Please recommend nice soft tires for my 335i

What do your 17" rims look like? Maybe want to trade? haha

I just purchased a 335i coupe, the dealer told me he put new tires on them, which made me happy. But the brand is nanking or something. Has anyone heard of this or do they have anything to say about it?

Before I'd fool around with a wheel size change or an overall diameter change, I'd replace the tires on the stock wheels with non-RFTs in the stock size. For a 335 sport, top end tires are easily called for. I think I'd lean to the new Pirelli P-Zero. but there are other good choices. Tires in this ranger are usually good for 25K miles or so. If you do like the set, they'll wear out soon enough, and you can play with other configuraions.

I was tired of RFT noise and rough ride. Took advice from Post #19 to increase aspect ratios (Front: from 40 to 45, and Rear: from 35 to 40). Ride is much softer. I dont race so am not concerned about high performance loss. Tires fill the wells slightly more since the increased aspect ratio adds 1/2", 1" to the total tire height. No change to the width.

Nitto Motivos are relatively new but have some good initial reviews.
Purchased June 2012 from Discount Tire Direct (Front: $151ea, Rear: $216ea, Total: $734 & free shipping (took 4 business days))

Current Car & Driver has a full test of the top 9 tires, you might want to take a look.

You sure got a lot of comments. I got bleary eyed reading them.
I may be repeating some posts, but i replaced my Bridgestone RFT's with Continental DSW's. A lot softer and quieter but (to me) no big loss in handling and traction AND winter traction is 1000% better. So far, have 25ooo miles on them and still pleased. I got new DSW's and a minispare kit from Tischer and still has about $300 left in my pocket.

AND I lived in Columbia for ~30 years, Longfellow.

Originally Posted by Cal-Fla

I was tired of RFT noise and rough ride. Took advice from Post #19 to increase aspect ratios (Front: from 40 to 45, and Rear: from 35 to 40). Ride is much softer. I dont race so am not concerned about high performance loss. Tires fill the wells slightly more since the increased aspect ratio adds 1/2", 1" to the total tire height. No change to the width.

Nitto Motivos are relatively new but have some good initial reviews.
Purchased June 2012 from Discount Tire Direct (Front: $151ea, Rear: $216ea, Total: $734 & free shipping (took 4 business days))

Another 2009 thread brought to life!
I don't believe it is sound advice to forum members to increase their original tire aspect ratio as you have described (40 ---> 45 series, etc.). BMW recommends that we maintain the same size, aspect ratio per the original tires for good reasons.

In the EU, more strict requirements demand that replacement tires be about 1% of the OAD of the original tire (you're way beyond that). Pirelli (here) confirms +/- 1%. Continental recommends 1% of the rolling circumference between the two tires (strict).

I wouldn't advise ANYONE to take this route (as you've described). Bad advice.

I went from 225/17 to 235/17 and am happy withe the result

Originally Posted by Princeton

I went from 225/17 to 235/17 and am happy withe the result

So you went wider with WHAT aspec ratio? What are you so happy about?

Aspect ratio of 45 - both sizes. Car rides better over the roads here (potholes, etc.)

Originally Posted by pointandgo

Another 2009 thread brought to life!
I don't believe it is sound advice to forum members to increase their original tire aspect ratio as you have described (40 ---> 45 series, etc.). BMW recommends that we maintain the same size, aspect ratio per the original tires for good reasons.

In the EU, more strict requirements demand that replacement tires be about 1% of the OAD of the original tire (you're way beyond that). Pirelli (here) confirms +/- 1%. Continental recommends 1% of the rolling circumference between the two tires (strict).

I wouldn't advise ANYONE to take this route (as you've described). Bad advice.

Then please explain why, when going +1 on the aspect ratio, my spedo went from +3 mph to +1 mph? (OEM would say 70 on the spedo, actual was 67 mph. Now it's 70 mph spedo, 69 mph actual)

I must be closer to the 'design' size of the tires now.

Originally Posted by 08 335Ci

Then please explain why, when going +1 on the aspect ratio, my spedo went from +3 mph to +1 mph? (OEM would say 70 on the spedo, actual was 67 mph. Now it's 70 mph spedo, 69 mph actual)

I must be closer to the 'design' size of the tires now.

Not really, OEM "designed" spedo readings are off by a few mphs intentionally, so people cannot blame the manufactures for causing them to speed. On the other hand I don't see why people can't use +1 size taller tires for better comfort and protection. Although if you have a staggered setup, it will be more difficult to match the diameters front to back.

It will be a different story if the car has aggressive suspension and lowered body.

Originally Posted by dtc100

Not really, OEM "designed" spedo readings are off by a few mphs intentionally, so people cannot blame the manufactures for causing them to speed. On the other hand I don't see why people can't use +1 size taller tires for better comfort and protection. Although if you have a staggered setup, it will be more difficult to match the diameters front to back.

It will be a different story if the car has aggressive suspension and lowered body.

There is no federal statute in the U.S. that regulates speedo accuracy for cars, however there is a regulation in the E.U. (UNECE Regulation No. 39) that states that the speedo must not display a speed less than the vehicle's actual speed with the manufacturer's intended tires mounted.

Originally Posted by twowinns

I got the new tires installed yesterday and love them so far. They are noticeably quieter and I don't feel road bumps nearly as much as with the old RFTs. They grip really well on dry and wet pavement (Surprise, it rained in the Seattle area yesterday).

My car seems to handle as good, if not better, than the RFT summer tires on the street. I wouldn't think of taking them to the track for driving schools. I'm going to buy a separate set of wheels and Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs for that.

Overall, I am very pleased and wish I had switched to non-RFTs a long time ago. Here are some photos:

Nice Job--they look nice. Any probs with the wider tires??
I have the A/S Plus in the Stock widths--I wish I would have sized up(width).

Originally Posted by dtc100

Not really, OEM "designed" spedo readings are off by a few mphs intentionally, so people cannot blame the manufactures for causing them to speed. On the other hand I don't see why people can't use +1 size taller tires for better comfort and protection. Although if you have a staggered setup, it will be more difficult to match the diameters front to back.

It will be a different story if the car has aggressive suspension and lowered body.

A "+1" fitment should not be taller...it should be equivalent to the original size...as close as possible, certainly NOT 3% or more. In the EU, it must be within 1%. As previously stated, European tire manufacturers want it to be as close to the original tire as possible (1%).

Originally Posted by pointandgo

A "+1" fitment should not be taller...it should be equivalent to the original size...as close as possible, certainly NOT 3% or more. In the EU, it must be within 1%. As previously stated, European tire manufacturers want it to be as close to the original tire as possible (1%).

I don't think his "+1" refers to +1 wheel size, rather a taller tire.

what rim did you choose

I'm also considering going with taller tires to replace the OEM run-flats on my '08 335 Coupe and get a more comfortable ride. The streets in Houston are terrible. I want to go with the 225/45-18 in front & 255/40-18 in the rear setup probably on Bridgestone Potenzas RE970 all-seasons. Have you had any clearance issues with your higher profile tires scraping the wheel wells on dips? What about with rear passengers and luggage in the trunk?

Originally Posted by Cal-Fla

I was tired of RFT noise and rough ride. Took advice from Post #19 to increase aspect ratios (Front: from 40 to 45, and Rear: from 35 to 40). Ride is much softer. I dont race so am not concerned about high performance loss. Tires fill the wells slightly more since the increased aspect ratio adds 1/2", 1" to the total tire height. No change to the width.

Nitto Motivos are relatively new but have some good initial reviews.
Purchased June 2012 from Discount Tire Direct (Front: $151ea, Rear: $216ea, Total: $734 & free shipping (took 4 business days))

Originally Posted by DarkKnight2005

I'm also considering going with taller tires to replace the OEM run-flats on my '08 335 Coupe and get a more comfortable ride. The streets in Houston are terrible. I want to go with the 225/45-18 in front & 255/40-18 in the rear setup probably on Bridgestone Potenzas RE970 all-seasons. Have you had any clearance issues with your higher profile tires scraping the wheel wells on dips? What about with rear passengers and luggage in the trunk?

Slippery slope. "Taller" tire could = heavier tire, screwing up the gear ratios, mph readings, odometer reading. I'm doubting that the tire's "spring rate" will change that much.

Take a few psi out (our psi rec's are based on a fully loaded vehicle...do you ride around with full passenger and luggage load?).

My RS4 had 19" rims and VERY low profile tires. Ride was just fine. Might have had something to do with the Dynamic Ride Control system working it's magic. I wider (and thus a bit taller) tires on my 330i and the difference was marginal at best. As others have said, you'll be better off with a set of Koni FSDs and a softer, non RFT, like the Conti DW. Maybe drop the pressure a few pounds as well. Adding a half inch to the profile of your tire really isn't going to accomplish much and may look a bit "bulky" on the car.

Quick note. This thread is almost 4 years old & some of the tires recommended have been superseded. Might be a good plan to check Tire Rack to see what is current.

http://www.tirerack.com/account/Surv...urveyID=697918

I run Continental DWS in lieu of RFT, the cost and low tire life was my deciding factor. I drive a lot of miles so also have a road hazzard, which has already paid for itself because of nail punctures. The tires are so quiet and smooth. You can't compare the ride quality to RFT as there is no similarty. I don't drive balls to the wall anyway. Comfort is what I am about. Pluse, I think the tread pattern looks kinda cool.

I have had last two sets that have been General for the price they are great tires.

Originally Posted by panerai7

I second that, had those on my e46 coupe before, great tires.
I have the General Exclaim UHP right now and it's one of the lightest tires out there and can even take a little snow, and of course the fact that they're cheap doesn't hurt.

We don't need no stinkin all season tires in the Sunny South. Next day