Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[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

[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?

[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]

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]

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.

[fattycharged]

I bought OE for the uppers. Wouldn't recommend poly TBH. I believe I have an extra pair of OE inners that I can sell to you -- can confirm when I go to Katy tomorrow. Also have a ball joint tool set you can borrow.

Thanks man, appreciate it


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[PSUEng]

Cruising eBay for wheels, and almost about to give up on my dealer order of 2 new 19" 67s when I came across a refinisher by the name of "The Wheel Artist". From the photos, the refinish work they do appears to be tops. Does anyone here have experience with them?

[SQ13]

Everything is being R&R'd, including the diff, so it's a “now's the time/while you're in there”. Outer ball joints have all been replaced, RTAB's are Bimmerworld, camber arms are some ECS aluminum I had lying around, they still use rubber on the inner joint.
I'm getting anxious to get this thing back together while the weather is cool

Maybe I should make a journal…


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I bought OE for the uppers. Wouldn't recommend poly TBH. I believe I have an extra pair of OE inners that I can sell to you -- can confirm when I go to Katy tomorrow. Also have a ball joint tool set you can borrow.

[fattycharged]

Is the idea that they'll limit a tiny bit of deflection? Probably won't do much but introduce more NVH. I vote rubber. The ends, both upper and lower, are already ball joints anyway. Inners are a bitch to do anyway because you have to move or remove the diff.

Everything is being R&R'd, including the diff, so it's a “now's the time/while you're in there”. Outer ball joints have all been replaced, RTAB's are Bimmerworld, camber arms are some ECS aluminum I had lying around, they still use rubber on the inner joint.
I'm getting anxious to get this thing back together while the weather is cool

Maybe I should make a journal…


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[zzyzx85]

My dumb question is how to think about swapping not just intakes but the ECUs to go along with them.

For California reasons, it'd be great to swap between the CSL intake & stock intake periodically.

But my understanding is that an ECU really needs to be tuned (Alpha N, etc.) to take full advantage of the CSL intake. But that kind of tune is not permitted in CA.

So the dumb question is: could I simply buy a second ECU, pair it to my car, and have it tuned for the CSL setup, then swap both the stock intake and ECU back every few years? Or is there a work around to have my original ECU do it all?

that's what I'm doing. I have a 2nd ECU that has a "canned" tune from Kassel Performance that I run with my CSL intake. When it's time for smog, I swap it all out and put my stock ECU back on.

[Tbonem3]

Is the idea that they'll limit a tiny bit of deflection? Probably won't do much but introduce more NVH. I vote rubber. The ends, both upper and lower, are already ball joints anyway. Inners are a bitch to do anyway because you have to move or remove the diff.

[fattycharged]

Anyone running Powerflex bushes for the upper inners? I bought a set, was going to replace them last night while I was doing the ball joints, but ended up breaking my threaded rod and had to put it on hold.

It doesn't seem like they would be a negative in that location, my original rubber bushings look great for 120k miles and 20 years though 😂

Tempted to order a set of sphericals for it, but thought this the place to ask


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[Tbonem3]

Yes you can.

There are various things you can do with a "tune," and not affect the emissions drive cycles. You will need cats (in sect 1) or defoulers or something, and o2s installed ofc, but it is very possible.

[ridebikes]

You absolutely can be tuned during your smog test.

I meant you can't run Alpha N for a CSL intake

[Tbonem3]

But that kind of tune is not permitted in CA.

You absolutely can be tuned during your smog test.