Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[Dbcgolf1]

Hi,

Looking to get snow tires and wheels for a 2011 M3 ZCP. Will the OEM wheel / tire size fit the M3 with the Competition package?

OEM wheels. Wrapped in 265/40R18 and 245/40R18.

I hear the 265/40 will NOT fit car? Is that true?

Thanks,
Dave

[STi_traitor]

This is just from what I have heard and what I am running now. 235/40, I don't have the ZCP package but I don't think that makes a difference. The reason behind the 235 is that it helps to cut through the snow with the thinner tire. Looks stretched like crazy in the rears but I figure it is recommended and the safer bet to keep my car in one piece for next summer. I have heavy snow days, not sure how your weather gets.

Check your driver side door, I believe it has the recommended sizes with PSI.

[Vic311]

I believe 265-40-18 in the rear will fit fine. The comp package wheels are 19 inch so no they wouldn't fit an 18 inch tire

[Alex07M3]

I run 255/265 LM-60s on my ZCP wheels and I'm on Eibach springs! I like to keep it a bit wide for winter cause the car is more stable on dry surface and that's about 90% of my winter driving! I could go tiner for better grip in the snow but to me it's not worth the compromise!

[Transfer]

265/40/18 is stock diameter in the rear. If your offsets are correct, you'll be fine.

[M3SQRD]

The ZCP wheels are 19" in diameter so are you asking about the 18" 219M wheels? 265/40-18 will fit fine on the 219M because that is the stock tire size.

Do not try to put a 255 on a rear ZCP 10"-wide wheel...complete FAIL:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...20&postcount=1

[slicer]

Originally Posted by STi_traitor

This is just from what I have heard and what I am running now. 235/40, I don't have the ZCP package but I don't think that makes a difference. The reason behind the 235 is that it helps to cut through the snow with the thinner tire. Looks stretched like crazy in the rears but I figure it is recommended and the safer bet to keep my car in one piece for next summer. I have heavy snow days, not sure how your weather gets.

Check your driver side door, I believe it has the recommended sizes with PSI.

BMW actually recommends 235/40/18 in the front and 255/40/18 in the rear (on their winter 18x8, 18x9 wheels). They don't recommend 235/40/18 on the 9.5" rear wheel. That tire is too narrow for a 9.5" wheel.

[STi_traitor]

Originally Posted by slicer

BMW actually recommends 235/40/18 in the front and 255/40/18 in the rear (on their winter 18x8, 18x9 wheels). They don't recommend 235/40/18 on the 9.5" rear wheel. That tire is too narrow for a 9.5" wheel.

Where do you get your information from? They are actually 18x8 square (270m) and they recommend 235/40 on their winter wheel. That being said, I have 235 on my OEM (219m) set up right now and it is doing great (stretched but fine) in Germany where we have had significant amounts of snow in the past two weeks. Not sure where you are getting your facts but I linked a few sites to help you out. If you notice, tire rack also recommends 235 square or you may choose the 235/255. Now, the 235 in the rear is better for handling when it comes to driving in the snow being that it allows the wheel to cut into the snow easier than a 255 tire which is wider.

http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterP...&autoYear=2010

http://www.bmw.com/ca/en/owners/acce...poke_270m.html

[pbonsalb]

Even 235/40 and 255/40 are a bit stretched on the stock 18 x 8.5 and x 9.5 wheels. This results in no rim protection. Next time, I will likely go to stock tire sizes for snows. If you are buying a set of wheels and want maximum snow performance (narrower tires with squishier sidewalls), buy narrower than stock wheels to go with the narrower snow tires.

[STi_traitor]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Even 235/40 and 255/40 are a bit stretched on the stock 18 x 8.5 and x 9.5 wheels. This results in no rim protection. Next time, I will likely go to stock tire sizes for snows. If you are buying a set of wheels and want maximum snow performance (narrower tires with squishier sidewalls), buy narrower than stock wheels to go with the narrower snow tires.

Agreed! I wish I had an extra set of wheels to fit my 235's on. Really not bad IMO but stretched like crazy. The 235 in the front is not bad at all, just the rears are stretched.

[WarrantyTracker]

On the stock 18" wheels I am running 235/40/R18 front and 255/40/R18 rear. Dunlop Winterport 3Ds. Fits fine. I think that's 10 down from stock summer tire width front and rear. A little narrower, supposedly an advantage in heavier snows, but I was afraid to go down to 245 on the rear. It might be fine, I just didn't feel like stretching it.

[TDC_MW_M3_SF]

Hi new M3 owner in SF. I was wondering if my ZCP Package needs winter wheels and tire for the occasional trip to Tahoe. Not planning on driving while snowing but might need to go over plowed roads. I used cable chains on my E36 but it was a stock (no sport suspension). Any advice?

Great forum. I used all the resources to decide on my first M3. Pics in profile.

[Erie Von Otto]

Spending about a $1000 on some decent snow tires will save you $3500 on front bumper repairs and rim refinishing because you slid off the road... All it takes is one time, just sayin...

[TDC_MW_M3_SF]

Good point. Now starting the accessory mod process... Need more garage space.

[Em/1]

Loved my Michelin 235/40 18" PA3's on 8" rims from tirerack; just moved em over to my 1M and still great in the snow and good on the dry.