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I am curious about everyone's opinions regarding the best looking wheels and wheel size for the XK8/XKR? I just purchased a 2004 XKR Coupe and it has the factory 18" Hydra wheels. They're OK but I'm looking to upgrade. I know this is a very subjective thing but I'm interested in everyone's opinions. I've yet to see an XK8/XKR in person with 20" rims but wonder if they look "right" on the X100. In the pictures I'm seeing, the 20" rims seem to be just a little too big for this car?? My previous XK8 had 19" rims with a staggered arrangement that I thought those looked "right" and in proportion to the rest of the car. Compare the photos below:
My new XKR has the factory "Hydra" 18" wheels
My previous XK8 had 19" aftermarket (HRE) rims
I've seen many pictures of XK8s and XKRs with 20" Rims:
I have the 20" Detroit wheels on my car and am looking at upgrading to the 18" Hydra wheels. I want a lighter wheel and more meat on the tyre so the ride comfort will imrpove. It will probably handle better as well. My detroits need refurbishing anyway so it will probably be cheaper just to buy new wheels. I will wait for my tyres to go first because I just spent £800+ on them.
Last edited by Kuddlesworth; Jan 11, 2022 at 02:50 AM.
I'm sending you a photo of my 2005 XKR Coupe, which has 20" BBS "Montreal" Wheels! I love'em and think they are the way to go! But if you go to the Section with all the Photos...It goes back a number of years, It will show you most all the Wheels you can get for the XK...Good Luck Hunting!
Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch 2005 XKR Coupe -- Onyx and Ivory 20" BBS "Montreal" Wheels
I had 18's on mine but wanted to get new wheels and found these 20" for a great price... I LOVE the look of the 20's and am willing to forgo some ride comfort for increased style
On my 2002 xkr vert "R" package I have 20" detroits factory suspension. The 20's tend to get damaged easily and blow out tires if you have potholes in your area. I just had my 20" detroits refurbished and managed to hit a pothole (not to large) blow out a tire again and the sidewall apply pressure on my trim ring from the impact which slightly distorted it. Second time this has happened.
On my 2001 xkr Vert I had the originally 18's and its lowered. Never had a rim/tire issue. I upgraded to 19's and still never had an issue. I didnt want to go 20's. I felt 19's had the perfect look. Lowering the car makes a huge difference as well.
I just bought a Paramount Performance XKR which has 20" Detroits with 285/30 ZR20s on.
Now I live in Wales so for those not familiar with the place it's like living under a waterfall whilst taking a shower. Have been advised that whilst these are the recommended tyre it's definitely wrong for the wet and potholed Welsh roads. Whilst she's rather epically fast, has had all the internal PP mods, I would not describe the ride quality as GT. If I drive over a penny I could tell you whether it is heads or tails. road noise is very noticeable too.
I'm looking to use her as a daily driver so what rim size and tyre would people recommend for the wet and for ride comfort / low road noise. She has been lowered and powerflex bushes, would this affect my choice?
Don't personally mind if that is 17", whatever will work best really. I can always keep the very expensive 20" rims and tyres for track days or somesuch.
I just bought a Paramount Performance XKR which has 20" Detroits with 285/30 ZR20s on.
Now I live in Wales so for those not familiar with the place it's like living under a waterfall whilst taking a shower. Have been advised that whilst these are the recommended tyre it's definitely wrong for the wet and potholed Welsh roads. Whilst she's rather epically fast, has had all the internal PP mods, I would not describe the ride quality as GT. If I drive over a penny I could tell you whether it is heads or tails. road noise is very noticeable too.
I'm looking to use her as a daily driver so what rim size and tyre would people recommend for the wet and for ride comfort / low road noise. She has been lowered and powerflex bushes, would this affect my choice?
Don't personally mind if that is 17", whatever will work best really. I can always keep the very expensive 20" rims and tyres for track days or somesuch.
before changing anything make certain the adaptive shocks have not defaulted to the stiff setting. They are pretty stiff in the sport setting and that will give you no comfort. If would be nice if the suspension’s damper sport setting was accompanied by an indicator lamp.
That said, I’m still of the opinion that 18” wheels give a more comfortable ride while not giving up much, if anything, in performance. While many have a preference for the 20” wheels I think it’s mainly an individual subjective decision.
before changing anything make certain the adaptive shocks have not defaulted to the stiff setting. They are pretty stiff in the sport setting and that will give you no comfort. If would be nice if the suspension’s damper sport setting was accompanied by an indicator lamp.
That said, I’m still of the opinion that 18” wheels give a more comfortable ride while not giving up much, if anything, in performance. While many have a preference for the 20” wheels I think it’s mainly an individual subjective decision.
otherwise
I've reset the gearbox memory, position 2 with the keys then wibbling the throttle and kick down etc, though not sure if this will affect the suspension.
Do have the uprated brakes so think this limits the wheel choice? I've seen suggestions that only hydras in 18" are compatible? Also for Hankook Ventus as an all weather tyre, or continental extreme contact? Not sure what is approved.
I've reset the gearbox memory, position 2 with the keys then wibbling the throttle and kick down etc, though not sure if this will affect the suspension.
Do have the uprated brakes so think this limits the wheel choice? I've seen suggestions that only hydras in 18" are compatible? Also for Hankook Ventus as an all weather tyre, or continental extreme contact? Not sure what is approved.
Yea only the Hydra 18" wheels will fit the Brembo brake calipers.
Yeah, I love my detroit’s but they’re no good for anything other than perfect roads. I’m always on the lookout for potholes so it’s never a relaxing drive. I’ve always been aware that 18’s would be a more sensible and practical choice.
I've reset the gearbox memory, position 2 with the keys then wibbling the throttle and kick down etc, though not sure if this will affect the suspension.
Does that work in the jag 6hp? If so, could you say a bit more?
XKR Wheel Size Opinions?
