Which Rim Specifications to go with

[Aphelion]

Hi there, I am going to replace my stock 6MPS rims and have a few to choose from. Does anyone know much about whether it is better to go for a smaller width with lower offset or the other way round. Wheels I am considering to run with 225/45 Dunlop Direzzas:

Enkei Imola
Size: 18x8
Offset: +50mm
Backspacing: 6.41"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114

O.Z. Racing Alleggerita HLT
Size: 18x7
Offset: 50mm
Backspacing: 5.98"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114

Lavinhard Fin7
Size: 18x7.5
Offset: 45mm

Your opinions on these wheels would be great, the car has standard suspension right now but I may lower an inch at some stage soon.

[Onyx]

Go with lower offset - under +40 will look good. Shouldn't have any issues fitting the Dunlop tyres. Depending on how low you want to go, you may have to lip your guards.
The Lavinhard Fin7 rims will look good on a MPS 6. Better than the Enkei!

[blackbetty]

Id go Lavinhard Fin7 with 235/40/18 tyres as you get heaps more options for pricing in this size

[Nexus]

Don't go offsets below 40 as suggested in another post - it's illegal.
The sizes and offsets you have on hand are good fitments.
I like the enkei imola, myself.
Lavinhard look OK, but 18x8+50 is more flexible in terms of fitting a wide variety of tires.
18x7.5 means 235/40R18 are frequently not a warrantable fitment. It's borderline, but it's a consideration.

18x7 you can fit 215/45, 225/45
18x7.5 you can fit 215/45, 225/45, 225/40
18x8 you can fit anything from stock 215/45, 225/45, 225/40, 235/40

The Lavinhard with 225/45 or 225/40 will get a more aggressive look to your vehicle without looking like a dickhead who's asking for a defect ticket. You can fit a small number of 235/40R18 to them but strictly speaking your options arevery limited due to fitment specs. Most 235/40R18 on 18x7.5 are unwarrantable. 18x8 better for that tyre size.

[bd581]

+1 for what the king and queen of MPS wheels said.

-1,000,000 for any suggestions of +40 or lower offset suggestion.
Not going to get into the looks vs safety or fact vs opinion argument again. Totally over it.

[Onyx]

Got shot down!

I will be running 18X8.5 +38 with 225/45 on my MPS 6 soon.

Well, I guess it's up to personal preferences again.

[2000MNLESS]

I vote Oz Racing Alleggerita's in an 18x8 +35 to +38 option! The Enkei's look crap!! Not fussed on the Lavinfail.

[Aphelion]

Thanks all for your opinions some valid points. Will post pictures once the new wheels are fitted!

[bd581]

Can't wait to see your choice and what it looks like.

To answer your width vs offset question.
Simply, low offset, can look better, though its a matter of opinion. And that is the only benefit.
Low offsets, less than +40, are illegal in most, if not all states of Australia.
Correct aka original offset is safer as low offsets will cause premature failure to driveshafts and wheel bearings, there is less weight on the suspension (geometry thing).
That is a matter of fact, not opinion.

But at the end of the day, its your car, your choice

[Aphelion]

Thanks bd for the info, when you say that a lower offset will affect the geometry are you talking below 30 offsets, it seemed that everyone was saying a 45 offset was not a big change and should be fine with a 7.5 inch wide wheel and 225/45 tires. I am keen on changing the wheels but not keen on compromising safety or performance.