Your help on which tire/wheel set up

[RCV7]

Just got a '96 318ti with small a 15" setup. Looking to daily drive & autoX it. It's got the stock suspension now but will change that. Won't be "slamming" to low. I have a freind that is willing to sell me a new cheap set of 4 Bridgestone Potenzas RE960 AS 235 45 R17's. I have no wheels to fit them now but will look around. He also has a set of 4 Racing Dynamics 16X8's, the 5 star ones. I'll have to look around for rubber for those. Any thoughts on which set up would be best for my usage? Thanks in advance.

[Bluebimma]

Thats a personal preference area, not a "which will be better". Do you want 17s or do you want 16s? Do you like the bridgestone tires and have you found a suitable rim that you like, preferably 17x8 for a 235? Have you looked into tires for a set of 16s? 205/55 or 225/50?

[RCV7]

I'm a total noob as I just got the car a few days ago. I guess I should have asked "will the 17's fit without any rubbing?". I'm assuming the 17's will fill out the wheel well more and thus look better/aggresive. Is there an advantage of having a 16 inch setup over a 17 for autoX or visa versa? Thanks again.

[1996 328ti]

It's not will 17s fit, will 235/45 fit?
My 235/40/17s fit with no problem on H&R Race Springs.
No experience with 45s.

For autocross changing wheel size my effect your class.
I autocross very little.

[cooljess76]

Wheels first, then figure out tire size from there based on offset and wheel width. If you purchase those tires first, you're locked into a 17x8 et38-45 wheel which is pretty much a standard e36 fitment.

[familytruckster]

I like small diameter wheels for DD, also for autox they tend to be lighter, also tires are significantly cheaper. Larger selection of tires for 16s than 15s though.

[Bluebimma]

I prefer 16s for winter tires, 17s for my beater, and 18s for my track/autox. My 18s are the lightest of the rims i have, weighing in at 21lbs for an 18x10, 23lbs for my 17x8s, and 22lbs for my 16x7s.

I also run 205/55/16, 205/40/17, 205/50/17, 225/45/17, 245/40/17, 225/40/18, 245/35/18, and 285/30/18 with offset ranging front ET13-ET51

[jca]

Larger wheels cost you a little in acceleration and gas mileage. Larger tires are more expensive. Which size wheel and tire looks best on the ti is a matter of personal preference. I have a base 98ti with the stock 15 inch steel wheels and wheelcovers. I took the wheelcovers off, painted the wheels silver with a clear coat, brushed the lug bolts down their natural steel color, and installed BMW oem chrome center caps. Total cost: less than $200. The looks isn't for everyone, but I like it.

[slow_ti]

Originally Posted by jca

Larger wheels cost you a little in acceleration and gas mileage. Larger tires are more expensive. Which size wheel and tire looks best on the ti is a matter of personal preference. I have a base 98ti with the stock 15 inch steel wheels and wheelcovers. I took the wheelcovers off, painted the wheels silver with a clear coat, brushed the lug bolts down their natural steel color, and installed BMW oem chrome center caps. Total cost: less than $200. The looks isn't for everyone, but I like it.

Post some pics


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