225/55 Rear Tires Too Large?

[mostwired]

I have blown a tire, need to replace ASAP. I was running Michelins 225/45R17 in the rear. I found some 225/55R17 ones. Are these too large for the rear? What's the largest I can go? (I know many use 235s but what sidewall?)

Thanks for an ASAP reply.

[jllphan]

THere are a lot of variables when determining max tire size, but assuming you have stock 15 or 16" wheels, and a stock ride height, you'll be fine with 55 series tires.

[mostwired]

Joey - thanks for prompt reply. I have 17" wheels and Sachs rear shocks with stock springs - but the car looks lower than stock rear suspension setup (springs compressed???)

According to tire size calculator at: http://www.net-comber.com/tirecalc.html

My current overall height is 25", and with 225/55 R17 it will be almost 27". By the looks of it, I'm not sure if it will accommodate extra 2".

Here's a photo of my current rear setup:
http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/uploads/po...-1085234672.jpg

[mostwired]

Also - does anyone run 235/45R17 or 235/50R17 rears?

[wulley1]

it's going to make your speedo run slow.

[jllphan]

the speedo difference should be negligible, you probably brought more of this on by adding 17's, than by adding a slightly taller tire.

I am currently running 235/45ZR17's and have no problem. I think you'll be fine.

[mostwired]

Today I put 245/40R17 ContiSports in the rear. Excellent fit, no rubbing at all! All was great, until I figured one tire had a bubble and was deflating ghead

Back at the tire store - no more of this size available. So I decided to bite the bullet and went with Pirelli PZero Asymmetric, 255/40R17.
[ http://www.vipauto.com/pages/tirepages/pze...simmetrico.html ]
Now I can hear and feel every little bump on the road. Pros - much improved traction, handling and acceleration under certain conditions. Cons - heavier tires, road noise is pronounced (esp. at higher speeds), fenders RUB! Wish me luck tomorrow when I take out my trusty baseball bat and use it for once for a noble cause To roll up my fenders, that is. Then I'll post if there's any fender rubbing when going over speed bumps and such.

[BMDub325is]

I run 245/40/17 rear and 235/40/17 front. I would not go above a 45 series tire. Even though I run 40 series my overall height was still a tad larger than stock.