E36: Maximum Tire Size

["Kittock" <red951@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I can only speak for my car, a '96 328i with the factory sport pkg,  I
changed from the std 16x7 to 17x8 with 235/40-17 tires, and haven't had any
tramlining problems.

Mark Kittock

>As I recall, non-M3 E36's tend to tramline and follow road irregularities
>excessively when equipped with 17" wheels and factory suspensions.  The M3
>uses specific parts that allow for, among other things, the increased
caster
>and negative camber required to make the 17" wheels work correctly.
>(Anyone know the specific parts?  Are they limited to M3 strut mounts?)
>
>IIRC, those who have tried running 17's without the proper suspension
>upgrades have been *very* disappointed with the poor results.  Many wives
>have been upset by this - it isn't pretty.  <g>
>
>For maximum grip, the E36 M3 folks tend to prefer 245/40-17's on 17x8.5"
>wheels front and rear.  I believe these are stock rear sizes for '96 and
>later M3's, used at all 4 corners.  (They fit in the front w/o rubbing - I
>don't recall if spacers are required.)
>
>Best of luck with the car,
>
>Mike Crotty
>1991 318is
>
>
>In a message dated 6/17/02 6:36:24 PM, owner-bmw-digest@domain.elided writes:
>
><< From: Serge Maillet [mailto:serge.maillet@domain.elided]
>
>> I'm thinking about upgrading my stock 16" alloys to
>> 17" rims but before I do, I would like to know what
>> is the maximum tire size I can put on front / rear
>> or what is the best combination? I'm looking for the
>> maximum rubber contact for the best traction. Also,
>> should I go 17" or 18" ??? Thanks to all replies!
>
>Here's my opinion...
>
>Is your suspension still stock?  If so, and if you are
>truly interested in maximum cornering traction above
>all else, you should simply stay with 16" and get the
>best tires you can afford in the widest size that fits
>(keeping overall diameter the same of course).  This
>also happens to be the cheapest solution and won't
>hurt your ride quality like short sidewall tires will.
><snip>
>
>Regards,
>Mike Kohlbrenner >>

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