Help needed with tire/wheel fitment

I have an 01' 330ci coupe. I have my eye on a set of 18x9 rear wheels. My question is, what tire size should I run if I want a very mild stretch? The company I am dealing with recommends a 245/35/18, but I think I should go with a 235 wide tire?

245 is fine, 235 might be a bit more stretched. Im running 255's on 18x9.5"s

Crappy pic, but its got very slight stretch to it



I'd recommend 245, however anything from 225 to 265 would be within the factory specs of the tire for a 9" wide wheel.

If you want stretch, go 235

What size are your fronts? Still want to have close to the same OD of the wheels front to rear.

Mine? Im running the BMW recommended tire sizes for 18" wheels on my car. 225/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear. Because our cars are rear wheel drive, small variances in size front front to rear should be fine.

You might find this website useful in comparing width, height and wheel well fit between different size rims and/or tires: http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp.

Was asking OP about tire size.

Its a 9" rear wheel, 40mm offset. I was told by the dealer to run a 245.

You don't understand... what is the size of your front tires? Need to maintain close to same outside diameter.

Originally Posted by 2003 325i

you don't understand... What is the size of your front tires? Need to maintain close to same outside diameter.

225/40/18

Originally Posted by Andy2108

Mine? Im running the BMW recommended tire sizes for 18" wheels on my car. 225/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear. Because our cars are rear wheel drive, small variances in size front front to rear should be fine.

I had this setup on my 330Ci and it handled well plus the spedo was dead on. Down side is ride quality dropped alot. Seemed like every bump came with a jiggle or squeak... I went back to stock size 17s and maintain great handling with the BMW quality ride. Good luck with the new wheels.

How wide are your front wheels, and do you have a pic of the stretch on them (if there is any... assuming 8.5" wheel)? I'd go with a 235/40 in the rear for some mild stretch

Originally Posted by Paul Schreiber

I had this setup on my 330Ci and it handled well plus the spedo was dead on. Down side is ride quality dropped alot. Seemed like every bump came with a jiggle or squeak... I went back to stock size 17s and maintain great handling with the BMW quality ride. Good luck with the new wheels.

Tires make such a huge difference... I'm running pretty aggressive GoodYear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics and the main difference between them and my 17" General snow tires is noise: the 18" are WAY louder, but maybe its just cause the snows were so quiet?

I love the look of my 18" VMR VB3 CSL wheels and I would gladly give up some ride quality for the increased performance and visual appeal

A 245 would probably be the most decent looking if your car is at stock height.

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

A 245 would probably be the most decent looking if your car is at stock height.

Its currently on H&R race springs.....And the fenders have been cut/pulled/rolled.

I'd probably stick with a 245 still.

Front wheels 8.5" wide, go with 235/40s, Front wheels 8" wide, go with 245/40s. This is only for maintaining the same amount of stretch look front to rear, otherwise I defer to Kevin's expertise. The 245/40s would likely be closer to stock diameter with that stretch, however the 235s would be more similar to the diameter of the fronts (both undersized slightly) if the fronts are on 8.5" wide wheels.