I ordered a set of wheels/tires for Wheelmax and received them yesterday for my z3 coupe. Front 18x8.5 35 offset and Rear 18x9.5 40 offset. Found a shop to put them on for me, since I don't have the proper equipment. $115 later I'm driving home to fully inspect my new look. The rear set up was sweet, filled the wheel well beautifully, a ton of rubber in the back, the front however was not good. The front wheel stuck out past the body of the car, by what seemed to be a good inch. It reminded me of something on Pimp my ride. After many hours of discussion with a rep at wheelmax they agreed to except the return. So I have to go back up to the shop and switch back my wheels, another $115 later I'm back home. Total debacle!! On top of all that, my wifes Passat had an impact bubble on her front tire, so we had to replace that as well, $180. What an expensive day, with not much in return.

Is anyone running 18x8.5 35 offset in the front? Most sites show that it will fit. They didn't seem to rub anything, but should they stick out? Just didn't seem right. That's not the look I was going for.

Also I noticed with the 18's my steering felt completely different. There was a lot more play then what I have now with the stock 16's. I'm not looking to take to the track or anything, just some spirited driving, and the feel that I have currently is good for me. I was just hoping to improve the looks.

Is there a fix for that?

Would 17's be better?

Or should I learn to love the 16's?