tire size vs lowering

[Haelo]

My E36 has 245/45-17s in back and these springs I got (they were free) are supposed to lower it 1.3" in back. Anyone know if I'm going to have to roll my fenders? It looks like it's going to -barely- make it, and then I'm going to have to worry about it rubbing over bumps. Anyone got an idea?

[jasonf860]

All depends on your offset.

[Haelo]

****, I have no idea. These wheels are supposedly E46 M3 wheels but I thought they had 18s.

I'll find out when I lower it but I'd like to plan ahead.. My window for doing this is going to be dependant on Michigan weather.

[wag-zhp]

Put about 800lbs (or however much it takes) of sand bags in the trunk and back seats to lower the height to what you think the new springs will lower it to, check to make sure there isn't physical interference, and then carefully drive around a bit.

[Haelo]

Haha now I just need sandbags :D

[Alimax]

i think ur tire size should be 215/45 for R17 , and you are using 245??? this size will make extra load for ur ride ?

[Haelo]

I use 215/45-17 up front and 245/45-17 in the rear for more traction to accelerate out of corners.

[jason_recliner]

Haha now I just need sandbags :D

Or just drive to the beach with a shovel and start filling.

I'm sure no-one would think anything strange of a BMW owner filling his boot with spare coastline.:)

[E36 Phantom]

My E36 has 245/45-17s in back and these springs I got (they were free) are supposed to lower it 1.3" in back. Anyone know if I'm going to have to roll my fenders? It looks like it's going to -barely- make it, and then I'm going to have to worry about it rubbing over bumps. Anyone got an idea?
At 245, its really a toss up, like Jason said, it all depends on offset. If you look on your wheels they will be marked with the offset. It will be 2 numbers, and will have either "ET" or "IS" before them.

Also, 245/45 is way too high of a profile. Should be at like 245/35 or 245/40.

Are your wheels OEM or replicas?

All depends on your offset.
+1

i think ur tire size should be 215/45 for R17 , and you are using 245??? this size will make extra load for ur ride ?
The rim diameter has nothing to do with tire width. Its the rim width. If he's running an 8" wide wheel, which is pretty common for an E36, 245 is perfectly fine on the back. In fact, 215 is too narrow. For the best balance of performance, I'd recommend a 235 width on all 4. Staggered set ups are not as good for performance.

[Haelo]

When I get my next set of tires I'm going with 225/30 and 245/30.


Anyway, I was at a show tonight and a crackhead kicked my muffler and broke the hanger so I have something different to deal with before I do the springs :P

[jasonf860]

When I get my next set of tires I'm going with 225/30 and 245/30.


Anyway, I was at a show tonight and a crackhead kicked my muffler and broke the hanger so I have something different to deal with before I do the springs :P
Damn crackheads!
:violent:

[E36 Phantom]

When I get my next set of tires I'm going with 225/30 and 245/30.


Anyway, I was at a show tonight and a crackhead kicked my muffler and broke the hanger so I have something different to deal with before I do the springs :P

Dude, that sucks to hear! I'm sorry!

BTW, 225/30 is a bit on the small side ;) Should be like 225/45 and 245/35. :)

[Haelo]

I need a little less sidewall on the front, they rub on Michigan Lefts