Same Size on a '97 850ci?...... (archive)

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In Reply to: Tire & wheel sizes posted by Len Cacioppo on February 18, 2000 at 11:31:02:

Hi all-
I have a number of people interested in my `95 840ci, and as soon as someone closes the deal I will be purchasing a certain '97 850 with <20,000 miles that I have my eye on. I intend on purchasing a set of take-off M Parallels to use on it. Would I be correct in assuming the 235/50ZR18 Front and 255/45ZR18 Rear tire sizes would not be appropriate for the car? If, as I suspect, they are not.....would the 245/40ZR18 Front and 275/35ZR18 Rear sizes that Len suggested be appropriate for a non-CSI? The BMW Wheel Brochure says the M Parallels are only suitable for the CSI, but I have a feeling there are more than a few non-CSI E31s roaming the streets with them.
Thanks!
-Ray
P.S. Anyone interested in purchasing a set of 4 Michelin Pilots off a 740 Sport (Two 235/50ZR18 and two 255/45ZR18) w/50 miles? :-)

: I am researching the details of upgrading my tires and wheels to 18� on my CSi. However, not being an expert (or even somewhere fair to midland) on these issues I am soliciting the experience and advice of others.

: In an attempt to keep weight to a minimum I am leaning towards the BBS RC forged aluminum wheel (Weighing in at 18.2 lbs each). I have been advised to purchase 2 18x10 for the rears and 2 18x8.5 for the front. For these wheels I could put 275x35x18 on the rear and 245x40x18 in the front.

: Another organization told me that I could get a 275 tire on a 18x9.5. Does this indicate that I could (safely and without too much sidewall flex) put a 285 on the rear?

: I would like to go as wide as possible on both the front and rear. It seems that the consensus is 245 in the front. How wide can you go in the rear on an 18� wheel without overstressing the suspension?

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