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[gimmethemuumuu]

I've been poring over the TireRack website, trying to pull together winter tires for the new wheels I have for my 2011 E90 M3. I have a couple of questions about the most appropriate size of tires to run.

The wheels are 513M's from the F8x M3. You're probably familiar but, if not, the specifications for the wheels are as follows: 18x9 ET 29 F and 18X10 E40 R. I intend to run whatever spacer necessary on the rear of the car to achieve the proper offset. I'm leaning toward an 18mm spacer but I also have at least a 10mm and a 15mm if those would be more appropriate.

For tires, I'm planning on running Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06. The tires which came with the wheels are Michelin Pilot Super Sport (PSS) in 255/40-18 and 275/40-18 sizes. They provide a pretty good fit and a decent width and rim protection. However, I want to make sure the DWS 06 tires have at least as much width and rim protection as the PSS. However, I've heard that Michelin tires tend to run a little wider than some other makes. And, for this protection as well as appearance, wider tires are preferred.

In looking at sizes for the new DWS 06 tires, I've been trying to pair appropriate fronts and rears, as far as load indices, relative outer diameters, etc., trying to ensure that the fronts are at or below the commonly accept 26" outer upper limit for the E9x M3. The sizes of I've been considering at are as follows, in order of potential preference.

275/35ZR18 F, 295/35ZR18 R
265/35ZR18 F, 285/35ZR18 R
255/40ZR18 F, 275/40ZR18 R

Please advise as to what you think would be the most appropriate tire combination on these wheels and this car, including pairings not listed immediately above. I want to ensure no rubbing in the front or rear, while providing ample amounts of tread width and rim protection all around.

Thanks in advance!

[gimmethemuumuu]

Looks like it's down to either 275/35 F, 295/35 R (preferred) or, if the fronts would rub, stepping down to 265/35 in front with the 295's in the back.

Anybody run a setup close to this care to chime in?!

[Shaung]

I'm running the 513 with stock tires sizes. I can post pics if you'd like.

[gimmethemuumuu]

I assume you mean with stock size PSS's. Nah. Thanks though. My wheels came with those. They looked great! They were removed with only 12 miles on them. In fact, I'll selling the tires and TPMS soon

[XKxRome0ox]

which tires did you end up with?

[XKxRome0ox]

I'm trying to decide between ...
245/40/18 front
265/40/18 rear

Or
255/40/18 front
275/40/18 rear

Or should I be going to 255/35 and 275/35?


Planning to use 12mm spacers for the rear
Maybe 5mm spacer in front depending on how it looks without it

[dparm]

245/265 is the OEM combo for 18" wheels on the E9x. 255/275 with the 40 sidewall is going to be taller and that's where you will start running into clearance issues.

I suggest calling Tire Rack and giving them the wheel specs so they can advise.

Not sure why you are talking about 275/295, those will not safely fit wheels of that width.

[gimmethemuumuu]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

which tires did you end up with?

I didn’t actually buy tires for my winter wheels yet. I was able to make it o the end of the season on my previous set. I’ll address those wheels in the fall sometime.

Meanwhile, I did get tires for my summer wheels—19” 437M’s. Currently, I’m running 275/35-19 F and 295/35-19 R Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. _Very_ close fit up; plenty of room out back. Very grippy. Great look!

Note: Please bear in mind that I am in an F80 now. I run the 513M’s in the winter and, as mentioned, 437M’s in the summer. Both wheel sets are run without spacers.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by dparm

245/265 is the OEM combo for 18" wheels on the E9x. 255/275 with the 40 sidewall is going to be taller and that's where you will start running into clearance issues.

I suggest calling Tire Rack and giving them the wheel specs so they can advise.

Not sure why you are talking about 275/295, those will not safely fit wheels of that width.

Wtf are you talking about? People on this very internet message board run 18” 275/35’s on 9’s every weekend at autocrosses all over the country. 9” is IN THE RECOMMENDED WIDTH RANGE for many 275’s, usually 9-11”. Same with 295/35’s. I’ve done the 295’s on 10’s on this car personally. It’s fine. Dozens more do the 275/295 thing on oem 359M’s. It may not be optimal, but unsafe? Come the f on.

Also, the oem f8x tire sizes fit fine on these cars.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by gimmethemuumuu

I didn’t actually buy tires for my winter wheels yet. I was able to make it o the end of the season on my previous set. I’ll address those wheels in the fall sometime.

Meanwhile, I did get tires for my summer wheels—19” 437M’s. Currently, I’m running 275/35-19 F and 295/35-19 R Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. _Very_ close fit up; plenty of room out back. Very grippy. Great look!

Note: Please bear in mind that I am in an F80 now. I run the 513M’s in the winter and, as mentioned, 437M’s in the summer. Both wheel sets are run without spacers.

Gasp you mean you’re not feeling unsafe

I envy the front wheel wells on the f8x. Opens up a lot of big tire options. We’d be hosed with a 275/35-19.

[gimmethemuumuu]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Gasp you mean you’re not feeling unsafe

I envy the front wheel wells on the f8x. Opens up a lot of big tire options. We’d be hosed with a 275/35-19.

Maybe a little unsafe at times. However, it’s not due to the widths of the tires!

Yeah, I was pushing it a bit with that size up front. However, I had to try. Factory widths on the F8x are 255 F and 275 R. With 275/35-19 up front, I had the very slightest touch on the test fit—just the corner of the tire on the forward wheel well plastic. However, once I got it out on the on the road, I’ve had no rubbing troubles

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Wtf are you talking about? People on this very internet message board run 18” 275/35’s on 9’s every weekend at autocrosses all over the country. 9” is IN THE RECOMMENDED WIDTH RANGE for many 275’s, usually 9-11”. Same with 295/35’s. I’ve done the 295’s on 10’s on this car personally. It’s fine. Dozens more do the 275/295 thing on oem 359M’s. It may not be optimal, but unsafe? Come the f on.

Also, the oem f8x tire sizes fit fine on these cars.

Relax, dude. I misread the OP as 18x8 and 18x9.