Re: Stock Rims and Tires (archive)

The reasoning is that though the tire's tread width is increased (by that mere 10mm) the actual sidewall height is almost the same with the stock tire. What it does then is that the sidewall "profile" is now less "vertical" compared with the stock tire and theoractically there's more sidewall "roll" when cornering. Not the best idea if you are performance minded...but of course if at the same time a different tire design is used, what I just said above would depend on the actual tire being used as sidewall profile differs from tire to tire.

If the original poster's "goal" is simply to get more usable traction when cornering, then simply switching to a better tire (stickier compound, etc) at the stock size should suffix. Plus, increasing the tread width would increase drag on straight-line acceleration which would also increase fuel consumption, already not a strong suit of the E32 7er.

However, if what the poster want is actually to get good looks, then I agree with you that going to a larger set of wheels is the ONLY way to go...17" or 18" would make the car look so much better!!!!

BTW, with 17" wheels the optimum tire size would be 235 45/17 and with 18" rims, 235 40/18. Someone actually suggested me going 245 width but I thought the extra 10mm tread width is not worth the hassle - clearance problems, extra fuel consumption, plus the tires would have un-even wear due the the camber setting...

It depends on which stock rim. If it is the 7X15 crosspoke wheel, I think you can go to a 235.

But I would look at the stamping on the wheel (remove the center cap and the size should be marked as 7H 15J or something like that0 to find exact size. Then call Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com) with the wheel dimensions, model year car, and brand of wheel (probably BBS, but it should be stamped on wheel also) and they can tell you exactly what is the widest you can go with, and what aspect ratios are available in those widths (stock was 225/60/15).

Or, better yet, upgrade to 17" wheels...and low profile tires........It makes a world of difference!! ;-)

good luck

txhedg
91 750iL

What is the largest tire that can be fitted on stock rims?
Thanks in advance
Bobby G

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