Wheels size advices for drifting (E36 325i)

[Vinns]

Hi guys
I have both 15'' and 17'' wheels, but i dont know wich could be the best for drifting
Car is an E36 325i, stockish motor so around 200hp but track prepped so pretty light & stiff, i plan to do occasional drift days.

I originally intended to use the 15'' as they sping easy but i have the impression they kill the tires very fast (new or second hand), wich means i have to bring a LOT of rims/tires to a drift day, and spend A LOT of time switching them.

So i know intend to stay with 17inches wheels (with 205-215 tires), but would it be ok with the car power / would they last longer on the track ?
I would like to hear your advices

Thanks

[protomor]

I find 17s are a common sweet spot. 15s will have too much sidewall flex.

[Mikestokman]

215/40/17's have been my jam with my stock motor m3 for the past 2 years. Car feels way slower with a 225, and 205 don't have quite enough grip.

[Novablue454]

205s? Holy crap. I run 17x8 with 245/40. I was fine on stock power with 225/45s. A lot of people like 18s but OEM 17s are so easy to come by.

[DjTyfighter]

You most likely won't be able to notice a huge difference in wear between 17" and 15" (assuming they are the same tire), just go for whatever is cheapest if you dont care about looks. For 17's, 205-215 will work just fine for your power level.

Personally, I mostly use 215-225/45/17 on the rears for my s52.

And whether you run 205 or 245... it all really depends on how much PSI you run in them.

[Vinns]

Thanks for your inputs guys !
I forget to add that i run a pretty low ratio diff (got a welded 3.45 and 3.63 lsd)

My main concern was not to shot some new tires in one session, with 7x17 wrapped with 205/60/15 that was a real problem
I guess i will sell my 15s and stay with 17s with 215 tire to start whith. Plan around 30psi up front, 40-45psi on the rear

[protomor]

Tire pressure is like lunch, you can idea of what you're going to have tomorrow, but you should always be open for something else.

[Vinns]

Sure, this is all speculations and i know it can all depends on various parameters, i will start by asking the regulars at the track e36 being a very common chassis here (im french)