Widest tire on non-M e46?

[mr.rhtuner]

Hey everybody, I'm looking at getting new tires and have been getting a bit of a run-around on what I should have and what I can get.


I have a 2000 BMW 323ci and it came with the optional 17" BMW wheels. The current tires are 215/45/17.

Now I've been told by a BMW shop that I should have 225/45/17 tires on there which should be a factory setup for a 17" bmw rims. Does this sound correct?


Also, I'd like to know if I should add maybe a bit wider tires in the rear or all around? I'd like to have a thicker tire for more grip but wouldn't like to have any problems rubbing.


Any ideas?
thank you

[simplycars]

255 rear - 235 front

[mstearnsy]

On 17s your sizes could be:
- 205/50/17 (don't pick this, it'll look silly)
- 225/45/17
- 225/45/17 front and 245/40/17 rear

255s are used for an 18" rear application and 235s were never used on the fronts, some people just pull that number out of the air and use it anyways.

[arsevader]

Originally Posted by mstearnsy

On 17s your sizes could be:
- 205/50/17 (don't pick this, it'll look silly)
- 225/45/17
- 225/45/17 front and 245/40/17 rear

255s are used for an 18" rear application and 235s were never used on the fronts, some people just pull that number out of the air and use it anyways.

This is all true however the question was 'widest tire' not 'what's stock'....

[JNSchnitzer]

Originally Posted by simplycars

255 rear - 235 front

I'm able to push 265's in the rear but I rolled the fenders

[steve.325i]

Originally Posted by simplycars

255 rear - 235 front

Thank you

[2nrRoots]

i have 235s in the front and no rubbing issues at all. at stock ride height, it seems you might be able to go up to a 245, but i have not tried to cannot confirm. my rears are 235 as well and there seems to be a good bit more space for more rubber

[stuart1087]

I wouldn't reccomend putting 245's on the rear. I have 245's on the rear of my 325i and the tire is about half inch past the fender.. ew

[simplycars]

Originally Posted by stuart1087

I wouldn't reccomend putting 245's on the rear. I have 245's on the rear of my 325i and the tire is about half inch past the fender.. ew

245 should be fine and not sticking out

[prince1]

it is, i have 235/35/19 in front and 245/40/19 in rear. no rubbing, and cars dropped by 0.9 in read and 1.1 in the front

[mstearnsy]

Originally Posted by stuart1087

I wouldn't reccomend putting 245's on the rear. I have 245's on the rear of my 325i and the tire is about half inch past the fender.. ew

That's because you have an aftermarket wheel with an offset that is way wrong. Fix that and you can run a 255 in the rear with no problems.

[mstearnsy]

Originally Posted by prince1

it is, i have 235/35/19 in front and 245/40/19 in rear. no rubbing, and cars dropped by 0.9 in read and 1.1 in the front

please tell me your tire sizes are a typo? You can't run 235/35 in conjunction with 245/40!