I have a 2k2 GLE with the stock 17" rims and im thinking of getting some Enkei RSF-2 rims and I will be lowering in the future. My question is how much harsher will my ride be with 18" rims instead of 17" rims before and after lowering.

 

Prior to leasing my SE with 18 inch rims, I drove the SL with 17 inch and found it to be a softer ride. Keep in mind that the wheel diameter is the same with both sets of wheels however, Nissan claims that the SE has a firmer suspension so that really throws a screw into it.
I believe the 17 inch should be softer with more rubber and air from the rim to the road.

 

Im trying to find a comfortable spot between looks and ride. Not harsh more like the stock GLE ride but I want the rim to look nice, I just dont want the rims to look too small.

 

MY EXPERIENCE with 18s - 2000 GXE stock suspension ( I know, I know 4x4)
Well, I'm from north jersey and the roads here are somewhat unpredictable.
I bought 18's two summers ago, tires 235/40/18 Kuhmo 712. LOVEd them - It looks just right, the 18s look great and I got ALOT of compliments. But the overall ride quality is HARDER (even with 32-35 PSI) and less forgiving. In addition, steering is sensitive road level... meaning, if the road is uneven, you could see your steering wheel move to the road. --- bearable but different to stock ride.

Knock on wood, I have not bent any, like others I have seen on the org. But in any case, more for show than go. And if you hit a pothole, well, its a little teeth wrenching, at first I was SCARED but now i can kinda guage a potential problem pothole on the road. But on the highway, it is fine. just be weary that ride is MORE firm because of less tire to cushion you.

Another thing with 18s, much more sensitive to balancing, my experience is that i had to get my 18 balanced every so often that the 17 I am running now (17s of GLE 2003 - Tire 215/55/17).

DO I LOVE my 18's? YES, YES, YES, without a doubt. Looks and overall ride were a big factor. Would I recommend to a friend, YES, it all depends what you are looking to get. If its LOOKS and LOOKS and well LOOKS, 18s and up are a nice way to do so, esp on 5th gen maximas

Now the ride with 17s, I totally appreciate the stock 215/55/17 tire and rim set up now, much smoother and well, its stock. I still like the style of the 2003 GLE rims. So they (17s) are staying on. 18s will be for sale -looking for a new owner .

Looking for a new owner - ACE LOLA RIMS (7 spoke -style like g35 coupe) - prefer local buyer - I dont have actualy pics yet.

Anyways, if you are going from 17 off of an SE, then you are running tires of 225/50/17 a firmer ride. so you might like the ride of 18's.

In anycase, I have stock suspension and have come back to NISSAN stockish setup. I like it, cuz all this summer driving is well, long, and I need to have a softer drive.

Good Luck, I hope this helps. Try the 18s, thats what I did, - at least now I know how the ride is. No regrets on my purchase.

-Anthony

 

this helps a lot thanks man

 

Agreed and same here with one exception, I moved to 225/50's on the stock GLE rims. Reasonable balance of looks, performance, fitment, etc. for my needs.