection (maybe even 17s if they fit over the brakes). Unfortunately they don't look as good as 19s.