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

**N54Bimmer** · 03-13-2008, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Jim@tirerack

N54Bimmer,

What year and model car is it? Give me a shout and I can take a look at options.

Its an 02' Mercedes E430 RWD. But whats your opinion on using Performance Winter tires all-year long?

**mryakan** · 03-13-2008, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by N54Bimmer

Its an 02' Mercedes E430 RWD. But whats your opinion on using Performance Winter tires all-year long?

Not sure if you care about my opinion, but I'll throw my 2 cents in anyway. In a recent review I read/saw, they deemed modern winter tires as suitable for all season driving due to advancement in tire manufacturing. The only drawback (again according to them which is a view I share) is that you'll have to change tires more often since winter tires don't last as long esp. in hot climates (due to the compounds used). In addition, with winter tires, as with all seasons, you lose that extra performance edge of the summer performance tires.
Would like to see what Jim thinks.

**tylerboze** · 03-15-2008, 09:47 AM

Hi Jim, I posted before that I am buying some m3 style wheels for my car. They are 18x8 and 18x9. I am putting them on a '95 four door 325 bmw. What size tires should I put? Also couuld you explain to me how tire sizing works please? Thanks, Tyler.

**Jim@tirerack** · 03-15-2008, 01:06 PM

The tire size would be 225/40R18 and 245/35R18 on the rear. Anything wider and you can have some rubbing. If I can help with the tires let me know.

**redlinewins** · 03-16-2008, 10:18 AM

Jim,

I want 18x9 all around for my 97 M3 Sedan, I have a set of 245/40/18. The car is on stock suspension and ride height. What offset will work, 38, 40 or 45?

Thanks,
Robert

**gio14** · 03-17-2008, 02:29 AM

I have a z3 2.8 coupe, what offset do i need for front and back, can i fit 9" in the rear. Do i need a specific bolt pattern/spacing spec? It has 5 bolts, are all 5 bolts the same? Car has bilstein sports/HR lowering Spring combo.

Thanx

**yellowbullet** · 03-17-2008, 02:37 AM

Originally Posted by yellowbullet

Trying to confirm if this set-up will fit my car:

REAR:
8.5x18 ET30 w/ 245/35/18 Michelin PS2
-1.5 to -2.0 camber
Coilovers, dropped a little bit

Will rolling my fenders or cutting the fender lip off make the rears fit? Appreciate your help!

Originally Posted by Jim@tirerack

I would say you are going to have to do more that that to make the 30mm offset fit. With the car lowered and the wider wheel and tires on the rear I think it is going to rub.

I'm just curious why the rear set-up wouldn't work, when 10x18 ET40 BBS CHs fit with some work (also sold on your website). Wouldn't those stick out 10.95mm more?

**AdamTheGreat** · 03-17-2008, 06:00 PM

Will 18" replica rims off a 540. They are a staggered set up, front 18x8.5 and rear 18x9.5 fit on my car. stock suspension for now. 1997 328i vert. If not how much work would it take to get them to fit? Any tire size recommendations?
Thanks

**mryakan** · 03-18-2008, 03:27 PM

2007 e90 323i

Front 18x8.5 (+40) 225/40/18
Rear 18x9.5 (+22) 255/35/18

Any fitment issue that is obvious? I am getting very different and confusing feedback about how the tires are not a good fit for the wheels or how the wheel offsets are not correct for my car. Any help is appreciated.

**RobbertCole** · 03-18-2008, 09:21 PM

will a 245 40 17 fit on a 8in wheel?

hrmmm

**mryakan** · 03-19-2008, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by mryakan

2007 e90 323i

Front 18x8.5 (+40) 225/40/18
Rear 18x9.5 (+22) 255/35/18

Any fitment issue that is obvious? I am getting very different and confusing feedback about how the tires are not a good fit for the wheels or how the wheel offsets are not correct for my car. Any help is appreciated.

How about 245/40/18 all around with 18x8.5 (Front et40, Rear et22)? Will the rolling circumference be much different than my stock 225/50/16 affecting my speedo/odo readings? Any chances it will rub? I really want to install without needing to do any fender or alignment adjustments.

**88m3e30** · 03-23-2008, 05:47 PM

Jim I have 18 in M Parallel wheels on my 88 M3. They are reproductions with what think is an offset of 20. The person who sold them to me said they were purchased with tires as a package from you guys about 3 years ago. Well I have the need for a replacement wheel can you offer any help? Thanks

**mryakan** · 03-25-2008, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by mryakan

2007 e90 323i

Front 18x8.5 (+40) 225/40/18
Rear 18x9.5 (+22) 255/35/18

Any fitment issue that is obvious? I am getting very different and confusing feedback about how the tires are not a good fit for the wheels or how the wheel offsets are not correct for my car. Any help is appreciated.

Jim, any comments on this?

**JaDwa** · 03-25-2008, 01:54 PM

SIZE - 19x8.5 FRONT 19x9.5

BOLT PATTERN - 5x120

OFFSET - 15MM FRONT 15MM REAR

Would that fitment be right for a 1998 528i, or should I try to get et 20-25?

**Jim@tirerack** · 03-25-2008, 01:58 PM

The rear will probably need some help to fit and you will probably need to roll the fender lip. Just stay on the narrow side for the tires. If I can help let me know.

**JaDwa** · 03-25-2008, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by Jim@tirerack

The rear will probably need some help to fit and you will probably need to roll the fender lip. Just stay on the narrow side for the tires. If I can help let me know.

Would it be better with 18's? I'm just trying to get some wheels that I can put on without modification, I had thought et20 was the right fit for e39s but I keep seeing et15....what would you recommend for a wheel and tire size that could be put on without rolling the fender or using spacers?

**Jim@tirerack** · 03-25-2008, 05:26 PM

The problem is really with the wider rear wheels. If you stay narrow on the tires with the 20mm you should be fine. I would say stay with a 255 or 265 on the width.
If I can help let me know.

**LTCol** · 03-25-2008, 10:05 PM

Jim, just purchased a set of 18x8.5 offset 38

am i good to go with 225/40/R18 all around even if i'm dropped using eibach sportlines?

thanks!

**JDJordan** · 03-27-2008, 10:44 PM

Hey!
Car: 1996 328is
wondering what backspacing i would need on a 16x10 rear and 16x8 up front. I will be rolling the fenders and my car is lowered quite a bit. I will obviously be running some - camber. Just want to know because i dont want the rears to rub the strut housing.

Thanks!

**vinny34** · 03-27-2008, 11:19 PM

I'm wondering if OEM m-pars from an e38 will fit on my e34?

**scottieb321** · 04-01-2008, 08:24 AM

i have an 03 325xi. i want to put 18' ZHPs on it. i found this set on ebay. will they fit my car??? should i get different ZHPs??? please help

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-Bmw-3-series-M3-318-320-323-325-328-330-wheels-rims_W0QQitemZ290218577704QQihZ019QQcategoryZ43958 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

**Jim@tirerack** · 04-01-2008, 11:21 AM

I can't get into the site because I am blocked at work. If you can get me the size and offset I can tell you if they will work.

**lkwd318ti** · 04-01-2008, 02:45 PM

I recently got Hartge Classics in 18x8.5 ET 40...
I was thinking about running 225/40/18 all around
but...
when I was looking at different sizes and was messing with a tire calculator,
I saw that 215/40/18 was the closest to the stock diameter.
Would it be safe to run 215/40 all around?
or would you rather recommend 225/40?

Thanks alot!!

-Randy