What size tyres are people using for 19" wheels?

[markos]

Courtesy of forum member ali_b I am now the proud owner of a set of BMW 19" M3 alloys 8)

Good to meet you earlier; I think we could have all talked cars for a couple of hours if we had time

I was going to go for standard M3 size tyres at: fronts 225/40/19, rears 255/35/19 but I have been offered a good deal on some 235/35/19 for the front and 265/30/19 for the rears which are the next size up from standard. Lots of E46 M3 owners go for slightly wider tyres, but wondered if the Z4M is less happy with the fatter tyres? Anyone have any experience of using the wider sizes as mentioned above?

Also, the deal is for Yokohamas, anyone got any opinions on these? I'd have been looking at either Mich PS2s or Vreds (depending on how flush I'm feeling ) but interested to hear any opinions

 

[dgm]

I can't comment on the Yokohama's but the 265/30's and 235/35's are perfect for the Z4M, I've been running them for about 4 years and the car is really well balanced on these sizes. I tried the standard M3 sizes on the Z4M when I first put the 19's on, mainly because I had some left over from my M3, and although they were OK they aren't anywhere near as good as the bigger sizes. The 225/40's in particular don't suit the car giving it a twitchy and not very positive feel on the steering.

I've never used the Vredesteins but I'm a big fan of PS2's although they've been superceded by Michelin Super Sports which apparently move the game on substantially.

 

[WLH]

I run 235/45-18 front and 265/40-18 rear on the stock M rims and that is an excellent combination IMO for the stock wheels on the M.

 

[toplad]

Hi.
Im currently on Vredesteins on the CSL, so not quite the same car, I'd say there are rubbish to be honest, certainly for dry grip compared to ps 2 which I had previously on my z4m coupe. If you want a budget tyre which is a good all rounder offers good wet grip the Vredesteins are ok. My car is a weekend toy which doesn't see wet weather, I'm only interested it dry grip and steering feel. The Vredesteins score badly on dry grip in tyre tests, but claw points back in wet grip. This ties in with my own experience of them, glad I didn't pay for them, they were on the car when I bought it.

 

[Hark]

Haven't fitted mine, but mine are 235/35 aned 265/30. I went with these sizes after several emails back and worth between guys on here.

 

[markos]

Awesome, thanks for the responses guys

Sounds like the sizes are good to go, reckon I might take a punt on the Yokohamas and see how they perform – if the price is right ... Will update as soon as they're fitted

 

[glastoveteran]

Nice one Markos

I've just got the standard 225 & 255 sizes.

I bought the Bimecc spacers from ebay and have them fitted which looks a lot better, so I'd definitely recommend getting a set. I did take some photos but I don't think they are good enough for you to appreciate the difference before and after. Maybe Chris on M3cutters has sorted out his supply by now?

Look forward to the photos!

 

[markos]

Cheers buddy! Was going to ask you how you got on with them! I might be able to get my hands on the spacers Ali_B used (when they come off another car that they're currently on), so will investigate that or will indeed contact Chris as he is now taking orders again

Glad to hear you're happy with the improved look spacers give, if it makes a genuine diference (before/after) then I have to get some!

Nice one Markos

I've just got the standard 225 & 255 sizes.

I bought the Bimecc spacers from ebay and have them fitted which looks a lot better, so I'd definitely recommend getting a set. I did take some photos but I don't think they are good enough for you to appreciate the difference before and after. Maybe Chris on M3cutters has sorted out his supply by now?

Look forward to the photos!

 

[ali_b]

Hi Markos,

Nice to meet you at the weekend also, did you find a decent pub before you set off ?

Here is the MC without spacers, as you can see you would want a little more 'poke' up front.
Thats on the -25m H&R springs also :



I will see if I can get the spacers off my runabout , if they dont foul the coilovers I will get in touch for you.

 

[markos]

Thanks buddy, found the Herons Nest for a pre-journey feed!

If you get to the spacers let me know, I'm sure I'll take them off you

Like the plate on the 'M Coupe'

 

[olivierZ]

EVO 19" and 225-255 RE050, good feeling.

 

[markos]

OK, looking good so far

Next question: what pressures are people using on their 19s?

 

[dewarcraig]

35 rear and 33 front in mine. Think this is what the CSL runs :wink:

Car looks great by the way! Think the M3 19's really suit it in a different sort of way. Wont see many, unlike mine with CSL's... :driving:

 

[markos]

Thanks for that

I kind of feel like I should have gone for CSLs as they are the default choice when upgrading wheels on a Z4M - and they're lighter too - but these look really good in their own way: I reckon either wheel is a winner on a these cars 8)

35 rear and 33 front in mine. Think this is what the CSL runs :wink:

Car looks great by the way! Think the M3 19's really suit it in a different sort of way. Wont see many, unlike mine with CSL's... :driving:

 

[dgm]

33 rear, 32 front is my preference. The wheels look good, the only downside with the polished M3 wheels is they are difficult to keep in pristine condition, I had 2 sets and had to get them both refurbed due to general deterioration over a couple of years. The finish on them makes the repair an expensive business, over £400 a time from memory at Pristine Wheels.

 

[markos]

These guys do the best finish AFAIK for them dgm: http://www.nationalalloys.co.uk/ They polish them then lacquer them, all for £200 or so, but they only do the face of the wheels not the painted sides of the spokes... They did them on my M3 for me:

For some reason diamond cut then lacquer seems to lift and go milky but the polished and lacquered seems to last better. Either way I'll need to keep them clean and touch up any stonechips ASAP ...

 

[dgm]

That's a great finish and the price is a lot more palatable then the one I paid.

 

[olivierZ]

i've the same wheels!

http://img593.imageshack.us/i/dsc0102ph.jpg/

 

[markos]

You are a man of great taste olivierZ!