Javier H
11-04-2011, 03:12 PM
235/40/17s on 7.5 contours
So a few years ago I brought a 328i with stock sport suspension. The wheels were the usual factory double spoke 16 s with 225/50/16s
Having been a long time fan of contours, I found a set of 17 x 7.5 on all four corners. The debate was to either get 225/45s or 235/40s.
After research, I decided to play it safe and go with what was recommended on the door jam: 225/45/17s
After doing so, for sure, the car loss some power. Not a whole lot but you could tell, it dragged a bit from the initial inertia but I was still happy with the look and overall performance. The tire filled up the arches nicely and the rear, the tires were actually tucked! You could barely fit a finger in between the rear fender and the tire itself. There was no rubbing in the car even with a full load.
That was 3 years ago.
The tires needed replacing a few months ago, so I installed the 16s on the car for a few months. Honestly the 16s felt good. They still grip the road and sure the extra sidewall made the car feel comfortable over bumps etc. They are a safer overall tire in terms of confort.
After, a few calls and research on tire prices on came on the 235/40/17s.
First, I have to say, the tires are more expensive, anywhere from 2 to 3 times the price but I found a deal on some nankangs.
Impressions:
The ride felt smoother than the 16s. The 16s had no tread left but I was really surprise how smooth the ride was. I am afterall comparing new tires to tires that needed replacing.
Second thing I noticed, is that the rear arches had room. I know that stock 8.5 wheels rubber was 245/40s but I’m telling you, there was no room with the stock 225/45s because the wall was closer to the fender. Because the 40 series tires are less than the 45s, the tire doesn’t tuck inside the car anymore.
All in all, the wheels and car feel great. I was expecting the tires to bubble more with the extra patch but it looks clean. Yes, the ride is a bit firm with 40s compared to 45s but barely. I still have not hit a pot whole with the new tires but all in all I would recommend the tire selection at least to try once especially if you live in an area where the streets are paved well. The car doesn’t drag any worse than the 225s and definitely they grip the road better than the 225s. That much I feel more so than firmness issues.
I'm still toying with the idea of getting some 8.5s on all 4 corners and running 235s
:D
So a few years ago I brought a 328i with stock sport suspension. The wheels were the usual factory double spoke 16 s with 225/50/16s
Having been a long time fan of contours, I found a set of 17 x 7.5 on all four corners. The debate was to either get 225/45s or 235/40s.
After research, I decided to play it safe and go with what was recommended on the door jam: 225/45/17s
After doing so, for sure, the car loss some power. Not a whole lot but you could tell, it dragged a bit from the initial inertia but I was still happy with the look and overall performance. The tire filled up the arches nicely and the rear, the tires were actually tucked! You could barely fit a finger in between the rear fender and the tire itself. There was no rubbing in the car even with a full load.
That was 3 years ago.
The tires needed replacing a few months ago, so I installed the 16s on the car for a few months. Honestly the 16s felt good. They still grip the road and sure the extra sidewall made the car feel comfortable over bumps etc. They are a safer overall tire in terms of confort.
After, a few calls and research on tire prices on came on the 235/40/17s.
First, I have to say, the tires are more expensive, anywhere from 2 to 3 times the price but I found a deal on some nankangs.
Impressions:
The ride felt smoother than the 16s. The 16s had no tread left but I was really surprise how smooth the ride was. I am afterall comparing new tires to tires that needed replacing.
Second thing I noticed, is that the rear arches had room. I know that stock 8.5 wheels rubber was 245/40s but I’m telling you, there was no room with the stock 225/45s because the wall was closer to the fender. Because the 40 series tires are less than the 45s, the tire doesn’t tuck inside the car anymore.
All in all, the wheels and car feel great. I was expecting the tires to bubble more with the extra patch but it looks clean. Yes, the ride is a bit firm with 40s compared to 45s but barely. I still have not hit a pot whole with the new tires but all in all I would recommend the tire selection at least to try once especially if you live in an area where the streets are paved well. The car doesn’t drag any worse than the 225s and definitely they grip the road better than the 225s. That much I feel more so than firmness issues.
I'm still toying with the idea of getting some 8.5s on all 4 corners and running 235s
:D