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BMW 3-Series Tires and Wheels

273 messages,  Last post on Jun 16, 2011 at 8:53 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Tires, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 11 of 28

#94 of 273 Re: Replacement tires [shipo] by oldugly

Nov 16, 2007 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 16, 2007 11:36 am)
Thanks for the quick response. I must say I am more confused, as I ordered my car with a Sports Package, it came with RFTs and has the TPMS. I ordered it from the factory, and it was built to order and shipped directly to me in the states, so I'm not sure how I could get something that they didn't make. I checked a few other sites, and they reference a SP (including the edmunds price appraiser). Also, new-cars.com details the specs, and includes Wheels: Cast alloy, 17 x 7.0 (330xi Sport Pkg., run-flat tire option all models) and Tires: Run-flat option all models & 330xi Sport Package, run-flat 205/50R-17 V-rated Performance. This matches with what I thought I had.
 
http://www.new-cars.com/2003/bmw/bmw-330xi-sedan-specs.html

#95 of 273 Re: Replacement tires [oldugly] by shipo

Nov 16, 2007 (1:29 pm)

Replying to: oldugly (Nov 16, 2007 12:38 pm)
Hmmm, I think I stand partially corrected as this is the first I have ever heard of a pre-2006 BMW being shod with Run Flat tires. I checked around a bit and so far at least, the only web site that confirms the information you linked on the NewCars.com web site is TireRack, and as I have a fair level of confidence in they're data, I guess it's true. My bad.
 
I'm curious to find out exactly what make and model tire you have on your car (TireRack says it came with a set of rather pricy Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMTs)? Yes, no? If yes, geez, at $248 per tire, those suckers are expensive.
 
With the above in mind, your "xi" doesn't truly have a Sport Package as what comes on the "xi" models is just trim items and not the suspension and better wheels and tires. Said another way, unless you had non-standard wheels and tires put on your car, it came with 205/50 R17 tires all of the way around and as such you don't have to worry about different front versus rear tire sizes.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#96 of 273 Re: Replacement tires [shipo] by kyfdx HOST

Nov 16, 2007 (1:39 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 16, 2007 1:29 pm)
I know run-flats were a possible option on our '05 E46 convertible... I was surprised to find that out..
 
  But, they were using them on the Z4 as far back as the '03 models... so, offering them on the E46 wouldn't have been much of a stretch, I don't guess...
 
You've got room for a spare, buy another wheel, and ditch those runflats...

#97 of 273 Re: Replacement tires [shipo] by oldugly

Nov 16, 2007 (1:45 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 16, 2007 1:29 pm)
Yes, they are the Goodyears, and the dealer quoted well north of $1K to replace them, though even they mentioned I could get cheaper ones. Every tire on it now is a 205/50 R17, so I think I'm good there. Thanks.

#98 of 273 Re: Replacement tires [kyfdx] by shipo

Nov 16, 2007 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: kyfdx (Nov 16, 2007 1:39 pm)
"You've got room for a spare, buy another wheel, and ditch those runflats..."
 
I whole-heartedly agree. Lose those RFTs, the savings will more than pay for a full-sized spare.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#99 of 273 Replacement tires by sky11

Nov 17, 2007 (11:41 am)

Got a 2005 330cic with the zhp package, Michelins for tires and they are run flats. Can I simply replace the tires with the appropriate sized GFT's? Not familar with how the TPMS works but is it even an issue if the tires are replaced? Would it be better to go with 17s' since I am not a track guy and do mostly highway with some twisties just to keep the smile in place?

#100 of 273 Re: Replacement tires [sky11] by fedlawman

Nov 17, 2007 (11:53 am)

Replying to: sky11 (Nov 17, 2007 11:41 am)
No issues. You can replace them with go-flats.
 
Not sure what you mean by "go with 17s." If you mean your car currently has 18" wheels and you're thinking about moving down to 17's, then the answer is yes, it will probably smooth out the ride without a noticeable decrease in handling. Of course, it will cost a lot more money to replace both the wheels and tires.
 
FWIW, I think that after driving on 18" RFTs for this long, going with an 18" Grand Touring GFT tire will improve the ride considerably - probably enough that you won't need to go with 17s.

#101 of 273 replacement tires (again) by sky11

Nov 17, 2007 (12:18 pm)

Thanks for the reply - just thinking about the difference in height of the sidewalls between the rft and gft - non issue?

#102 of 273 Re: replacement tires (again) [sky11] by fedlawman

Nov 17, 2007 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: sky11 (Nov 17, 2007 12:18 pm)
The fact that the tire is GFT or RFT doesn't matter. RFT's simply have a stiffer sidewall in order to support the weight of the vehicle in the event of a loss of pressure.
 
If the RFT and GFT are the same size, eg. 225/40R-18, then they are the same size (sidewalls included).

#103 of 273 Re: replacement tires (again) [fedlawman] by kyfdx HOST

Nov 18, 2007 (7:51 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Nov 17, 2007 12:33 pm)
I agree... stick with 18"... But, go with regular tires...
 
If your car doesn't have a spacesaver spare, I'd buy one, though... It should fit in any E46 model trunk.

Messages Page 11 of 28

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