Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[AWE46M3]

Tire question - what is the load index for the front and rear tires on our cars?

I had America Tires tell me 265/35/19 MPS4's were not load rated for my car, but I know many people that run this tire without any issues. This took me down the rabbit hole of what our cars load index and speed rating requirements are. I'm getting conflicting info, so any feedback would be much appreciated.

[IamFODI]

Tire question - what is the load index for the front and rear tires on our cars?

I had America Tires tell me 265/35/19 MPS4's were not load rated for my car, but I know many people that run this tire without any issues. This took me down the rabbit hole of what our cars load index and speed rating requirements are. I'm getting conflicting info, so any feedback would be much appreciated.

You mean the Pilot Sport 4S, not the Pilot Sport 4, yeah?

For the 4S, Tire Rack shows two variants in 265/35/19, and both are load rated 98Y XL. That means one tire is rated to carry ~half the weight of an E46 M3. I'm not an expert in this area but it'd blow my mind if that weren't enough. When I plug in an E46 M3 into their selector, they show tires rated at least as low as 89Y SL...

[AWE46M3]

You mean the Pilot Sport 4S, not the Pilot Sport 4, yeah?

For the 4S, Tire Rack shows two variants in 265/35/19, and both are load rated 98Y XL. That means one tire is rated to carry ~half the weight of an E46 M3. I'm not an expert in this area but it'd blow my mind if that weren't enough. When I plug in an E46 M3 into their selector, they show tires rated at least as low as 89Y SL...

Thank you! I just entered the car information, but I'm not seeing 265 as an option—only 275. I selected varient tire size options and got 245/275 combo from the workflow. How are you finding the 265 specs? I selected the 06 comp since I'm installing ZCP Comp wheels. Would you mind sending me a screenshot of the tire specs you're seeing for the 235/265 combo that many people recommend?

Also, while we're on the topic, what are the pros and cons of running 245/275 vs. 235/265? I know the 235/265 is the OE spec, but I'd prefer to run a wider tire and a smaller spacer to fine-tune my fitment.

[IamFODI]

Thank you! I just entered the car information, but I'm not seeing 265 as an option—only 275. I selected varient tire size options and got 245/275 combo from the workflow. How are you finding the 265 specs? I selected the 06 comp since I'm installing ZCP Comp wheels. Would you mind sending me a screenshot of the tire specs you're seeing for the 235/265 combo that many people recommend?

I was just going by the 265/35/19 size you posted. I searched by brand and looked for that size. Can't really speak to what's recommended for this vehicle, unfortunately.

Also, while we're on the topic, what are the pros and cons of running 245/275 vs. 235/265? I know the 235/265 is the OE spec, but I'd prefer to run a wider tire and a smaller spacer to fine-tune my fitment.

What are the full tire sizes for each option?

[elrichmeister]

Thank you! I just entered the car information, but I'm not seeing 265 as an option—only 275. I selected varient tire size options and got 245/275 combo from the workflow. How are you finding the 265 specs? I selected the 06 comp since I'm installing ZCP Comp wheels. Would you mind sending me a screenshot of the tire specs you're seeing for the 235/265 combo that many people recommend?

Also, while we're on the topic, what are the pros and cons of running 245/275 vs. 235/265? I know the 235/265 is the OE spec, but I'd prefer to run a wider tire and a smaller spacer to fine-tune my fitment.

There is sticky thread on tire sizes

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/596-e46-m3-tire-sizing-thread

I made the same mistake, i just replaced my rears. I was running 245/35/19 and 265/35/19 which is not the correct sizing for e46 M3. Its actually OE size for E90
I didnt have major issues running this tire, i did rub on big bumps, and had some initial issues with my Flat tire monitor going off sometimes. Just wanted fatter tire lol.

I recently just replaced my rears with 255/35/19.

Bases on the Sticky thread you want
For 19s
OE: 225/40/19 255/35/19
or
235/35/19 265/30/19
or
245/35/19 275/30/19

[AWE46M3]

There is sticky thread on tire sizes

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/596-e46-m3-tire-sizing-thread

I made the same mistake, i just replaced my rears. I was running 245/35/19 and 265/35/19 which is not the correct sizing for e46 M3. Its actually OE size for E90
I didnt have major issues running this tire, i did rub on big bumps, and had some initial issues with my Flat tire monitor going off sometimes. Just wanted fatter tire lol.

I recently just replaced my rears with 255/35/19.

Bases on the Sticky thread you want
For 19s
OE: 225/40/19 255/35/19
or
235/35/19 265/30/19
or
245/35/19 275/30/19

I got the initial spec I referenced (235/265) from that tire thread.

the thread lays out the tire size but I’m struggling to find the load index the front and rear need at a minimum to operate safely.

Americas tire does not carry a 265/35/19 Michelin pilot sport 4S with a load index high enough for my car according to the rep who quoted me today.

I’m seeing 89 for the front and 93 for the rear. I was quoted a tire that is 100 and it’s crazy expensive.

[elrichmeister]

I got the initial spec I referenced (235/265) from that tire thread.

the thread lays out the tire size but I’m struggling to find the load index the front and rear need at a minimum to operate safely.

Americas tire does not carry a 265/35/19 Michelin pilot sport 4S with a load index high enough for my car according to the rep who quoted me today.

I’m seeing 89 for the front and 93 for the rear. I was quoted a tire that is 100 and it’s crazy expensive.

I was curious and did some investigation about load ratings

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-is-load-index?gclid=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7Y6nx6UCU2AlODqoMjF-9lhTivJjhsIFQZOIC9GmqX8tW-Uu_cT5tcaAsOFEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7Y6nx6UCU2AlODqoMjF-9lhTivJjhsIFQZOIC9GmqX8tW-Uu_cT5tcaAsOFEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!354820920365!e!!g!!tire%20load%20index&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

Load rating of 89 is 1279 lbs per tire and 93 is 1433 lbs per tire

These cars weigh like 3400 lbs with about 50/50 weight distribution, so front and rear is handling about 1700lbs. I think those load ratings are more than enough. I don't think you need a load rating of 100.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[IamFODI]

[QUOTE=AWE46M3;n287349]I got the initial spec I referenced (235/265) from that tire thread.[quote]
I just checked that thread. For 265 width on a 19" wheel, the recommended size is 265/30/19. You were asking about 265/35/19. Different sidewall height, different overall diameter. This is why I said we need the full sizes, not just the widths!

Americas tire does not carry a 265/35/19 Michelin pilot sport 4S with a load index high enough for my car according to the rep who quoted me today.

Did the rep say what the load rating needed to be and why?

As elrichmeister pointed out 265/35/19 is a stock E9x M3 rear tire size (I thought it looked familiar!). There's another option for the E9x rear, 265/40/18, in which the PS4S has a load rating of 101Y XL. Really grasping at straws here, but maybe that's why your tire guy thought 98Y XL wasn't enough – i.e. he looked up the wrong M3 and then saw the load rating on the wrong size? IDK...

[CrisSilberGrau]

What would be the going price for a solid 8.5/10 Mtextur interior (F2AT)?

[AWE46M3]

I was curious and did some investigation about load ratings

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-is-load-index?gclid=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7Y6nx6UCU2AlODqoMjF-9lhTivJjhsIFQZOIC9GmqX8tW-Uu_cT5tcaAsOFEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7Y6nx6UCU2AlODqoMjF-9lhTivJjhsIFQZOIC9GmqX8tW-Uu_cT5tcaAsOFEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!354820 920365!e!!g!!tire%20load%20index&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_ source=1

Load rating of 89 is 1279 lbs per tire and 93 is 1433 lbs per tire

These cars weigh like 3400 lbs with about 50/50 weight distribution, so front and rear is handling about 1700lbs. I think those load ratings are more than enough. I don't think you need a load rating of 100.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Awesome - thank you for this breakdown. This is exactly what I needed. I’ll take this feedback back to the rep I was working with and have them regenerate the quote.

I got the initial spec I referenced (235/265) from that tire thread.

I just checked that thread. For 265 width on a 19"
wheel, the recommended size is 265/30/19. You were asking about 265/35/19. Different sidewall height, different overall diameter. This is why I said we need the full sizes, not just the widths!

Did the rep say what the load rating needed to be and why?

As elrichmeister pointed out 265/35/19 is a stock E9x M3 rear tire size (I thought it looked familiar!). There's another option for the E9x rear, 265/40/18, in which the PS4S has a load rating of 101Y XL. Really grasping at straws here, but maybe that's why your tire guy thought 98Y XL wasn't enough – i.e. he looked up the wrong M3 and then saw the load rating on the wrong size? IDK...

That’s a fair point - they have my car in the system by VIN so he pulled my car up in their system and began his workflow.

Thank you for your feedback and help!

[PSUEng]

Holy $$ tires have gone up...

[Slideways]

Holy $$ tires have gone up...

If you can buy in advance, wait for the DTD yearly sale.

[bavarian3]

What would be the going price for a solid 8.5/10 Mtextur interior (F2AT)?

3-5k depending on location

[L0okitzRaj]

Yall think this is an issue… missing bits on the crank hub.

the orange is where the rubberized coating has come off.

[sbay]

Anyone know what the red tubes are used for that come with the valve stem seal kit...I'm guessing they're used for installation?
For reference: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Engine/G...349064457.html