Newbie Question

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Howdy all,

I'm new to the Club!  I purchased a 1991 318I with 74k original miles, full records back to purchase, off of an old lady!  It's super clean and drives great.  After a week to work on it, it gets a pretty damn near perfect bill of health.  I'll post pics up real soon!  I haven't even had time to detail it yet, but it's clean!

Anyways, my question.  The son of the lady I purchased the car just put some new tires on the 15" rims.  They're pretty nice Falken summers (have steelies for the winter).  Anyways, he put on 205/60/15's instead of 205/55/15's.  I actually like how they look on the stock springs, and will probably wait a bit to sort other stuff out before dropping it.  Is it ok to ride on these taller tires for a bit??  They're brand spanking new.  I haven't experienced any rubbing yet, I even did some sharp turns on some speed bumps =]

[FL318is]

Congrats on the buy.  

Sounds sweet!  As far as the 60 vs 55, I don't think is an issue.  The guys will correct if I'm wrong.  That number reps the wall height ratio to tyre width.  I have run different height tyres and not noticed any issues.  About the only thing I would caution against is going to a smaller sidewall with larger height rims.  It becomes easier to bend a rim without enough wall height between rim and road.  

Have fun and get those pics up!

[ak96ss]

Yeah, you should be fine. Your speedo will be off a bit (http://www.web-cars.com/math/tiresize.html) but not enough to really worry about.

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Thanks for the speedy repsonses!  I figured I'd be ok, and I actually like how they look a little oversized.  It looks like it's dropped already, minus the $250 for sport springs =]  I'd rather work on some other stuff first, like the oil pan gaskets and bushing/CABS/etc...

I do have some pics the seller provided before I drove up to check it out.  I'll make a formal intro post later, at work now  I am a professional photographer (though not cars really), so I want to do a proper photoshoot after I clay and wax it.  It's Alpine II btw.

Also, I found this board when I was planning to drive up to check out the car.  I had a week where it was held for me while the seller was out of town.  Anyways, the board provided priceless info going into the purchase!  I'm proud to be a member here

[D. Clay]

The tire is larger overall diameter and will give you a slower speedometer/odometer reading. But officer, ........ I use TireRack.com for tires. Their specs give you the overall diameter of each tire. The same nominal tire size can be up to .5" different overall diameter between brands.
I have 17" wheels and bought tires for a heavier car (stiffer sidewall) at TireRack's suggestion due to the possibility of bashing a rim like FL318is mentioned. Also gives a firmer ride.
You're lucky also to have 15". If they're original they're probably basketweaves. If you buy new wheels later on, I would be in the market for 15" weaves.

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Actually, the 15s are aftermarket 5 point mags from 2001.  They look new, but I had to rebalance one at my buddies place.  Looks to be bent slightly.  They're just Borbet rims, I think 99$ a piece, so I'll probably just replace the bent one and use it as a 15" spare.  The winters are on stock 14" steelies with hubcaps =(  Eventually, I'll pony up for nicer rims.  I like how they look, just a so so brand.  Cosmetically, the car is definitely nothing to be ashamed of at this point, so the cosmetic stuff is last for me at this point.  Mechanical/maintenence/performance work is top of the list =]

[m42 fan]

Welcome aboard, and great pickup, especially with the low miles!  One thing to make sure of with such low mileage is if the profile gasket has been taken care of.  If it was going to cause a problem, it would be at the mileage you are at now.

I'd be surprised if it has not been done yet, but it's always better to make sure before something bad happens

Brian

[ak96ss]

{s******} Butterbar!

Ooooh, language filters!

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I'll have to double check the service records, but the owner mentioned putting in a new "head gasket" in 2001 at the dealership to fix a factory defect.  I assume this is the profile gasket, most people incorrectly call it a head gasket.  Thanx for the heads up though Brian!

[m42 fan]

{s******} Butterbar!

Ooooh, language filters!

What, the "Naval Officer Crest" avatar didn't bother you, but the "Ensign" one does?:rolleyes:

Don't worry, I'm in a position where there is no chance whatsoever that I'll be able to issue any retarded orders until I put on JG.  Heck, I'm still a professional vacationer until the Navy decides they want me in a class

Brian

[ak96ss]

No, I just like making fun of butterbars!    Mmmmmm....  Tasty!

I went over 20 last month (Army, though). Once my wife is retired (01 NOV) and employed elsewhere, I can drop my retirement paperwork!

[FL318is]

...then out.  NAS Meridian NATC Pax River.  Loved Georgetown.

[m42 fan]

No, I just like making fun of butterbars!    Mmmmmm....  Tasty!

I went over 20 last month (Army, though). Once my wife is retired (01 NOV) and employed elsewhere, I can drop my retirement paperwork!

It's never too early to start thinking about retirement. 8 1/2 down, 11 1/2 to go!  That prior E pay is nice too:)

Brian