What Size Tyres?

[pbjwilliams]

I have just purchased an original set of 15" BBS alloys for my E30 M3 can someone please advise me what size tyres I should put on them.

Thanks for your help.

[scintaar]

It all depends on the type of ride / profile you're after... as well as how deep the wheels are.
Typically... 55 - 60 series tyres don't give that really aggressive look, but they handle well and ride fairly comfortably (absorb bumps better).
40 - 50 series handle even better, but trade off comfort... they REALLY hate bumps...besides that, they look even more aggressive.
Next thing you want to consider is the tyre width.
The wider the tyre, the more it'll tramline.
I've got 215's on mine... and 225's on my E36. The 215's don't give me much trouble, but DAMN THOSE 225's... they take the car all over the road!!

SO... in summary... IMVHO... try 215/50/15's - fair ride, no tramlining, nice profile!
But don't just take my word for it...

[A1BMW325iSport]

205/55/15 is the original size, up to you what you fit you could go to 215

[jonbuoy]

If it helps i work for Kwik Fit(I know what your thinkin). I put 205/50/15v on my old wheels and they were fantastic. The tyres i chose was a tyre called, "CEAT". Its made by Pirelli but is classed as a bugdet mainly b'cos of the name. They handled really well.

[Brianmoooore]

CEAT tyres are the most lethal tyre I have ever used in the wet.
This was on a non BMW a few years ago (before I saw the light), and they were so scary I discarded a part worn set.

[pm9575]

Tyres being your main point of contact with t' road - are of paramount importance - so don't deviate from the book size for your rim or a reasonable known brand. You can also mess up your rolling diameter fitting lower profiles without increasing the diameter of the rim - this can affect speedo reading and so on.
Remember that wider tyres on your rims than those specified can also give you too much side flex when cornering and braking. Most popular quality brands will carry a wall stiffness rating which helps with the car's handling.
Stick with what other M3 owners swear by.
pm9575

[320Touring]

tbh- i'd stick 205/55/15's on all round-

they're easily available and give a good compromise between handling and comfort

the m3 has much better mecanical grip than most other e30's so the 55's should not give a problem...

as for manufacturers- try TOYO Proxies T-1S/R or Goodyear Eagles F1....

most folk on here rate them

[ZS]

CEAT - the new Woosung!

Pirellis are pretty awful, so I wouldn't touch a CEAT with yours. :p

I've P6000s on my car and they're the biggest pile of crap.

[pbjwilliams]

Thanks for your help and advice it was greatfully received. I am now hunting down a set of tyres to go with the wheels.

Once again thanks.

[Kelson]

Eagle F1s are very good. On my 325 Touring I use Bridgestone (205/55x15) cant remember the exact designation, they seem to be pretty good also but though a little skitish in the wet (not that it sees much of that where it is)

Dunlops are good value, and less prone to tramlining than most, but I have only found cars start tramlining when you start going wider than 215 on 8" or wider rims. Alpina wears Dunlop 9000, 215/40x17 front with no tramlining at all (but that will change as they wear I'm sure)

[jpboost]

205/55/15 is the standard size.

a 225/50/15 has near enough an identical rolling radius, and is fitted by quite a few m3 owners. (info from searching round a few m3 forums)

I only bought my m3 last week so it's still on the 205's, but I'll be looking into other sizes soon.

[m1key]

its easy to work out...

eg...

205*55*15

tyre width = 205mm

wall = 55% of width

Rim = 15"

diameter = 47.7cm roughly.

[Andy325i]

SO... in summary... IMVHO... try 215/50/15's - fair ride, no tramlining, nice profile!

Can you get 215/50/15" ? I tried for ages but no luck