Widest Front Tire - 99 E36 M3, stock Ride Height

[Dinanify]

I have a 99 m3 vert, only modified part of the suspension is Koni Yellow single adjustable Shocks (still have stock springs).

I was able to throw a 235/45/17's on there no problem (My 17" SSR Competition's are 8" wide, 40mm offset on the front).

But, the big question of the day is, can I fit a 245/40/17's on the front with that wheel with no modification?

The Tire Diameter on the 245/40/17 is just very slightly smaller, but the big change is you pickup about .85 inches in width. I"m concerned that the inside of the tires would rub against the Struts (more than anything).

Anyone try this already?

-Ben

[essejM3]

Yes, I have 245/40/17 Kumho MX's on my 17x8 RGR's with no rubbing.

[Jim@tirerack]

I agree. The 245/40R17 is the widest I have seen on the car in the front. If I can help let me know.

[Dinanify]

Sweet! Do you know what the offset is on your wheel? Also, do you have stock struts up front?


Originally posted by essejM3
Yes, I have 245/40/17 Kumho MX's on my 17x8 RGR's with no rubbing.

[Spencer]

It MIGHT fit without a spacer. Its going to be close.

Buy the tires and try it out. If they rub a little, buy a 5mm spacer and put it in there. End of story.

[Dinanify]

is there any downside to putting in a spacer?

[Spencer]

Not if you are just doing a small spacer like a 5 or 7mm.

It basically lowers the offset of the wheel, moving it farther away from the strut so you gain clearence.

You will need longer lug bolts if you run a spacer. My advice would be to use studs but I change my wheels around ALOT.

There are people running 265's up front with lowered suspensions, so I wouldn't worry much about 245's at stock height.