E39 Winter Tires

[davewigs]

For Gary & Others,

My 03 540i Sport Sedan needs winter tires.

The all season tires on the car are staggard: front 235/40 ZR Kumho on 18x8.5, rear 265/35 ZR 18 Kumho on 18x9.5.

I would like to put on Dunlap Winter Sport M2 255/40 HR17 tires mounted on 17x8 wheels on both the front and back. Do you see any problems with the tire selection, tire size, or wheel selection? The 17x8s wheels have a 20 offset. Does the offset sound okay? Will a 20 offset be okay for both the rear and front?

Last question. What is the hubcentric for my car wheels - I have been told it is 74.1 mm for a E39?

I value your thoughts (and answers!).

Thanks, Dave

[Gary@Tirerack]

Replied to your email :

The 255/40R17 is pretty wide for the front and may not clear, it is also not very optimal for winter capability. In addition, it is outside the recommended rim width range for this 8" wide wheels.

A much better setup would be to use 235/45R17 on those wheels all around.

Your offset and center bore figures look correct.

Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/winter/index.jsp