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View Full Version : Inexpensive tires needed for E36 M3


arcticwolfm3
06-12-2009, 02:21 PM
My tires need replacing (all 4) but I'm going to be selling my M3 within the next 3-6 months so I don't want to spend a lot of money on them. I just want something decent so it won't affect my resale amount.

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive (but not crappy) tire for me?


Previously I was running Bridgestone Potenza RE750s. They don't make these anymore AFAIK.

My car is a 97 M3 coupe, and I'm running a non-staggered setup
235/40-17 all four corners.

Thanks

ps: I also posted this in the E36 M3 subsection. Hope this is ok w/ the mods
ttkid06
06-12-2009, 04:11 PM
tire rack recommended me sumitomo, i looked and there were none of the htr III under ur tire specs.
BCImmortal
06-13-2009, 07:29 AM
Tire Rack is where I got my tires, and got a pretty good deal. You can always try Ebay.
bishop1977
06-13-2009, 08:43 AM
vredstein you can get a full set for less than 800
easymoney
06-13-2009, 10:08 AM
vredstein you can get a full set for less than 800

That is way too expensive! Go to America's Tire if you have it there. They have selections or they can order it if they dont have it in stock.
BMW118D
06-13-2009, 12:29 PM
i have Hanncook on my car. They are really great
OO7Zummie
06-13-2009, 02:56 PM
Kumho SPTs
bishop1977
06-13-2009, 02:59 PM
700-800 for 4 tires shipped to your door is not a bad price
Dunbar
06-13-2009, 04:36 PM
700-800 for 4 tires shipped to your door is not a bad price

It is if you're selling your car in a few months. Plus, for $850 the OP could get a set of Michelin PS2's shipped from Tire Rack which are considered by many to be the best max performance summer tire.

235/40/17 is an odd size, looks like the Yokohama S-Drive is the best bet in that size ($118 each). Looks like the OE setup is 225/45/17 which opens up a lot more options like the Sumitomo HTR Z III for $92/ea. I don't think you'll find a better tire for the money.
BKarktic328i
06-13-2009, 07:24 PM
Looks like the OE setup is 225/45/17 which opens up a lot more options like the Sumitomo HTR Z III for $92/ea. I don't think you'll find a better tire for the money.

I thought the only non-staggered setup for e36M3's was '95, with 235's all around... all other years were staggered with 225's/45's.

Might not be a bad idea to return it to the stock staggered setup for sale...
Dunbar
06-13-2009, 08:16 PM
I thought the only non-staggered setup for e36M3's was '95, with 235's all around... all other years were staggered with 225's/45's.

I'm assuming the OP is running wheels of the same width (or four OEM front wheels) to reduce understeer and allow tire rotation. I've seen some ZHP guys trade two rears for two front wheels to accomplish this.
arcticwolfm3
06-13-2009, 08:57 PM
I'm assuming the OP is running wheels of the same width (or four OEM front wheels) to reduce understeer and allow tire rotation. I've seen some ZHP guys trade two rears for two front wheels to accomplish this.

Dunbar, you nailed it. Your assumption is 100% correct.
And it's worked out fantastic. Glad I did this back around 2000.

But BKarktic328i raises an interesting point.
Would it make my '97 M3 more attractive for resale do you think if I returned it to the non-staggered setup?

Not sure if the rim size matters?
I sold off my original DS2 rims a long time ago. I've been using the 95 M3 rims with the "motorsport" on each one (not sure what these are called anymore)

Thanks
vibes
06-13-2009, 08:59 PM
I just got a set of Yokohoma S.Drive (which I picked over the Kumho's)

$540 mounted, balanced - OUT THE DOOR at Big Brand.
Dunbar
06-13-2009, 11:35 PM
Would it make my '97 M3 more attractive for resale do you think if I returned it to the non-staggered setup?

Not if you have to spend money to do it, it won't get you a return on the money you'd have to spend. I wouldn't even replace the tires unless they are seriously worn out. I replaced the tires on my last car because they were right at the wear bar right before selling it. Now that I think about it it was a waste of money (nobody even looked at the tires.)
arcticwolfm3
06-14-2009, 12:59 AM
Ahh, now THAT is some great data that cuts to the core of my issue.Thanks Dunbar!

Based on your experience, I think I'll hold off on buying new rubber.
My existing tires are near the wear bars but still have another few months of life. I rarely drive my car these days.
Looking to buy a Honda Insight 2 as the replacement.

-AW