Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Lancs
Posts: 283
20" Wheels, yes or no ?
Just speccing up a new D4 HSE, I'm not a fan of the solid spoke HSE wheels, actually prefer the ones fitted to the XS on 2012 models.
They had a demonstrator with 20" wheels on and I must admit it did look better on a silver car.
For £810 I can have the 20" upgrade, yes or no ? Harder ride, different handling etc ?
Car will be used mainly for on road with occasional recreational off road
9th Jan 2012 1:46 pm
WorkingCocker
Member Since: 26 Oct 2011
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 91
YES
Just upgraded mine, looks great.
Only did it yesterday so can not really give you a comparison.
9th Jan 2012 1:57 pm
row_perfect
Member Since: 01 Jan 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 291
One thing to bear in mind is the comparative cost and choice of tyres.D4 HSE, Active Rear Diff, surround cameras, adaptive xenons, heated steering wheel, TPMS, remote park heating, centre console cooler box
Club MT/R
Club RLD spare wheel protector
Club Sump plate & tree slider
Club Blackvue HD
9th Jan 2012 2:11 pm
AJS4X4
Member Since: 30 Mar 2008
Location: Surrey
Posts: 3224
As above.
Depends on your requirements, if "no" off road go for 20", if you need to go off road and require an AT tyre you will struggle to find something other than LTZ or AT to suit.
19" will give a better ride IMHO, and after all 20's are for drug dealers.
9th Jan 2012 2:34 pm
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10350
can I do you a line Andy??
I've 20's on my D3, and yes the ride is a tad harser, but the D4 has 255/50x20's as its 20" tyre size, so you should be OK. I find the grip beeter on the 20's
AlVolvo XC90 B5 Plus Dark
Gone - MY18 D5 HSE - Corris on 22's with Black Pack
Now gone - MY16 D4 SE Tech, Loire Blue, Almond Leather, Privacy, plus some other goodies.
Old - MY12 D4 SDV6 XS Auto - Ipanema Sand with Almond Leather - Plus other niceties, and D4.com sticker
Older - D3 TDV6 XS Auto - Lugano Teal with Almond Leather, 20" Stormers, Shiny Tailpipes, DVD/TV - and obligatory D3 sticker
Ancient - D3 TDV6 S - Tonga with Ebony, 20" Stormers, satnav & DVD
9th Jan 2012 2:44 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23815
It's a personal choice, but a big NO from me. Imo, 19" rims are the max. size I'd have on any 4X4, as the off-road capability is compromised. On a D4 that is one of the worlds most capable off-road production vehicles, that's a shame.
On-road, 20"+ rims are far more prone to "kerbing" and having spent years cosseting expensive mag. alloy rims, I just love not having to care about parking my D3.
If the demo. model is a good deal, I'd buy it and fit 19" rims.
But it really is very much a case of "each to their own".
Last edited by LT on 9th Jan 2012 2:49 pm. Edited 1 time in total
9th Jan 2012 2:45 pm
Grunders
Member Since: 30 Apr 2011
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2329
I was fortunate to be able to directly compare 2 D4's last year, one with 20's and one with 19's, both for a couple of weeks respectively, although the 20"s look good the ride was harsher and noisier, the best allrounder was the 19", looked good, comfortable and quieter... This would be my choice... Use the money for something else
You need to consider the replacement costs as well...what are price differences?If it ain't broke... Take it apart anyway, how else you gonna find out how it works
9th Jan 2012 2:48 pm
Peely
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Lancs
Posts: 283
Thanks for the replies, just to confirm, car will be a new HSE with either standard 19" wheels (which I'm not a fan) or + £810 for the new 20" wheel and tyre option, which seems a small cost for the upgrade ?
Cost for new tyres doesn't really bother me as that will be at least 18mths-2yrs down the line, I know what you mean about massive drug dealer rims (dealer offered me a white XS with the bling 20" rims in the showroom ........no thanks !) but I personally don't mind the upgraded ones, just a little concerned about off road ability and ride/comfort changes ?
9th Jan 2012 5:27 pm
dsd1036
Member Since: 27 Feb 2010
Location: Surrey
Posts: 2692
I've just gone onto 20's and TBH there is little difference to 19,in road noise or comfort levels
The only main thing to consider as others have said is lack of tyre choice in 20", i've just had LTZ's supplied and fitted by AJS,few hundred miles on em now and I'm still very happy with them
My days of drug dealing are over but i can still have the look....innit
Darrell
9th Jan 2012 5:43 pm
Peely
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Lancs
Posts: 283
dsd1036 wrote:
I've just gone onto 20's and TBH there is little difference to 19,in road noise or comfort levels
Now there you go, they look well ...........nice mota !
9th Jan 2012 5:48 pm
bigcarpchaser
Member Since: 13 Oct 2007
Location: Camberley
Posts: 2270
With the right tyre you'll go most places within reason, although I know that the sidewalls on a 20" tyre are susceptible to pinching under certain conditions.
I run LTZ's and have split two. If looks are not priority then go for smaller rims and bigger tyres, if not then be aware of the limitations and factor in the odd tyre.
Having said that, plenty of people running 17's have punctures, it's a hazard you just have to accept, along with the odd scratch or two Welcome "Lola"
9th Jan 2012 8:01 pm
Leesbay
Member Since: 19 Dec 2011
Location: rainford
Posts: 1581
Just sold my 20s on fleabay, looked great but harsh ride and didn't like the kerbing aspect whenever you mount a kerb.
Gone back to a new set of 18s with 255 60 18 tyres, which feel lovely and soft in comparison. Ride quality more important to me than bling factor. Better choice of tyres and much cheaper too.
IMHO I would go for the 19s on the d4 unless you add chrome to everything and limo tint the glass!!....................................................................................................
If my wife ever sells my stuff for what she thinks I paid for them, you lot are gonna get some bargains!
9th Jan 2012 8:18 pm
Peely
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Lancs
Posts: 283
Think I've come to a decision, get the 20" for the extra £810, and buy some s/h 19's and put some winter tyres on em at a later date, Best of both worlds, I doubt I could have upgraded the alloys to 20" for the initial cost at a later date if I'd gone with 19's
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but i can still have the look....innit 
