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[cole328]

Gents - I tried searching as I know this was previously discussed, but was not sucessful. While I know its somewhat subjective, would appreciate any insight from people on here as to the "ideal" tire pressure (stated either as cold or hot, and I'll adjust as appropriate) for the e93 with OEM 19" rims. I am 100% a DD in the car, but I do drive the car in a spirited manner most days (just no track time, which I Know is a different environment)

The book indicates 36F / 38R, and I know BMW should know what they are doing, but that intuitively seems high to me.

Thanks in advance

Scott

[dcstep]

"Ideal" for a DD is what the book says. The car will not "explode" or report you to BMW if you change it, but that's what BMW thinks is the ideal compromise between safety and comfort.

[Z K]

Every tire is different too. Some tires have stiffer sidewalls and different construction than others. BMW's recommendation is for the stock Michelin tires.

Part of the recommendation is probably to help prevent wheel damage as the stock 19" tires are pretty thin. The extra air pressure keeps the tire from deforming easily under impact.

[elh0102]

“Ideal” depends on too many variables to make rules. In general, I have found that most front engine/rear drive cars of close to neutral weight distribution, handle best with tire pressures about equal f/r, with a bit more in front often needed to help balance a car with too much understeer. I have also found that most street tires handle and wear well at around 38 at operating temperature, with cold pressures obviously lower. For street use, just watch (and measure) your tread wear. Modest adjustments to pressure is a fine tuning exercise only. No need wearing out tires prematurely with pressure settings that will offer very little noticeable difference in handling.

[cole328]

Originally Posted by elh0102

“Ideal” depends on too many variables to make rules. In general, I have found that most front engine/rear drive cars of close to neutral weight distribution, handle best with tire pressures about equal f/r, with a bit more in front often needed to help balance a car with too much understeer. I have also found that most street tires handle and wear well at around 38 at operating temperature, with cold pressures obviously lower. For street use, just watch (and measure) your tread wear. Modest adjustments to pressure is a fine tuning exercise only. No need wearing out tires prematurely with pressure settings that will offer very little noticeable difference in handling.

Thanks...good advice my prior car was an '08 911, and I found that the handling was also very sensitive to tire pressure (as are most sports cars). It's interesting that BMW recommends a "cold" pressure of 38 rear/36 front...that just intuitively seemed a tad high to me (perhaps designed to minimize rolling resistace / maximixe fuel economy, etc). I'll try your rec tonight, and 1/2 way home on commurte, once tires are at opetating temp, bleed some off to dial them all into roughly 38 hot