When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Welcome to the boards...since things have slowed down in the forums over the years with the xA/xB getting older, you'd likely be better off searching through posts as there are likely a number of pictures of xA's on various sizes and style of wheel.
I'd steer you toward a 17" as the largest wheel size as moving up to an 18" is going to mean very little sidewall to remain close to a stock height 'ratio' and result in a pretty rough ride unless the roads where you live are glass smooth.
I'm on 17"s right now with my winter tires, summer wheels are getting powdercoated right now, and hit a pothole that actually bent one of my winter 'steelies'. This is on a 205/40R17 tire...
I've got some 205R17 shoes on my xB. Stock springs but there's definitely room on them if I wanted to drop the 1.5" for some TRD springs. I don't think I would personally go much lower than that, but I think there would be room.
My son and I both run the stock 15" wheels & tires in the winters, but change them out for something a little sportier in the summer months. I run 16's and he runs 17's. Both cars now have Tein 1.5" lowering springs and I wouldn't want to go much lower. Depending on how stiff the sidewalls are on the tire you choose, the larger diameter wheels will definitely ride harsher. That said, the 17's will ride harsher than the 16's any day of the week. And as has already been said, the shorter the sidewall, the higher the risk of wheel damage when you hit a pothole.
If you want to see pics of my son's or my cars, just click on My Garage.
And as has already been said, the shorter the sidewall, the higher the risk of wheel damage when you hit a pothole.
I can validate this claim...a 17" Bridgestone Blizzak on on a steel wheel for the winter and a pothole resulted in one incredibly dented lip on the steel wheel. Given how badly the lip is bent I was actually surprised that there wasn't a blowout. Tire holds air to this day but the rim will be a throwaway.
04-28-2018, 07:37 AM
17" Wheels?
