Tire Pressure 323is

[del23]

Just reading the manual and have question about recommended tire pressure. I have a 1998 323is with Dunlop Sport 8000 225/50/r16 tires. According to the manual it says front 29 and rear 32. I live in Los Angeles and 90% of the time have no more than me and passenger in car. Weather usually never gets colder than 40 and averages this time of year around 70 for a high. Thanks for your opinion and help....

[bitcore]

Don't go by what the manual says, Go by what the tire says. Put about 5-7 pounds less than the max psi (written on the sidewall) in it since the temperature is warm in your climate. I keep my tire pressures even all the way around but you may like having a little less in the front to make the ride a tid-bit smoother.

Always stay withen 15 PSI but no more than the max PSI on the tires to keep the treadwear consistant.

BTW, I have the exact same wheels as you.... And the exact same kind of car (except alpine white) Beautiful isn't she?

[del23]

so...max PSI on sidewalls is 44psi. So you would say fill to approx. 37-39 psi cold? yeah rims are my favorite car, I really like it so far. timeless design. thanks

[bitcore]

yep, sounds about right. I agree, favorite rims of them all.
There's a page that lists all the wheel desings with pictures I can dig up... I'll do that in about 30 minutes.

[del23]

cool thanks for your help really appreciate it....

[bitcore]

BMW Wheel Style List
As best as I can tell we have style 42. I need to re-paint mine, I've used some HARSH solvents to clean off that brake dust. Your headlights seem like they are the american standard plastic type, ever thought of replacing them with the european elipsoids? Those are glass and project much better than the stock ones that I think you may have.

[del23]

yeah thought about it...but i am going to keep it stock for a while...I really wanted to get a convertible, but this is nice also...I just need to get a cd player thats about it.

[pooskay]

hmmm i have the same model/year, except i have 225 45 R17's (michelin) on my car. the max is 51 psi...i would imagine having 44-46 psi is ridiculously high i put around 36 in the front and 38 in the rear...is that too low?

how does everyone else apply their tire pressure??

[Mattitjah]

I keep about 32psi front and 34psi rear no matter what tire I use(16" OEM rims). It gives a comfy ride and better traction than higher pressures. But the lower the profile tire the higher pressure should you use(not exceding the tire limit) to avoid damaging the rims on pot holes etc.