Tire advice needed

[Matt_330i]

I'm thinking about putting E46 M3 wheels on my E90 330i. However, the tires that they comje with are 225/45 18 on the front and 245/40 18 on the back. I'm thinking that these tires are not the right size for my car, and will affect speedometer readings, etc.

[HW]

offsets may be wrong if the e90 offset is more like the e46's

[Matt_330i]

I think the offsets are fine. I'm just worried about the wheel/tire being slightly too big.

[Gary@Tirerack]

I think the offsets are fine. I'm just worried about the wheel/tire being slightly too big.

Stock 18" E46M3 tire sizes are 225/45R18 front and 255/40R18 rear. Those tire sizes are tall for the E90 and should be 225/40R18 and 255/35R18 instead. AAlthough I've heard of guys fitting the low-offset M3 rears on E90s, be aware that the offset is pretty aggressive and may stick out or contact the fenders on hard cornering/lowered vehicle/stock vehicle with a full load.

[Matt_330i]

What tires would work best with these rims?
http://www.modbargains.com/product.asp?pf_id=bmw%2De90%2Dwheels003

The seller advised me to go with the M3 offset. Is that the best option or should I pick something else?

[Gary@Tirerack]

What tires would work best with these rims?
http://www.modbargains.com/product.asp?pf_id=bmw%2De90%2Dwheels003

The seller advised me to go with the M3 offset. Is that the best option or should I pick something else?


We've never sold this wheel, so I can't say for sure, but I personally would not suggest that low of an offset for the rear.

[Matt_330i]

So which offset would you recommend out of what's available? Is there a comparable rim that you sell that you'd recommend to me? What about the General UHP tires? Are they good?

[Gary@Tirerack]

So which offset would you recommend out of what's available? Is there a comparable rim that you sell that you'd recommend to me? What about the General UHP tires? Are they good?

I'm sorry, we don't sell replicas like this, but you can view the wheels that we do sell here : Wheels http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/wheels/index.jsp

The search is vehicle specific and will only show you what will fit your car.

The General UHP is a good entry-level summer performance tire for the price.

If you have concerns about the sellers fitment, ask them directly. Perhaps they've tried it before.

[Matt_330i]

Basically, I'm just really confused. I like the M3 rims, but if the offset is too aggressive, then I have to consdier that.

My main concern is safety, I don't want to do anything that puts me or my car at risk. Ride comfort and road noise are also key factors.

My priorities are as follows:
1) Safety
2) Cosmetically Appealling
3) Road Noise and Ride Comfort
4) Tire Wear (I'd like them to last 30K if possible)
5) Handling

The funny thing is that my car is actually quieter with the M3 rims and normal tires, than it is with the 17" factory rims and run flats. I guess the run flats ride much harder.

I rarely take my car above 100mph, so I don't need a super handling tire/wheel package. I just want to be safe. I live in Houston, TX. It's very hot here in summer and it rains a lot. We don't get snow.

So, with all that said... What to buy?
19s or 18s? What rims? Which tires?

[Gary@Tirerack]

Basically, I'm just really confused. I like the M3 rims, but if the offset is too aggressive, then I have to consdier that.

My main concern is safety, I don't want to do anything that puts me or my car at risk. Ride comfort and road noise are also key factors.

My priorities are as follows:
1) Safety
2) Cosmetically Appealling
3) Road Noise and Ride Comfort
4) Tire Wear (I'd like them to last 30K if possible)
5) Handling

The funny thing is that my car is actually quieter with the M3 rims and normal tires, than it is with the 17" factory rims and run flats. I guess the run flats ride much harder.

I rarely take my car above 100mph, so I don't need a super handling tire/wheel package. I just want to be safe. I live in Houston, TX. It's very hot here in summer and it rains a lot. We don't get snow.

So, with all that said... What to buy?
19s or 18s? What rims? Which tires?


For wheels, much of this is a cosmetic decision versus price...that is up to you. Wheel diameter is not going to affect road noise, but you tire choice can do that.

Since your in TX, you don't need all seaons, but in general they'll tend to have quieter and smoother rides than summer tires with some sacrifice in dry grip. Most summer tires won't last 30K.

I suggest you take a step back for a moment, look over some of the wheel options, and perhaps view some of our tire survey results to help you narrow your choices down and avoid further confusion.

[Matt_330i]

So, just so I understand, having 19s vs. 18s won't increase road noise? I guess it's just ride comfort that changes?

[Gary@Tirerack]

Correct.

[Matt_330i]

What difference does a staggered vs. non-staggered set up make?

Do you think that an 18"x9.5" rim with a +22mm rear offset and a 255/35 R18 tire would be safe on my car, with an 18"x8.5" rim and 225/40 R18 tire on the front.

The alternative is to do an 18"x8.5" rim all the way around with a 225/40 R18 tire.

What would you recommend?

[Gary@Tirerack]

What difference does a staggered vs. non-staggered set up make?

Do you think that an 18"x9.5" rim with a +22mm rear offset and a 255/35 R18 tire would be safe on my car, with an 18"x8.5" rim and 225/40 R18 tire on the front.

The alternative is to do an 18"x8.5" rim all the way around with a 225/40 R18 tire.

What would you recommend?


Staggering is mostly a cosmetic decision, it has been argued here that it does not help handling. Unfortunately as stated earlier in this thread, I cannot recommend that low of an offset for the rear, sorry.
If you have a concern about that rear fitment, I suggest you talk with the wheel seller about your concern. 18X8.5" with 225/40R18 should fit fine if the wheel is the correct fitment.

[Matt_330i]

OK last question... What would be better in this scenario...

18x8.5 all the way around with a 40mm offset
OR
18x8.5 on the front and 18x9.5 on the rear with a 40mm offset

With both of those options fit?

In terms of tires, can you recommend a tire (225/40/18) that offers the best comfort (road noise and ride) with a long tread life?

[Gary@Tirerack]

OK last question... What would be better in this scenario...

18x8.5 all the way around with a 40mm offset
OR
18x8.5 on the front and 18x9.5 on the rear with a 40mm offset

With both of those options fit?

In terms of tires, can you recommend a tire (225/40/18) that offers the best comfort (road noise and ride) with a long tread life?

If you're using 225/40R18 all around, you'll want to use 18X8.5", not 18X9.5".

If you use 18X9.5" rear, the size will need to be 255/35R18.

For better tread life and ride comfort in a 225/40R18 I'd suggest the Avon Tech M550 A/S or Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

[Matt_330i]

Would you recommend the staggered on non-staggered setup. I'm leaning towards non-staggered as that's how the car comes from the factory. It's also the simplest option.

By the way, do you guys sell a donut that I can keep in my trunk that will work on the E90 330i? I also need a jack and a lug wrench, as none of this comes with the car now that they've gone to using runflats.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Sorry, we do not sell a temp spare for the E90. Staggering is a matter of your own cosmetic preferece. If you search the archives you'll find many discusions on this topic.

[HW]

Sorry, we do not sell a temp spare for the E90.

that's too bad. i would love to shed 25lbs from the trunk :(

[Matt_330i]

that's too bad. i would love to shed 25lbs from the trunk :(

What do you have in there? Did you just keep an original rim, or did you buy a full size generic spare?

[HW]

my e46 came w/ a full size (alloy) spare. i threw out the spare and drove around and found that the drive feel is more responsive.

What do you have in there? Did you just keep an original rim, or did you buy a full size generic spare?

[Matt_330i]

If you're using 225/40R18 all around, you'll want to use 18X8.5", not 18X9.5".

If you use 18X9.5" rear, the size will need to be 255/35R18.

For better tread life and ride comfort in a 225/40R18 I'd suggest the Avon Tech M550 A/S or Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

On an E90 330i is the correct tire size 235/40R18 or 225/40R18 on an 18"x8.5" rim in a non staggered setup? I thought it was 225/40R18, but I'm being told that you'd only use that on the front rims in a staggered setup, and in a non staggered setup you can use the 235/40R18.

[Matt_330i]

Also, I'm confused about some thing. My default (factory) rim is a 17" with a
225/45R17 tire all around in a non staggered setup. That would mean that
the tire is approx 101mm tall (225mm x 45%).

With an 18" rim and a 235/40R18 tire the tire is approx 94mm tall (235mm x
40%). That's a difference of only 7mm, which is not enough to offset the
additional 26mm (1") added rim size. Even with a 225/40R18 tire, the tire is approx 90mm tall, which is still only a difference of 11mm.

I would have thought that my odometer, speedometer, etc would be affected
by the larger overall diameter or the wheel+tire. Am I missing something
or just over complicating the calculation?

[Gary@Tirerack]

On an E90 330i is the correct tire size 235/40R18 or 225/40R18 on an 18"x8.5" rim in a non staggered setup? I thought it was 225/40R18, but I'm being told that you'd only use that on the front rims in a staggered setup, and in a non staggered setup you can use the 235/40R18.


225/40R18 is your size for front, or for the same size all around.

235/40R18 is slightly taller and wider. Use at your own risk/may or may not fit.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Also, I'm confused about some thing. My default (factory) rim is a 17" with a
225/45R17 tire all around in a non staggered setup. That would mean that
the tire is approx 101mm tall (225mm x 45%).

With an 18" rim and a 235/40R18 tire the tire is approx 94mm tall (235mm x
40%). That's a difference of only 7mm, which is not enough to offset the
additional 26mm (1") added rim size. Even with a 225/40R18 tire, the tire is approx 90mm tall, which is still only a difference of 11mm.

I would have thought that my odometer, speedometer, etc would be affected
by the larger overall diameter or the wheel+tire. Am I missing something
or just over complicating the calculation?

Yes, you're overcomplicating things IMO :) Just relax a bit and use 225/40R18. It will be the same OD as 225/45R17.

[Matt_330i]

If you're using 225/40R18 all around, you'll want to use 18X8.5", not 18X9.5".

If you use 18X9.5" rear, the size will need to be 255/35R18.

For better tread life and ride comfort in a 225/40R18 I'd suggest the Avon Tech M550 A/S or Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

Out of the following tires, which one would you recommend most?
BF Goodrich G-Force Sport
Avon Tech M550 A/S
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S
Yokohama AVID H4S
Bridgeston Potenza RE750
Any other in this pricerange that I should consider?

I want a good all round tire, with as much reduction in road noise as possible. Comfort and Handling are about equal. Tread wear is also important.

[HW]

Out of the following tires, which one would you recommend most?
BF Goodrich G-Force Sport
Avon Tech M550 A/S
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S
Yokohama AVID H4S
Bridgeston Potenza RE750
Any other in this pricerange that I should consider?

I want a good all round tire, with as much reduction in road noise as possible. Comfort and Handling are about equal. Tread wear is also important.

i was going to get the PZ Nero M&S. good choice i think.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Agreed.

The two that I had recommended were the Avon Tech M550A/S and the Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S. Hard to go wrong with either tire.

[Matt_330i]

But what's the difference between the two. I've looked on your site and I cannot choose between them. Also, what's your opinion on the Falken ST-115 tire?

[Gary@Tirerack]

But what's the difference between the two. I've looked on your site and I cannot choose between them. Also, what's your opinion on the Falken ST-115 tire?


The Avon has slightly better snow traction and a bit softer ride while the Pirelli has a bit better dry grip and steering response. These differences are so small that they would be very difficult to pick out.

I dont' carry Falken, so I am not familiar with those, sorry.

[Matt_330i]

Gary,

Are there any rims that you stock that will take the BMW center cap, or do you sell aftermarket ones that will fit?

I was looking at the ASA AR1's and the OZ Superleggera / Ultraleggera

[Gary@Tirerack]

Gary,

Are there any rims that you stock that will take the BMW center cap, or do you sell aftermarket ones that will fit?

I was looking at the ASA AR1's and the OZ Superleggera / Ultraleggera

The AR1 wheels do, but he OZ wheels do not. Very few take the BMW caps. I've heard of guys buying stick on logos and sticking them over the OZ caps.

[Matt_330i]

The AR1 wheels do, but he OZ wheels do not. Very few take the BMW caps. I've heard of guys buying stick on logos and sticking them over the OZ caps.

Great... I'm leaning towards the AR1's anyway. They look like great rims for the price. Can you recommend a tire for these rims (I'm looking for 225/35/R19).

So far the Kumho SPT and Fuzion ZRi look good, but I was wondering what would be the best fit for my car and this rim. I'd like to keep the cost reasonable.

I'm most worried about road noise and comfort, followed by wear. Handling is also important. Any ideas/suggestions?

If I go with the 18's, I'm leaning towards the Pirelli PZero Nero M+S or Kumho ASX, but unfortunately there are no all season tires in a 19".

[Gary@Tirerack]

Great... I'm leaning towards the AR1's anyway. They look like great rims for the price. Can you recommend a tire for these rims (I'm looking for 225/35/R19).

So far the Kumho SPT and Fuzion ZRi look good, but I was wondering what would be the best fit for my car and this rim. I'd like to keep the cost reasonable.

I'm most worried about road noise and comfort, followed by wear. Handling is also important. Any ideas/suggestions?

If I go with the 18's, I'm leaning towards the Pirelli PZero Nero M+S or Kumho ASX, but unfortunately there are no all season tires in a 19".


If ride is one of your primary concerns and wear is up there as well, you should really consider sticking with 18" As you've seen your 225/35R19 tire options are limited.

[Matt_330i]

I understand... But if I were to go with 19s, what tire would you recommend?

How about the Kumho SPT?

[Gary@Tirerack]

I understand... But if I were to go with 19s, what tire would you recommend?

How about the Kumho SPT?

Yes, the SPT would be a good option, as would the General UHP, or Avon M500.

[Matt_330i]

Gary,

I'm looking at the ASA AR1 rims, and I noticed that they have a 40mm offset on an 18x8 weel. Doesn't that mean that they will have that "tucked in" look compared to the factory rims?

Also, on the 19x8.5 rims they also have a 40mm offset, which reduces clearance by 12mm on the strut side. Does this cause any issues with rubbing? Are spacers required on the front or back? I was thinking about putting a 10mm or 15mm spacer on the back rims and leaving the fronts alone.

What are your thoughts?