17x8's on E36. Best tyre size?

[andyrs]

I have just picked up and E36 318is with 17x8 wheels. I'm trying to work out what the best tyre size would be. I plan to run quite low on coils so I 100% need smaller rubber.

I know 195/40's will be a bit to small so it's between 205/40 and 215/40. I'm used to running a lot of stretch with my past car but maybe this time I should go for a better fitting size. It's a BMW after all so it needs to be drivable.

So. What do we think would be the best option? Also do you guys have any pics of E36's with the above setup to give me ideas. Offset info would be great to.

Cheers people. Andy.

[Blackateer]

To be honest your best bet is go take a look at the aggressive wheel thread, most people state which wheels and tires they are running so it makes it easy to figure out exactly what you like. Personally it would be best to lower the car and then see where your at.

[Chris182]

There is alot of factors to determine what tire sized you need in this case. What offset are the wheels? How low are you actually going to go? How rolled are your fenders or how much are you going to roll them?

I currently run a 215/40 on a 17x8 +20. My fenders are rolled completely flat with a slight natural flare from the rolling. My frame rails sit an inch from the ground. I experience way to much rubbing in my situation.

Answer those 3 questions and we may be able to help you a bit more.

[andyrs]

Thanks guys. I'll have a look at that thread when I get some time after work.

The wheels are OZ Breyton splits. I plan to be low. Maybe not quite as low as you but low. I will be getting hold of a roller off a friend very soon so my fenders will be rolled. I think the offset is around ET35 but I havn't checked. I plan to run a lower ET anyway.

Thanks again

[Chris182]

So assuming your running 17x8 +35 and your going to be at my height or higher you can get away with a 215/40. I wouldn't go wider. If your going to go any lower on the offsets or height of the car I would definitely go 205/40. Hope this helps. Also be prepared to run about -3 degrees of camber in order to fit the 215.

[andyrs]

Yeah thats a great help, thanks. Yeah I think they are +35. I'm not looking to poke the wheels tbh. Just be nice to have them sitting flush or as close as poss to flush.
I did run 205/40 Falkens on a 8J years back on my Golf VR6 and they sat very nice on the wheel. Just feel BM's suit a wider tyre.

Any pics of E36's running 8J with 205 or 215/40's anywhere?

[gradon]

I'm running 245/40-17 Dunlop Star Specs on 17x8" et35 BBS RKs with the rear fenders rolled(could run 255s if I had 8.5-9"s). No spacers needed to clear TRM coilovers(have 1/4"-1/3" clearance).