Can I run 215s on stock e36 rims?

[JeremyClarkson]

I found a set of 215/40/16 tires, can I fit these on stock e36 sport rims? Stock size is 225/50/16 and my car is lowered so the thinner tires will be appreciated I'm worried about the narrower width.

[RenegadeE36]

Well you could put them on. They are 2" smaller. Nothing good will come of it, your car will be lower to the ground and your wheel gap will be larger. Why not just find the right size?

[Cliche Guevara]

Well you could put them on. They are 2" smaller. Nothing good will come of it, your car will be lower to the ground and your wheel gap will be larger. Why not just find the right size?
Pretty much this. You could, but the only reason you would want to is if you desperately needed new tires and simply couldn't afford the proper size.