What tires to buy

For a 2001 740i Sport with 18in M Wheels I need to replace the tires. I was wondering about the tire sizes. I see a lot of posts to go from the stock F-235/50 and R-255/45 to larger sizes like F-255/45 and R-275/45.

Any thoughts or opinions ? Will it do anything to handling, gas mileage, wear, etc. ??

Thanks

Are they staggered rims? If so, seems most popular choice is:

Front 255/45/18
Back 275/40/18

Hope that helps...Chris

going to those sizes ? I suppose speedometer would have to be impacted somehow. But for handling, and wear, etc there would be no change ? Anybody have pics ? Thanks Chris

forgot to answer that part

Handling and driveability are excellent. Spedo is overestimated (reads high) by 5-6 mph. Looks great on car without looking like " ______". You fill in the blank! As far as wear, ya, they wear a touch quicker because you cant rotate staggered rims. But hey, well worth the cool look and you need to switch out in winter anyway so you make up some difference there....Chris

I've been trying to research. Seems to be between the Michelin Pilot Sports, Kuhmo Ecsta ASX, Yokohama AVID ENV. I didn't list the Goodyear Eagle or the Continental because folks seem to be split on their value/price/performance. Also, seems I need to make the decision that I'm running blizzaks in winter or not because that effects selection, right ?

I bought the pilots. More money but worth it in my not so humble opinoin....

If you only have one set of rims I would consider buying the 16 inch basket weave rims and put a set of Blizzaks on them. Get a car jack and switch em out every season. I live in Chicago area and was greatly surprised and pleased with how the car handled in the snow. Remember, the Blizzaks are directional so you need to pay attention when putting them on....

yea, I suppose your right. I don't know that I have read too many negative about the Pilots. Was just thinking that the other options were cheaper but couple hundred bucks verses a possible problem or bad performance may not be worth it. I wonder where I could geta good deal on them ?

What are buckets ? I hope cheap and sturdy for winter as I'm in Ohio. Do those, with a set of blizzaks, come on the boards often ?

Thanks

Call Bavarian Auto Sports. They have to be cheap or check e-bay. Put the tire thats recommended from manufacturer. I think mine are 235/50/16. Dont quote me on that. Regarding the sport tires I dont think you'll have a problem with other tires I just think the Pilots are better. BTW they are called basket weave not bucket weave. They came stock on certain models. Need to ask yourself how long you plan on keeping the car before deciding how much to spend....

P.S. You now know everything I know about tires

My 740 came with Bridgestone Potenza RE760 they are quiet and ride well. I can't comment on their wear as I have not put many miles on the car. I run Hankook Ventus V12 evo's on my M3. Overall the best I have found for a daily driver. They ride well and have great grip, I will probably give them a try when it comes time for replacement. The evo's have also done pretty well on recent tire tests here and in England. YMMV

Highbuck

Highbuck, thanks. Quick question. Both of your suggestions were summer performance tires. I know here in ohio we do have some rain, do those summer tires handle rain and wet/slippery ok ? Just wondering as I assumed I needed to stay with all season.

Thanks

Both have worked well in the torrential rains we get during the winter in the SF Bay area. I have no idea how they would work in the snow, try to avoid at all costs, but no problems in the rain.
Highbuck

Did you check 1010tire.com? The achilles are super cheap! Just bought a pair, we'll see what kind of life. Nice and sticky thought. There's also a tire calculator on the site.

Bought a set this year on 16" rims, great tires, great cold weather grip. I have toyo tires about 7 years old on 18" beyern mesh rims. Might be time to retire them this year. My 97 still only has 52k miles on it. It is always much better to run winter and summer tires than all seasons.

Yea, I think I'm headed in that direction. Gotta move fast now because they sold me the car with tread below the tread wear indicators so even dry turns are an adventure.......

I have tried the Kumho platinum tire. I got 22K froma 60k tire....Handled pretty good but i went back to Michelin hxmxm4. Much better tire. Quiet, handles well and ride is superior. I wont go back to anything else now..totally satisfied. I have staggered m parallel wheels and original sizes in the 18" option.

I am having stock size staggered Michelin Sport Pilots AS installed today. Thanks all for your input. Will post again after some drive time.

Originally Posted by cgstelle

Are they staggered rims? If so, seems most popular choice is:

Front 255/45/18
Back 275/40/18

Hope that helps...Chris

Don't want to sound dumb, but previous owner had a 255/45 mounted on the wrong rim (front) and it seemed pretty wide for the rim. Do those sizes of tire fall into the recomended rim width? 8x18 and 9.5x18