Author Topic: How wide can you go? (Read 3990 times)

ClodKing · « **on:** May 22, 2008, 05:14:56 PM »

Tires on my car are a little over 8 years old, and they need to be replaced.

There is still alot of tead left. But the tires a cracking in between the ribs, and the passenger front loses air slowly.

I think I could sneak them past the safety inspection, because they don't honestly look too bad, but I would know they are bad. You know what I mean??

So my car currently runs 195/65R14's I was wondering if I could go to 205/65, or even 215.

My car has the stock basket weaves, and I do not plan on changing wheels anytime soon (or at all for that matter, they look good the way they are).

I just wanted to know how wide I could go with a stock suspension, and wheel setup....

tinindian · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2008, 09:36:19 PM »

You can go with a 205/60/14 on the basketweave and it will be about .4" shorter than the original size and they fit without any rubbing. A 215/60/14 would be just a touch taller the the original size and I would imagin that they would have no rubbing issues either. The problem with these sizes is that you don't have many choices in tires. I went with the 205/60/14 Sumitomo HTR 200 from tirerack.com for $46 and for a daily driver they are pretty good.

ClodKing · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2008, 08:04:54 AM »

I saw those tires, and thought they were only for summer.

But yeah, I saw that there weren't many tire choices in those sizes.

I wonder if a 15" wheel would open up size choices? I know it does for offroad tires....

tinindian · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2008, 08:39:52 AM »

They are a summer only tire, but I only drive my car in the summer.

15" would open up your choices. I'm running 205/55/15 on my other car and that size is a great fit, they are 24" tall same as the 195/65/14.

batsbats · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2008, 09:46:48 AM »

Anyone with the M3 offset bushings have rubbing issue with 205/60/14 on baskets?

christophbmw · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2008, 06:00:24 PM »

i would do 205's max, you could fit a 215 on there but then the sidewall of the tire would be at a funky angle and your handling/tire performance would DRASTICALLY be reduced. Heck with some tires on the stock wheels you would actually get better road handling and grip with a 195 tire.....unless you get upgraded wider wheels.

nomad · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2008, 09:49:01 PM »

205 is fine. Many good tire choices and a slightly larger footprint.
The 14" baskets are 6.5" wide? Or are they just 6"? Either way that's fine for 205/60, no need to go larger.

15 is a sweet spot as there are lots of tire options. on a 15x7 you can go to 225/50 but not sure you want/need to. Stick with 215/50 or even 205/55 on a 15x7

tinindian · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2008, 08:42:06 AM »

14" baskets are 6.5"
14" bottlecaps 6"
15" euro baskets 7"

nomad · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2008, 09:07:53 AM »

I figured they were 6.5"
205/60 should be the perfect size

tinindian · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2008, 10:55:46 AM »

I have 205/55/15 on my 318i with some 5 spoke 15" x 6" and they work great. On my 318is I'm running 205/60/14 on the basketweaves and they are great as well, they look a little wider because of the 6.5" width on the wheel, height wise there is very little difference.

318kid · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2008, 05:09:01 PM »

I have 195/60/14 on my 318is and they are just fine. My dad has 195/65/14 and they feel about the same. I have falken ze912, only had them for about 5,000 miles but they are pretty good for an all season.

Bunta · « **Reply #11 on:** May 29, 2008, 05:55:28 PM »

225/50/15

I really think its too much tire for the 318. The car has endless grip but is noticeably slower over the 195/65/14s on the stock weaves.
Ill burn these up then get some 205/50/15 Azenis:D.
If you have 14" wheels get 205/60s.

Hunter