Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: Max tire size

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    258
    My Cars
    98 Z3, 97 328i vert

    Max tire size

    What are your max tire sizes you have on your E36?
    My car does not have flared fenders.
    Here is the rim:
    IMG_4120.jpg
    8" That had 235 40 17 on the rear and 215 45 17 front. P.O. tires, not mine but were so bad I should have towed it home. I checked the rears and they had about a thin fingers worth of clearance. The car is lowered and has a stiff set up.
    I am wondering if anyone had say 245's in the rear? 225's up front? I ask because searching for 215 and 235 gives almost no results.

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Central IL
    Posts
    9,873
    My Cars
    E36
    Max w/o rolling...typically and depending on suspension for that offset/size:
    235/45 17 or 245/40 17

    I've ran 255/40 17 with a slight roll on 17x8 et35.

    More info here:
    https://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...eels+tires+fit
    BMW CCA Illini Chapter Vice President
    1995 M3
    - My Favorite DIY's and FAQ's



  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    1,734
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 328i
    You can comfortably fit a 245/40/17 tire on that 8 inch wide rim. You could fit a tad larger but it wouldn't be ideal. As far as fitting the tires onto the car, a 225/45/17 will fit up front and a 245/40/17 will fit in the rear. These are stock M3 sizes and will fit with no modifications. If you want to run larger than that, you will need to start modding with spacers, camber, fender rolling, etc.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    California
    Posts
    1,223
    My Cars
    E36 325is
    Quote Originally Posted by Moron95M3 View Post
    Max w/o rolling...typically and depending on suspension for that offset/size:
    235/45 17 or 245/40 17

    I've ran 255/40 17 with a slight roll on 17x8 et35.

    More info here:
    https://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...eels+tires+fit
    Interesting, I had 245's on my stock five spokes. I upgraded to 17x8.5 C2's but got a 225 cause they were on sale. I was thinking of going 255 or 265... 265 may be pushing it on 8.5's. I am going to push 15mm front and 20mm rear so rolling/cutting? is gonna have to happen...
    OP, for reference I am running 225/45r17's on 17x8.5 rims with no roll and no rub. (Well it rubs on one side cause that sides got a blown strut, but otherwise good)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Klamath Falls, Oregon
    Posts
    9
    My Cars
    1995 BMW M3 Coupe
    245's should just barely fit, any larger and you will most likely need rolled fenders. I've heard 255 is possible after a roll. Stock M3's have either 235 all around or 225 front and 245 rear.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    On a lowered car, you need a thorough roll to run 255/40/17 rears. Some 255s are narrower than others, which probably explains the difference in people’s experiences. 245 is no risk of rub.

    I run 275/40/17 rears with a massive roll and pull and a little inner hammering plus near stock ride height. I plan to cut the fenders and add flares this year so I can lower the car back down.

    I’d keep it simple unless you want a project. Buy good 245/40/17 tires. If you must have more, try square 255/40/17 on 8.5 to 9.5 wide wheels , with a spacer up front and rolling. Going further is challenging, but sometimes you read about people fitting 265/35/18 in the rear. Camber helps, since it tilts the wheels in at the top.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    U S A
    Posts
    1,079
    My Cars
    yay
    Square 245's on 8.5 DSII's
    CARS
    02.92 325is / 06.72 2002 / 02.91 XJ / 08.04 R53 JCW



  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    Heavy, but cheap and easy and typically good fitment..

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    258
    My Cars
    98 Z3, 97 328i vert
    Quote Originally Posted by XnWarden View Post
    You can comfortably fit a 245/40/17 tire on that 8 inch wide rim. You could fit a tad larger but it wouldn't be ideal. As far as fitting the tires onto the car, a 225/45/17 will fit up front and a 245/40/17 will fit in the rear. These are stock M3 sizes and will fit with no modifications. If you want to run larger than that, you will need to start modding with spacers, camber, fender rolling, etc.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
    Thanks for the input and that of everyone else. This thread was an interesting read. https://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...eels+tires+fit

    I think these will be what I buy.
    Screen Shot 2019-03-14 at 10.21.28 PM.png

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    Expensive tires, but very good ones.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    154
    My Cars
    '95 325i vert
    I have 255 Falken Azenis RT615K on my rear Alpinas 17x9 et46

    Having the higher offset is what makes the difference for fitting larger tires
    '95 325i Convertible MT Montreal Blue on Tan Mods: Vibrant Catback, 3.91 LSD, MarkD Tune, Dinan Carbon CAI, Dinan Brace, HSD Coils, ZF Swap, S52 Clutch & Flywheel, Dension GBLx, MFL, Driver
    Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtlblaue36/

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Central IL
    Posts
    9,873
    My Cars
    E36
    Run 245/40 square, allows you to swap front to back

    dang...just realized $120/ea more for 20mm. Heck I'd maybe just do 225/45 square. (or check $ for 235/40).


    My favorite size on a 8" wheel is 235/40 - nice and tight and grippy, and not a huge sidewall (like the 225/45).
    BMW CCA Illini Chapter Vice President
    1995 M3
    - My Favorite DIY's and FAQ's



  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    1,734
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 328i
    Quote Originally Posted by catimann View Post
    Thanks for the input and that of everyone else. This thread was an interesting read. https://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...eels+tires+fit

    I think these will be what I buy.
    Screen Shot 2019-03-14 at 10.21.28 PM.png
    I run them on mine. Tire rack has them for cheaper. I got the 245/40/17 size for about $250 each

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    So~Cal
    Posts
    1,228
    My Cars
    2003 E46 M3 / E30 Vert
    I ran 235/40/17 Federals on my square 17x8.5 set up. They say federals run wide so theyd be equivalent to 245s? Et 26 front & et 41 rear, Had no rubbing issues and have stock body (no pull no roll) but i have fully adjustable suspension that obviously plays a certain role. Car driven very aggressive with this set up without issue..

Similar Threads

  1. New BMW AutoX'r, need help with max tire sizes
    By BamaZHP in forum Track, Auto-X & Drag Racing sponsored by Bimmerparts.com
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-16-2006, 11:18 AM
  2. Max tire size on 18x8.5 ET38 on the rear E36
    By CrazyINP in forum Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 11-27-2005, 12:13 PM
  3. Max tire size on 9" wide rim?
    By 95M3032679 in forum Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 07-19-2005, 05:25 PM
  4. what is the MAX tire size i can run with 18x8's w/out rub?
    By outkastaliens in forum Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-18-2004, 12:07 AM
  5. Contour wheel; max tire size?
    By Edster in forum Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-18-2002, 10:39 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •