tyre width - United Bimmer Community

**brauner** · 10-20-2006, 07:55 AM

My 1997 323i coupe is equipped with 225 width rear tyres on 18" alloys. Can the car handle 245 width tyres on the same alloys?? At times the car swaves as if it lacks gripping especially on uneven roads. BMW garage said it is because the 18''alloys are too big for the car!

witeshark · 10-20-2006, 09:17 AM

I don't think there is a way to make 245's fit on wheels that are made for 225's. May not be enough space in the wheel well either

DEATH2000 · 10-20-2006, 09:50 AM

18"s are usually for show. 17"s are better for performance or go.

**cainchapman** · 10-20-2006, 06:34 PM

If your car "tramlines" with 225's, it will be worse with wider tyres.

Your maximum width that you can run is limited by the width of the wheel, not the height.

I would think you could fit 245 tyres to your 18" wheels as I have 17x8 wheels and am running 235/45/17. The car also had an option to run 17x9 on the rear and use 255/40/17.

And whether they will then fit on your car and not rub it a whole different matter.

Personally, I'd say that 18" wheels on your car is a complete waste of time performance wise and will ony add to the price of your tyre bill.

**brauner** · 10-21-2006, 04:16 AM

thank you all for your very useful comments. I bought my car with 18'' alloys. maybe I should try and find 17'' for better performance.

**Kiterunner** · 11-05-2006, 10:33 AM

Brauner,

I run 18" with 225 on all fours.

The reason for your car 'swaying' is due to the lower arm bushes. Check if you have the stock bushes (ones that have holes in them) and replace them with M3 type bushes (they are full hard rubber and no holes).

The swaying is due to the weight of the 18" rims. The stock lower arm bushes are good for road handling for 16" & 17" only.

A ccol looking width is 225 or 235 (max). My opinion. Further, after you change the bushes, do get the wheel alignment, balancing, camber and caster settings done for you car.

I believe the car sways, when you apply the brakes too. Good Luck.

**Dudesky** · 11-05-2006, 11:20 AM

^^^Uhh . . bushings

**Kiterunner** · 11-07-2006, 05:15 AM

Dudesky,

I dont know what you guys call it there,..but here in Brunei....(i know...i know).......no pun intended to the ladies of the forum....

**Dudesky** · 11-07-2006, 05:18 AM

Oh, then I stand corrected, I wasn't aware. But yes, here in the US it's called a bushing.

**B_w.** · 11-12-2006, 06:48 PM

my 18's weigh less than most smaller wheels

pretty sure they do not compramise performance. i have 245/35/18's all around. perfect fit.

**BaLAnCe17** · 11-13-2006, 06:55 PM

shit, make sure you get the right tires first of all. if you are running 18's, for e36 its suggested 225/40r18 on front and the suggested max width for rear is 245/35r18. yes, somepeople have put wider tires on there, but make sure the dimensions are right. later

**B_w.** · 11-13-2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaLAnCe17

shit, make sure you get the right tires first of all. if you are running 18's, for e36 its suggested 225/40r18 on front and the suggested max width for rear is 245/35r18. yes, somepeople have put wider tires on there, but make sure the dimensions are right. later

a lot depends on the wheel offset and suspension setup.