Best size tire and wheel combo

[325iboy]

I just bought my first Bimmer, its a 2003 325i, I want to replace the stock 16" wheels with something bigger, maybe 18". Can you guys give me some advice on what will fit and work the best. I dont want any rubbing problems or anything. Thanks in advance

[scooter]

Originally Posted by 325iboy

I just bought my first Bimmer, its a 2003 325i, I want to replace the stock 16" wheels with something bigger, maybe 18". Can you guys give me some advice on what will fit and work the best. I dont want any rubbing problems or anything. Thanks in advance

if you go with 18's 245/35 18 are probably your best bet.

stock:
Overall Diameter: 24.87 in 631.69 mm
Sidewall Height: 4.43 in 112.52 mm
Radius: 12.43 in 315.72 mm
Circumference: 78.13 in 1984.5 mm
Revs per Mile: 836.3
Actual Speed: 60 mph 100 km/h

18's:
Overall Diameter: 24.75 in 628.65 mm
Sidewall Height: 3.37in 85.598 mm
Radius: 12.37 in 314.19 mm
Circumference: 77.75 in 1974.8 mm
Revs per Mile: 840.4
Actual Speed: 60.2 mph 100 km/h
Speedometer Difference: 0.490% too fast

as close as it gets and ypu should experience no rubbing aince the e46 has plenty of room under the wheel wells.

[325iboy]

OK, I decided to go with the 18" M3 wheels, the front is 8.5"wide and the rear is 9.5" wide. What size tire do you suggest I mount on them. Will I have any rubbing problem?

[325iboy]

I ordered my wheels today, went with the Manaco M3, 18x8 front and 18x8.5 rear, from BMW Parts and Wheels. They suggested 225/40/18 for front and 245/35/18 for rear. What does everyone think. Wish I could see a pic of a 325i with these tire sizes on it.

[ristaking]

all of u...if u don't wanna any rubbing problems with ur big rims...don't worry...just need a wide body to fix that problem...custom ofcourse...like mine...i use 19"(8.5+9.5) with Toyo proxess4 225/35/R19 for front and 245/35/R19 for rear...
actually wide body custom front 5cm and rear 7cm..
give ur try...