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[MarksM]

I have been able to fit TR Motorsport 18"x10" with 295/30/18 with no issues in the rear and a 18"x10" front 285/30.
Has anyone fit something larger (width only) on the rears? 18 inch is important over other sizes because of DOT legal track tire sizes available. I think that the car needs a 305 or 315 tire.

Speculation is appreciated if you have some facts. (Oh wait, speculation is seldom based on facts).

[sayemthree]

of course wider is usually better to some point. but if your set up is prone to obverseer why not try 265 up front?

[swamp2]

What are your offsets? That information will be quite useful for folks wanting to go wide and meaty like you have.

[Radiation Joe]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

of course wider is usually better to some point. but if your set up is prone to obverseer why not try 265 up front?

I agree with this. On my e46, I like a square set-up for the street, but on the track, I'm happier with a staggered set-up (265F - 285R). If this car is more prone to oversteer like others have said, a staggered set-up is called for.

But back to the original question, I don't think there is a lot of room in the rear for much larger tires than stock, unless the offset is changed to something like et30 - et35. Then you have to worry if there is enough room to the inside. I'm actually surprised a 295 fit. Did you check to see if it clears with the suspension loaded (eg at the track)?

Unless I get a very good price for them when I sell the e46, I intend to run my BBS REs on the e90 for track days. 10.5x18 ET28 rear with 285/30-18 PSCs and 9.5x18 ET35 in the front (with 10mm spacers) and 265/35-18 PSCs.

My street set-up, if I confirm it works, will be two sets of OEM 18s. Square set-up of 9.5x18 with 265s in the summer, and square set-up of 8.5x18 with 245s for winter.

My 2 cents worth.

[SHADY1]

[MarksM]

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

I agree with this. On my e46, I like a square set-up for the street, but on the track, I'm happier with a staggered set-up (265F - 285R). If this car is more prone to oversteer like others have said, a staggered set-up is called for.

But back to the original question, I don't think there is a lot of room in the rear for much larger tires than stock, unless the offset is changed to something like et30 - et35. Then you have to worry if there is enough room to the inside. I'm actually surprised a 295 fit. Did you check to see if it clears with the suspension loaded (eg at the track)?

Unless I get a very good price for them when I sell the e46, I intend to run my BBS REs on the e90 for track days. 10.5x18 ET28 rear with 285/30-18 PSCs and 9.5x18 ET35 in the front (with 10mm spacers) and 265/35-18 PSCs.

My street set-up, if I confirm it works, will be two sets of OEM 18s. Square set-up of 9.5x18 with 265s in the summer, and square set-up of 8.5x18 with 245s for winter.

My 2 cents worth.

Thanks all,

Radiation,
10.5 would be interesting. But the 9.5 fronts are too small.

sytemthree,
not a problem of oversteer, problem is too high a tire temp(probe at 215 deg) I could drive slower, but,NO. 285'd up front do not push, but again are very hot (205 deg)
Before others ask yes the tire pressure was OK at 37psi and yes it was a hot day. Tires were Yoko Advan A048's, new not shaved.

vincmo,
I'll try to find some.

swanp2,
Offsets are 44 front 25 rear, no spacers.

[Radiation Joe]

Is this any better? These are the 17 pound each forged magnesium BBS wheels I'd like to use on the e90 for track days. The rears barely clear both inside and out on the e46. I expect there will be more room in the current M3

[Radiation Joe]

Originally Posted by MarksM

Thanks all,

swanp2,
Offsets are 44 front 25 rear, no spacers.

44 front??????
Aren't those the 18x8.5 TR Motorsports wheels?
I thought you were running 18x10 ET25 on all four corners (an awesome combination, if it fits), and just questioning what tire sizes to use?.

Personally, If I had a set of the TR Motorsports wheels in 18x10 ET25, I'd be running Hoosier R6 tires in 275/35-18 on all four corners. Temps, camber and pressures aside, I think that would yield your fastest laps. Probably only get a weekend or two out of a set, though. Fronts might be camber challenged. I wonder of GC will have camber plates out soon for this car.

If tire wear is an issue, I'd consider the Michelin PSCs, 285/30-18 again in a square set-up. They would be less sensitive to camber settings, too.

Back to your original question, if you want to go wider in the rear, you are going to need wider wheels as well. Eleven inches wide seems right if you are going to 305 mm tire. Your wheel selection gets pretty slim at that width. You might have to go to a custom made wheel like Fikse for that.

[sayemthree]

hmmmm.... I had the opposite experience at BW. high pressures (48) but tire temps in the 170 range. are your temps consistant accross the tread?
I ran 265 all the way around and was pretty happy.

[MarksM]

Radiation,
Sorry I am running front and rear 18x10 ET25 on all four corners, I was doing something else and reading specs from a sheet of paper and not using my brain.
I would also suggest running 3-5mm spacer on the front. Hoosiers might be a solution, but I will probably go to Toyo's next time. Anyone want a slightly used set of yoko's? cheap.
Also Radiation this is a HEAVY car that I think is the tire size/heat problem. Especially the way I drive.

say,
across the tread was within 15 degrees. TC has camber plates just need to throw away the expensive adj. BMW shocks.

[sayemthree]

MArk - check out the BFG R1 tire - pretty impressive tires. they get better lap times than the Hoosiers and they last longer too. very consistant tire also after many laps. they may dissipate heat better? .

[sayemthree]

also I hear a lot of peeps like the Nitto track tire.

[SHADY1]

Nate@IND car had these wheels on it 20x8.5 front with 245/30ZR20 tires and 20x11 rear wheel with 305/25ZR20 I am now the owner of these wheels and tires off this car. They had no problem with 305/25ZR20 size rear tires. The car was also lowered with H&R sport springs which I do have also and plan to put on my M3. I will put these wheels and tires on my M3 when I pick it up at the port around the first week of Aug. I will also post pics for sure

[Radiation Joe]

Originally Posted by MarksM

Radiation,

Also Radiation this is a HEAVY car that I think is the tire size/heat problem. Especially the way I drive.

say,
across the tread was within 15 degrees. TC has camber plates just need to throw away the expensive adj. BMW shocks.

Tire management in the front will be the secret to these cars. Seriously, I think you don't necessarily need larger (than 285) in front. You'll just have to manage what you have better. I work the fronts really hard on my cars due to being a late-trail braking maniac. Get tires that like the heat. I hate to harp on this, but the PSCs are worth the money. They can take the abuse.

As far as the stock shocks go ....
I've told myself that THIS CAR WILL NOT BE MODIFIED. But, if you want the best performance you'll have to go to aftermarket (Koni 28s from TC Kline or ADs from GC). Then you're on that slippery slope to spherical bearings, 600 pound springs, etc.. I'll definitely get pads, and probably track rubber; and possibly some well chosen firmer bushings, but, I've decided that a dedicated track car is the only way to go. My e90 M3 will be a two year lease while I wait for the Audi D4 A8 to come over. At that point hopefully I should have a dedicated race car for track days.

[MarksM]

Shady1,
It would sure be nice if you could measure the offset and backspace on the rear wheel.
That would help immensely.

Radiation,
I don't plan on larger than 285 front. I just hurts to think about the PCS wear/cost.
TC still does not have a good E92 M3 system yet. I have a very well set up 02 MCoupe. I, unfortunately know very well about the slippery slope first hand. In fact that is my biggest frustration, the MCoupe will eat this car for lunch, and give you change.

[MarksM]

No bigger wheels yet??