new ti owner with tire & wheel questions
 

Hi there from a new owner of a silver '98 318ti m-spec sport 5-speed! I lucked out on a low mileage (119k), well taken care of clean ti. It is now my only car and will be used as a daily driver. It's completely stock and I would like to keep it that way except for a few cosmetic updates. So, I also lucked out on a set of M3 style 22 non-staggered wheels from a '95 M3. The tires are Dunlop SS Super Sport R Compound 245/40-17s with some tread on them. I found that they're street legal and would like to run them until they need to be replaced. I've been reading post after post but, would like to make sure my concerns are addressed. So, if anyone could help me with the following questions, I would appreciate it. Will this tire & wheel set up fit without issues on a stock m-spec sport suspension? If so, are these tires ok to run until worn through a winter the Bay Area? If not, what size should I run? Tirerack suggests 215/45s - Is this the best size for a non-modified ti? Thank you in advance!

I'm running 255 40 17 in the rear with my stock ride height & no rubbing issues so you will be fine with 245 in the rear. But I'm not sure about the front

I run the same wheel (Style 22) on my '97 ti with H&R sport springs and 235/40-17 tires (factory spec. for the 1995 M3, the only car that was fitted with Style 22's) with no problems. Going a size wider (245) shouldn't cause any problems- if anything, it may rub slightly on the front inside (doubtful) but should leave plenty of clearance at the fender.

Many people run 225/45 tires on these wheels for the added profile height- if the roads in your area are in poor condition, a 40-series tire is brutal on a lot of city streets.

I have run 255/40/17 track tires on my ti, lowered, with 12mm spacers front and 10mm spacers rear to clear my coilovers.

I really like 235/40's but there are very few tires made in that size anymore. 225/45 is much more common and will fit fine.

Oh, and welcome to the .org from another NorCal member! Post up some pictures of your ti and keep an eye on the Nor Cal section of the board for meets and get-togethers.

What is the treadware rating on those tires? If it's low I would be worried about them in winter.

Style 22's are 7.5 wide... not wide enough for a 245 in my opinion. As WolferJ and zoner mentioned, 235/40/17 is the better (and factory) choice.

They should clear just fine front and rear till you get some new shoes.

Also, welcome!

Thank you all for all your advice! I appreciate it! I picked up the set last week and it turned out the Dunlops (tread wear 60!) were at their wear bars. So, I ordered a set Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's (225/45). They arrived today and they're being mounted & balanced with an alignment tomorrow.
Thanks again for all your input & the welcome to the forum!
Here's a before pic

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/23/y8ahare4.jpg


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