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[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by dmppdx

Why would this not increase the effective contact area if they are wider?

Contact area has to do with inflation pressure and the weight of the car. At the same inflation pressure a wider tire will give a wider but shorter contact patch while a narrower tire will give a narrower and longer contact patch. The actual contact area is the same.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Julius@Style77

just to add; the 265 on the front wheels is beyond manufacturer recommended width range. but some members have done it on here and they seem to enjoy it.

What exactly are the manufacturer recommended width ranges for the M3?

[Julius@Style77]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

What exactly are the manufacturer recommended width ranges for the M3?

Michelin recommends a rim width of 9" ~10.5" on the 265/35 - 18 or the 265/40-18 tires.

[Richbot]

Most manufacturers will also tell you that +- 1" beyond the recommendations is just fine. It's a recommendation, and some people will find a benefit in going beyond it in performance, aesthetics, pricing, tire choice, whatever.

[WarrantyTracker]

Bringing an old thread to life. People seem to be doing 265/35 on these 8.5" rims on the front, on the street, with no prob.

What about for more aggressive use?

[flea333]

Originally Posted by Raptor251

I thought the same thing and had to get the ZCP package with my new M. Since I went with the Gunmetal 219's I've never been happier! Between the looks of the big meaty tires and the gunmetal color I'm in love

Wow, this is the first time I've heard of this. Why does ZCP have 19's in the first place if they aren't as good for handling/traction? What is better about them?

I agree, I love gunmetal. I'm getting a Le Mans Blue and was thinking black would be good, but maybe these 219's are the answer!