Wheel/Tire Size question

[sonne]

I have a E46 (2001 325Ci) and am interested in wheels that are 18 x 8.5 and have a 35mm offset. It has been recommended that I use a 235/40/18 tire all around. There are some tires available that are 225/40/18 for the front and 255/35/18 for the rears. Will that work w/o modifications on my car, or should I stick with the 235/40 recommendation???? Help please!!!

[Jim@tirerack]

I would say with the 35mm offset you may have to roll the fender lips to do the 255 on the rear. It will fit on the wheels though.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

[sonne]

I would say with the 35mm offset you may have to roll the fender lips to do the 255 on the rear. It will fit on the wheels though.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you
That's what I was afraid of, thanks for the response.

[carcrazed4life]

Roll the fender. Even if you pay a good place to do it for like $200, its still $50 a side that allows extra clearance, and doesn't impact anything structurally.

I did it on an E36 M3, with a lowered suspension and have 255/35/18s all around :buttrock

[sonne]

I would say with the 35mm offset you may have to roll the fender lips to do the 255 on the rear. It will fit on the wheels though.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you
Agin thanks, I forgot to ask, do you have a reccomendation for my car???

[Jim@tirerack]

I think you would be safer with the 225/40R18 and 245/35R18 on the rear. These should be fine.

[Spark2002]

Jim - I'm looking at the Breyton Inspirations 18X8.5 all the way around for a 2002 BMW 325i Sedan, stock no mods. What is the biggest tire I can run without rolling fenders? I'd like to keep the same size front and rear. I know the size on the site is 225/40/18, just wondering if I can go a little wider, 235, 245?

[M3_boogie]

Jim - I'm looking at the Breyton Inspirations 18X8.5 all the way around for a 2002 BMW 325i Sedan, stock no mods. What is the biggest tire I can run without rolling fenders? I'd like to keep the same size front and rear. I know the size on the site is 225/40/18, just wondering if I can go a little wider, 235, 245?
I think 225 is too small for an 8.5" rim.
I'm guessing with stock non-sport springs, you could run 245's without a problem, but maybe someone w/ an E46 will chime in.

[LeftCoastBias]

i got another question for jim too...

i have a 2000 328ci; will i need to run spacers or anything on 18" x 8.5" rims with a +40 offset?

is there anything i might have problems with?

[Jim@tirerack]

First thing is the 225/40R18 fits all the way up to a 18X9 wheel correctly. The wider wheel does lay the contact patch flatter on the pavement for better handling as well. That being said you can run a 235/35R18 if you want a little wider tire. I have also seen 235/40R18 on the car but they are a taller tire than stock and could have rubbing issues if the car was fully loaded. The 245/35R18 I would not recommend for the front of the car but would work on the rear.
If I can help let me know.