Hi all, first time post here. Thanks for all the great posts and insights shared in this forum, tremendous work!

I’m taking delivery on a new MY26 next week. Spec is 130 in S trim (base version, choose this as this is the only trim in Sweden where the car has non shiny plastic bits around the arches, front and back). Engine is the diesel 250. Unfortunately I was not as well informed when specing the car and choose 19 inch wheels. I’m really sad to realize the lack of tire choices and availability for 19 inches.

Thus I’ve been trying to find as much information as possible on the options to fit either the 18 inch OEM steels or other aftermarket 18 inch wheels. I’ve read several threads here and the OEM wheels seems to be a bit trickier (or at least require spacers), the ToughAnt Kimberly and Evo Corse Dakarzero seems to be an easier fit. I do however think I prefer the classic look of the OEMs and I’m probably ordering a set as soon as I’ve gathered sufficient info.

There are several threads on this topic but I’ve never seen a mention of the 130 or the D250 engine (most threads are addressing 110 P400). Does anyone have info as to the caliper sizes on the D250 and the possibility to fit 18 inch wheels?

Would appreciate any feedback or thoughts on the subject!

 

I’m sure a 90 and 110 D250 can fit 18” wheels without any caliper shavings, but I’m leaning towards the fact that a 130 has bigger brakes standard because of being a larger car, thus would require the calipers to be shaved to fit 18” wheels.
Also, I don’t see why Land Rover OE wheels would be any harder to fit than say, a Tuffant Kimberly, as 18” is 18” (or am I missing something?)

 

130's all get the bigger calipers so you will need a caliper shave or swap as outlined in the various threads. The shave is a very simple process.

OEM steelies have an offset of +41.5 making them a much tighter fit than the after market options you mentioned. +29 and +25 for Kimberley and Evo respectively.

Steelies require a trim of the front brakes too. @sarek has reported doing this mod on multiple Defenders.

I went with a caliper shave and Kimberley. Other option is the rear caliper swap for the D5 caliper. You'll get far more clearance this way.

 

Have you considered a plus size in the 19's that would fit your vehicle without any mods?

 

Before you give up on your 19" wheels, be aware that BFG are about to release their KO3 in 255/65R-19 size. Tirerack are currently taking pre-orders for them.

 

Have you thought about going to 20" wheels? There are lots of OEM sets on ebay, due to some people upgrading to 22". Might be cheaper then going to all that trouble with the calipers.

 

thanks for the comment! I think what makes the 18 OEMs a bit harder is the large offset (+41.5 iirc). This makes clearing the rear caliper only possible with significant grinding or a spacer (25mm iirc), or both. Tuffant seems to be a bit expensive to get ahold of in Europe as far as I’ve seen.

thanks for the insightful answer! I’m taking delivery next week hopefully and will try to get a measurment of the front and rear brakes and make my decision after having the full picture of what is required for my car. It seems to be fully doable at least

yes actually have and it might be a good middle option. I am considering a special order 19 inch lookalike to the 18 OEMs. Have looked at these from a Chinese site: https://forzaaa.com/products/set-of-...40777329803331

Ooh, thats great news! That is actually a really viable option then. Especially if I end up ordering a 19 inch lookalike to the 18 OEMs. I’ve found that I really would like white wheels

Yes I noticed several good postings of 20 inch wheels but I really prefer the smaller sizes.