235/45/17 for Rear???

[m3f_White97M3]

Hi All,



Have any of you tried 235/45/17 all around on OEM suspension for all season tires? If so, did you have any rubbing issue or any issue regarding the rear? I've read of 235/40/17 being OK but I'm looking for a little more profile for my winter driving. Or should I stay BMW advice of 225/45/17?



Any advice would be much appreciated.

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

Are you more worried about rain or snow. I live in Southern Cal, so I don't have any advise to give you about snow driving. I do know a bit about rain driving though. Take a look at the physics involved. With a smaller width tire, you have more pounds per square inch on the contact patch. Obviously, less with a wider tire. If you have more weight on your contact patch, you reduce your chance of hydroplaning. But I don't think 225/235 change will make much of a difference. I would suggest buying good winter tires over switching the rims.

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

oops you were talking about the rear, but I still don't think a 245/235 change will make a hige difference. But the 235 will fit on the back of your car. I do drift comps, and I did one last week with the 235s on, fit no problem. Just not as much lateral grip.

[m3f_White97M3]

Originally posted by Tpb31

oops you were talking about the rear, but I still don't think a 245/235 change will make a hige difference. But the 235 will fit on the back of your car. I do drift comps, and I did one last week with the 235s on, fit no problem. Just not as much lateral grip.





I live in NE Pa. where it gets moderate snow and ice condition (snow clean up is pretty good where I live). I do have a set of summer rims/tires. I just hated my set of Pirelli winter tires. After reading some reviews on TireRack's web site of the Pirelli Nero M+S, so I opted to get a set.



So you ran 235/45/17 on the rear with no rubbing issues? If so, I am more at ease with my purchase. If not, I will have to switch to 225/45/17.

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

You have an M3 right? Correct me if I am wrong but stock wheel run 245/45/17 in back and 225/45/17 in front. From what I understand you can run a 255 series tire in back with out rubbing. You can go smaller no problem unless your rear trailing arm bushings have failed. After they've failed, the tail end of the car becomes very sloppy because

under acceleration or braking the rear wheels experience huge toe in and toe

out changes due to the inability of the bushings to keep the wheels in line. Which if bad enough could produce rubbing. But the rubbing would be there regardless of the tire width. But yes, I have run 235/45/17 on the rear no problem. For a second opinion the guys at tire rack should know there stuff, ask them they will probably tell you the same

[m3f_95RogueM3]

Originally posted by Tpb31

From what I understand you can run a 255 series tire in back with out rubbing.



Well that doesnt say much for the profile though.



Yes you can run a 235 45 17 in the rear, just dont lower your car with performance springs as it will/may cause moderate to heavy rubbing.



Will you let me know how the nero m+s tires are. I need to pick up some tires and being in the northeast want something all season. Thanks.



-Richard

[m3f_understeer.com]

Originally posted by Tpb31

Correct me if I am wrong but stock wheel run 245/45/17 in back

You're wrong. '96+ M3s come with 245/40/17 rear and 225/45/17 front tires.



BTW, Pirelli's idea of an all season tire is one that performs equally horrible in all conditions.

[m3f_96M3Power_4547fc3d60]

So the question is what year are we discussing here. If your rims are all 7.5 inches wide (US 1995) and your looking at rain, just check tire rack for the best hydro resistance. If your looking at snow get snow tires because your m3 won't go anywhere in the snow. I think its wise to stick with the stock hieght, so if your car calls for 245/40/17 you better make sure you have that 40... I unfortunately put a 45 on because that was all that was in stock when I direly needed it. The car runs like ****... its so wierd. If yoru looking to drive in the snow get snow tires, in rain, just about any tire will do. Keep stock hieght, wider is better.

[m3f_White97M3]

Thanks for all your inputs. I am new to the M3 world. My M3 is a 97. According TireRack, 235/45/17 for the rear would be .6 inch to tall compare to OEM diameter. It sure fills the wheel well nicely but the ride is softer than stock summer set up.......good for the wife but bad for for me. I'm not planning to lower the car anytime soon. I quess I will keep the 235/45/17. I will let you know how they hold up f

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

White 97:



Please do let us know. I'm interested in going standard -- 235 17 45 -- all around next time I need tires, all season.



Edgy

[m3f_98convertible]

I got 255/40/17's on the back of my 98 M3 conv. and they fit fine. They also look HUGE, which is cool.

[m3f_Tacblack]

I have a 95 and run the 235/45/17's all around and they are the OEM size anyway on 7.5's.



I got 255/40/17's on the back of my 98 M3 conv. and they fit fine Did you have to "roll" the fender or anything. Everyone here in Nashville that has done this said they would rub the fender lip a little unless you "rolled" it. I would like to put them on mine. Thanks