Hey guys-

I'm beginning the Panamera Turbo order process. I live in an area with bad roads and, with my 50mi round trip to work, I'm worried about getting flat tires/cracked wheels often.

Am I doomed to ordering my car with the wimpy 19's or can the 20" wheels survive potholes?

 

I'm on my 3rd Panamera - all came with 20" Turbo II wheels - so far 75k miles later no wheel damage at all - I am in Michigan and our roads are horrible. Just pay attention and get great looking 20" rims - you will hate the 19" rims

 

Don't know if you're around the city or not, but I think it's near just as bad in the entire northeast. Hate to say it man but neither the 19's or 20's are going to protect you from the current conditions. My wimpier CLA on 18" AMG wheels has already fallen victim. We in NY just don't have "potholes"... some of the things on these roads are like MANHOLES it's that bad. So like erekcat said, I agree size isn't going to make a difference in that regard so I vote for the 20's. GL with the purchase, great car!!!!!

 

Thanks guys for the advice. For reference, I live in Manhattan and commute to Montvale, NJ. I'm crazy, I know.

I don't want to beat up too much on my baby but I know the 20" wheels are the only thing that will do this car justice. I moved here from the South and I’m completely awestruck by the craters I had to avoid this past winter. Anyways, I'm incredibly excited for this car. I’m going all out!

 

As you should be! Good stuff, keep us posted!!

 

I agree, i have 20" on my PTT and similar rims on other cars for years in New England. One bent rim in total years ago on a Bimmer - just make sure your tire pressure is right

 

While I tend to stay away from most of the dealer add ons, I did purchase the tire/rim insurance for all three of my current Porsches. You will recoup the cost if you need one new rim and tire on the PTT during the 5 years of coverage.

 

What he said. This winter here has been HORRIBLE and devastating to a lot people. 2 of my employees had multiple tire/wheel damage incidents.

 

I heard that Michigan has the worst pathole problem in the country. And state is not fixing it.
If you travel to NJ - you maybe OK since NJ roads are not so bad. Yes, you will have to be careful in the City. Purchase a roadhazard warranty - its WELL worth it. I had a Sclass and never got the warranty - what a mistake. My 20s on the Sclass were pretty OK. 22s are out of the question in NYC. Worst comes to worst, you will have to find a pothole-less route to the tunnel and use it all the time. LOL
I think you will be OK with the 20s. If not, get the cheapest and smallest wheels, and purchase some nice 19" aftermarket wheels. It will be much more secure way to go about it.