Recommended Tire Size

[Courtney]

I just bought a 99 323i that's been lower with Eibach ProKit. I also got a set of 17x8.5" (front) and 17x9.5" (rear) Breytons with the car. The wheels have 235/40-17 on the fronts, and 245/40-17s in the rear.

I'm going to replace all four tires, and put the wheels on the car. The front tires look okay size wise, but the rears look a little small (not wide enough).

What's the recommended tire size for both wheel sizes, and will they fit my lowered car without rubbing?

Thanks...

[Courtney]

The 17x9.5 rear with a 245 on it.

[jllphan]

A 9.5" wheel gives you plenty of room to slap some wide shoes on. You could go up to a 275, but that's probably a bit overkill. A good set up would be 235/45ZR17's up front and 255/40ZR17's outback, this would yield a difference of less than 10 revolutions per mile (front to back), and is very good for a staggered set up.

[woobiee]

with 9.5 you can def put a wide tire but for a 3 series non M and especially when its lowered, im pretty confident you will be able to put 255 wide tires max in the rear. unless you wanna go roll your fenders

[Courtney]

Thanks for the info, guys.

I'm thinking about a 255/35 in the back, and whatever matches that best up front. I would like for the tires to have a little less of a profile as well. Also, going with a 35 over a 40 in the back will help prevent rubbing, correct?

I'd like to avoid rolling my fenders.

[Str8crusin]

Will 225/40/18, 235/40/18, or a 245/40/18 fit like stock (without pulling the fenders) on a 2000 323ci???

Thanks

[woobiee]

gaurantee 235/40 or 225/40 will fit without rubbing issue on 18

[Str8crusin]

Originally posted by woobiee@Apr 3 2005, 09:39 AM
gaurantee 235/40 or 225/40 will fit without rubbing issue on 18

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How is the ride? Is it really that much noticable from 16's or 17's???
I just want to make sure if I put some 18's on that my 323ci will drive just as nice.

[woobiee]

ive been on coilovers for a while now and i dont think i remember how it was without the that setup.

i think the ride was abit stiffer. and depending on tire, my tires were 'louder' than my stocks. even using the same brand/type tires, 16 vs 18, the 18 will exert more road noise.