Help needed re: tyre size

[MapleLeaf]

The last batch of E46 4-door uses 225/45 + 245/40 staggered wheels.

Can I change all four tyres to 225 size, using the same rims? i.e. are all the four stock rims the size size/ spec?

 

[Bmer]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Hi MapleLeaf,

What rims r u using? Of coz u can use all round 225....however, if u r not using staggered size, I would recommend 235 all round instead...however, it might affect a bit on your petrol consumption.....

 

[MapleLeaf]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Bmer,

thanks for your quick response. I am using the stock 17".

I have always thought that I could switch to all-round same size tyres. The reason why I ask is that yesterday morning, I went to change to four pieces of brand new 225 tyres. Last night, I went for a drive to test the claimed quietness of the tyre.

Unfortunately, at 120km/h along ECP, one of the tyres came FLYING OFF the rim!

 

[Bmer]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Sounds bad.....can't even imagine how the tyre can fly off....hmm.....Is your car alright...

 

[Bmer]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Sounds bad.....can't even imagine how the tyre can fly off....hmm.....Is your car alright... Which tyre shop u went to? If is me, I will be damn piss man.... Hope nothing serious happen to your car...

 

[TripleM]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Mapleleaf
First of all, i hope you are ok...That was a serious incident indeed.
For your guide, u should always be easy on your tires if they are just mounted on the rims. Let the tires sit in first for a few days driving...

Ok back to your question.
Your sports edition came with a staggered rims set up so ideally, u shouldnt really use the same all round sizes in your next change. I am not saying that it's bad or anything but you should try to optimize the set up you hv been given from the factory.

I believe your rims sizes are 8J and 8.5J and in that case, at least u do 225 and 235.
Afterall, I do find staggered set up for RWD car is nicer to drive

 

[Rastaman]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Wa lau eh, this is serious man.....u r a very lucky dude !!! Only seen these happening on F1 and thats scary ! what more to a saloon car.....

I read yr post 3 times trying to figure out how this can happen coz coincidentally i run 225's also on 8.5j rims and curious to know.

Was it the rear tyre that came off ???

Jack : Im thinking whether if its got anything to do with the tyre profiles ???

 

[TripleM]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

Rastaman
I doubt it...the tire shop guy can't be that dumb to put in the wrong profile for the tires.
It's probably just a faulty tire or was driven too hard before hand...hmm...

 

[MapleLeaf]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

I accepted the shop's explanation that it is a one-off mis-judgement on their part (worker).

To clarify, it's not the whole wheel that came off, just the rubber tyre dislodged from the rim. Bad enough though. I had such a shock of my life that I panicked, and call BMW Service hotline for help (was Saturday night). They asked if I have a spare tyre. In the after-shock, I forgot that I have a spare tyre.

The tyre has been replaced. Rim checked for wobble and balance. Dipped in bath-tub for bubble-check. All OK. Life goes back to normal! Just another learning experience.

 

[MapleLeaf]

Re: Help needed re: tyre size

TripleM (and all others), many thanks for your feedback. These are times when I wish we could go live on MSN... there were so many questions that were in my mind when I was changing my wheel along the ECP. And I always remember the statement that the only link between the driver and the road is the tyre. That was why I changed all four tyres instead of two.

Thanks TripleM.