New wheels - but I'm undecided!

[RedRobin]

Does lowering the car a little make the ride harder and more uncomfortable?

Generally yes, as Jimp says, but not necessarily uncomfortable. There are so many factors and brands and types of springs/coilovers that you can get.

Mine is relatively low - 105 mm front splitter clearance and 75 mm rim to wheel arch, is very hard but has bespoke spring ratings/lengths/dampers:

Review : - http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1457.0 - If you sit on the wing it's rock solid but I personally find the ride comfortable.

[DanoGTI]

DanoGTI - They're 18" but I won't take offence! 

LOL - no offence intended!! Because of the blackness of the wheel, they look more compact (IMHO)

No taking away that they're a great looking wheel though 

Dan

[Gene Hunt.]

Hi ho Silver all the way.....black wheels look like they need a wash. But then I am old enough to remember when all cars came with steel wheels!! Just my opinion but you did ask. 

..........same here i'm old to  :grin:Very nice rims but in silver for me.Sorry for being cheeky but were they very expensive ?.

[Wayne]

Keep them black

[winrya]

they are a lovely wheel but I think you need to colour code it

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Silver for me im afraid

not sure what it is... maybe changing the black spoilers to red would help?? maybe??

If the alloys were silver, then I would agree that the black plastic bits would need painting red - buuuuuutttt - with those black alloys, I actually think the black plastic looks quite good - and all fits together very good.   

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Does lowering the car a little make the ride harder and more uncomfortable?

That all depends.  If you lower, but have identical spring and damper rates, then the ride and comfort will be exactly the same.  However, if you do lower more than say 20mm but keep the OEM rates, then there is a high risk that you will bottom out the car (catching the underside on the tarmac!) - which isn't good.

So most lowered suspension options will include slightly stiffer springs and dampers.

However, even different brands of tyres can have a known difference in ride quality and comfort. 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Does lowering the car a little make the ride harder and more uncomfortable?

Generally speaking, yes, but it depends on how you lower it too. Different brands of springs/shocks/coilovers will be harder/softer and more/less bouncy.

If you suspension, weather OEM or aftermarket, is 'bouncy' - then your dampers are foooked. 

Some are adjustable so you can keep them closer to stock damping for comfort and slam it for shows 

Yes, but fully adjustable, or even kits with limited adjustments tend to be quite a bit more expensive compared to fixed rate aftermarket set-ups.

[Incitatus]

Thanks for all of the opinions on this, I'm convinced to keep them black now (until I change my mind again anyway!). I had planned to get it lowered today but I had to reschedule to next monday, I think that will make all the difference to how the wheels look.

I agree with TT though on the painting of the skirts and spoilers, I think keeping them black goes well with the wheels and the other black trim on the car, although I might get the upper part of the rear bumper painted.

As I say, I'll post some pictures when it's lowered. Between now and then I've got to get my BMW E30 sorted for its MOT  It's a good job I like cars 

[Cass]

Good choice - keep them black.

Looks

Cass