what tire size for 98 M3?

[M3vanos]

i know the rear is supposed to be a 245/45/17 but what is the front ?

also i found these online-Goodyear Eagle RS-A 225/55/17 with 7/32 tread, $100 for four.

would they work on my car ? i need suggestions and is that a good deal for those tires ?

[pettybird]

They'd be too tall. The stock tires are 225/45 front and 245/40 rear. The 225/55's are almost 2 inches taller.


$100 for 4 tires is cheap, but make sure you check the date codes of any tires you're looking at. There's a recessed area in the sidewall with about 6 numbers and letters--the last two are the year code. Try to buy tires newer than 5 years old.

[Jim@tirerack]

The sizes that will work on the car are 225/45R17, 235/40R17 and 245/40R17, 255/40R17.
You can run any of these sizes on the car without any issues. Be very careful with used tires as well. You may be buying someone elses problem.

[M3vanos]

The sizes that will work on the car are 225/45R17, 235/40R17 and 245/40R17, 255/40R17.
You can run any of these sizes on the car without any issues. Be very careful with used tires as well. You may be buying someone elses problem.

Jim the only issue im having is im a Marine Mechanic and due to the winter setting in the boating world has taken a hit. my paychecks have taken a huge hit so used is the only thing i can afford as of now. i found some tires here and there but they say 7/32 or 5/32 can you help me understand those numbers ?

[Jim@tirerack]

The 7/32" would be good but the 5/32" if you have any snow to deal with would be bad. They are completely worn out at 2/32".

[M3vanos]

The 7/32" would be good but the 5/32" if you have any snow to deal with would be bad. They are completely worn out at 2/32".

what is the best ?/32 what does that scale mean as well

[Jim@tirerack]

Most new tires are 10/32".

[slocar]

what is the best ?/32 what does that scale mean as well

It's the depth of the tread.

And I agree with Jim ... only buy if you absolutely have to. You have no way of checking if the tires are flatspotted or anything else until you get them mounted, at which point you're already half way to new tires anyway ...

ps. Check to see how old the tires are before you buy. I'm sure Jim can link you to the page on TireRack that explains that ... you don't want tires over 6 years old.

[pbonsalb]

You also want them to fit. Your 98 wheels are 17 x 8.5 rear and 7.5 front. 225s on an 8.5 wheel is stretched. Go too tall, meaning up in aspect ratio and you could rub. You can use online tire diameter calculators. About 3 percent larger is ok. No real snow worries in GA unless you are in the mountains.