18" Tire Alternatives to PS2's for Advan RS

I am planning on getting a set of Advan RS wheels (9" front & 10" rears) for my M3 later this year but am undecided as to whether to get 18's or 19's (currently on OEM ZCP wheels). Right now I am leaning towards 19's even though I'd prefer 18's because of 19" tire choices.

The lightest setup would be the 19's with stock (245 & 265) size tires. If I go to a 255/40 in the front and a 275/40 in the rear, the 18's are a little lighter. The problem with the wider tires on the 18's is that the only option is a PS2 tire (for some reason, the PSS's are not available in the 275/40 size). I checked Tirerack but could not find a suitable replacement to the PS2's and would like to stay in the PSS price range.

Can anyone suggest a good alternatives to the PS2's in the 255/40 & 275/40 size? Or is it as simple as sticking with stock tire sizes on the 18's? My concern with the stock size tires on the Advan's is that my research indicates that they would look a bit too stretched.

I would suggest skipping the Advan RS and get a wheel available in 18x9.5 and 18x10.5 sizes. The Advan TC3 is a great option. The RS looks good but the available sizes suck IMO. That will allow you to run 275/35/18 (or 265/35/18) in the front and 285/35/18 (or 295/35/18) in the rear.

slicer wrote

I would suggest skipping the Advan RS and get a wheel available in 18x9.5 and 18x10.5 sizes. The Advan TC3 is a great option. The RS looks good but the available sizes suck IMO. That will allow you to run 275/35/18 (or 265/35/18) in the front and 285/35/18 (or 295/35/18) in the rear.

I do not need or want tires wider than 255 & 275 F/R because doing so ends up eliminating th e benefits of a lighter wheel. I will check out the TC3's though. Thanks.

rantarM3 wrote

I do not need or want tires wider than 255 & 275 F/R because doing so ends up eliminating th e benefits of a lighter wheel. I will check out the TC3's though. Thanks.

Michelin PSS -

255/40/18 = 25 lbs

275/35/18 = 25 lbs
_________________________________
275/40/18 = ?? Not available in PSS (27 lbs for a PS2)

285/35/18 = 28 lbs

Even if there was a slight difference in weight, the increase in grip is worth it IMO. Weight is certainly important but it is only one component of performance. I wouldn't pick my tires based solely on their weight. I would gladly run a slightly heavier tire that had more grip. Obviously there is a point where the weight gain is not worth it but we are not at that point with the tire sizes I recommended.

Wheels - I recommended the Advan TC3 because you were already looking at Advan's. Another good option is a Volk TE37 or TE37SL. They are very common but that is for good reason. They are light, good offsets, forged, and fairly priced.

slicer wrote

Michelin PSS -

255/40/18 = 25 lbs

275/35/18 = 25 lbs
_________________________________
275/40/18 = ?? Not available in PSS (27 lbs for a PS2)

285/35/18 = 28 lbs

Even if there was a slight difference in weight, the increase in grip is worth it IMO. Weight is certainly important but it is only one component of performance. I wouldn't pick my tires based solely on their weight. I would gladly run a slightly heavier tire that had more grip. Obviously there is a point where the weight gain is not worth it but we are not at that point with the tire sizes I recommended.

Wheels - I recommended the Advan TC3 because you were already looking at Advan's. Another good option is a Volk TE37 or TE37SL. They are very common but that is for good reason. They are light, good offsets, forged, and fairly priced.

The TC3's are nice, although I can't find official weight specs. I also did check out the Volks but it seems they are a bit costlier than the Advans (especially the forged TE37's).

Is it safe to assume you have the 275/285 setup? Any rubbing with those widths?

rantarM3 wrote

The TC3's are nice, although I can't find official weight specs. I also did check out the Volks but it seems they are a bit costlier than the Advans (especially the forged TE37's).

Is it safe to assume you have the 275/285 setup? Any rubbing with those widths?

From the "rub / no rub" sticky thread:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9478460&postcount=17