PLEASE READ BEFORE POST: The ultimate wheel/tire fitment thread.

[Jim@tirerack]

I would think with a small maybe 5mm spacer a 245/35R18 would work. I have seen the same set up in 17" work with the 245/40R17. If I can help let me know.

[ultimated]

I have a 2002 530i; a local guy is selling the snows off his 2008 E60, Michelin Pilot Alpin ZP 225/50/17 that his dealer installed. Will these fit my car?

[Jim@tirerack]

If you have the 17" wheels the 225/50R17 will fit fine.

[stefan15]

I would think with a small maybe 5mm spacer a 245/35R18 would work. I have seen the same set up in 17" work with the 245/40R17. If I can help let me know.

Honestly I'd rather run 17s anyway. Can you point me to an affordable but strong set of 17x8.5's? Must be low pressure cast at least. 245/40 is a great size for me to run square, without supercharger.

[Jim@tirerack]

The best that I have is the TR Motorsport C2 at 19 lbs. and 144.00 each or the Kosei K1 Racing at 16.8 lbs and 175.00 each. These are both proven wheels that can handle the track or the street. I have seen both wheels used in Professional and amateur racing.
If I can help let me know.

[Mike30e]

Hi Jim, more questions on a summer tire for my BMW X3...

Originally Posted by Jim@tirerack
Hello Mike,

The Dunlop would be about as good as it gets in this size. Most of the higher performance tires are not made in the 235/55R17 size. Bang for the buck I would go with the Sumitomo HTRZ III at 123.00 each. In our testing they performed well on the 3 Series.
If I can help let me know.

Jim,
1- what kind of mileage can I expect from the Dunlop Sport Maxx TT?
2- what about a choice in a performance all season tire?
3- what about 235/60/17 instead of 235/5/17? I've read it offers a better ride, fills the wheel well better and offers a more accurate speedo reading in the BMW.
I have a dedicated winter set up, so looking for a summer tire that will last and offer excellent performance. This is for a 2007 BMW X3 without the sport package. Thanx!

[Jim@tirerack]

Mileage on the performance tires is going to be around 20 to 30K depending on how you drive the car. In the all season I would look at the Conti DWS. They are good handling and have a 50K mileage warranty. If you are not a real aggresive drive they will give you plenty performance along with the longer life. I would not recommend a different size.
If I can help let me know.

[vavet]

I'm going to need new tires in the next couple months.
2002 525it, 225/55R16
I'm not an aggressive driver, but I want something that won't be the weak point in letting the car live up to its handling heritage. I want a quiet tire that will last at least 30k miles.
I live in central Virginia where we get some snow, but not a lot. I do not plan to use winter tires, so I'm looking for an all-season.
I've read the reviews on TireRack and I think I have it narrowed down to these three:
Yokohama Avid ENVigor
Continental ExtremeContact DWS
Sumitomo HTR A/S P01.
I prefer something made in the US, which limits me to the Yokohama.
I'm open to suggestions or feedback on these tires.

[Jim@tirerack]

If you get any snow at all you do not want a summer performance tire. The DWS would be a very good option. They have a 50K milage warranty and they hadnle better than the other tires you mention.
If I can hlep let me know.

[lawrence318i]

hey guys! i'm new to the forum and a recent BMW owner. i am curious as i cant find much information on this. I have a 1999 BMW 318i SE Touring and was wondering if 18x9.5 alloys with 225/40/18 tyres will fit on the rear. i will be having 18x8.5 on the front. the car will be on coilovers so trying to avoid rubbing but get it as low as i can. please help as i'll be ordering as soon as i know. thanks

[Jim@tirerack]

I will say that first off the 225/40R18 does not fit the 9.5 wheel. The tire mfg. recommend up to an 9" wide wheel. To have any chance of fitting the wheels you will need about a 42-45mm offset and with the car losered a fender lip roll and negative camber.

[lawrence318i]

cheers! i was going to get the tyre stretched. i am just finding out info about this as the guy in the shop didn't know either. so a 18x9 on the back? could i put 18x9 on the front or should i put 8.5's on? also, what is the offset for my BMW? cheers for replying so quickly.

[Jim@tirerack]

I would stay with an 8 or 8.5 on the front.

[lawrence318i]

yeah i'm sticking with 8.5's all around. cheers for your help!

[3pmg]

Hi friends and Happy New Year to you ALL!

I'm looking at purchasing a set of Style 327 wheels from a 2011 F10 528 series. They are 17 x 8 with a 30mm offset. 72.5mm center bore, 5x120 pattern.

Aside from needing a 10mm spacer, will these fit an e38 (2001 740il)?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Jon

[red325ix]

Hi there. I'd like to fit some Style 5's off an e38 onto my e36 (94 325i) It's lowered on H&R Sport Springs. The wheels in question are 16x8 et23.

What size tires should I run to (mostly) prevent rubbing?

[Jim@tirerack]

The offset is wrong and they are going to rub on your car. Be ready to do some fender modification and negative camber to make those wheel work. You can try a 225/50R16 tire if you want to use those wheels.

[jdantuono]

Jim,

I have a square set of 17 X 7.5" ET41 rims.. I'm going to have the barrels widened to 17 X 9" so I can fit some 255's all around. Fenders are rolled and negative camber dialed in. I'm thinking a 20mm-25mm spacer should do the trick, but what do you recommend? (going on an e36 M3)

[Jim@tirerack]

I really don't think you will need that much spacer on that offset. I would just try them after you get the wheels back to see.

[arbeiter99]

can i run 255-40-17 without any issues, stock is 245-40-17 thanks

[DoriDex]

this is my rear
e36 coupe, 17x10 et20, 215/40/17. all stock arms, so no idea what camber, but its not alot. needed some pretty hefty bodywork modification to get these to fit like this.
its going to be slightly higher (about 5mm) but i need to make sure it fits when it squats

[Jim@tirerack]

DoriDex,

It looks like even with the 215 that if you have any suspension travel what you have now is going to rub. I am not a big fan though of stretching the tires to fit and the lip of your wheel is really exposed.

[Jim@tirerack]

arbeiter99, I would think that you may need a little more negative camber depending on the tire you choose. If I can help let me know.

[DoriDex]

i have VERY little travel haha. But i agree, it will probably rub a little /a lot. the frist test drive in 2 weeks will see how bad/good is it

[DoriDex]

i have VERY little travel haha. But i agree, it will probably rub a little /a lot. the frist test drive in 2 weeks will see how bad/good is it