What Tires for 16 X 7.5 et20

[Slovik]

Hi Folks,

Posted this to the tire / wheel fitment post last week and didn't get an answer hope someone has answer for me. I'd like to get my new tires this week.
I'm running ESM 002 16" x 7.5" et20 on my 91 318is. I had some 225/50-16 laying around and put those on just to get some use out of them but obviously they are a bit too tall and rub. I will be putting on some lowering springs (about a 1.5" drop) shortly and need to change tires before then. Would 215/50-16 work or should I go to with the more standard 205/50-16. Want to have no rub at all if possible.

Thanks,

Seth

[IRON-E]

I'm going the 16X7.5 in the near future and the offset for my wheels is also et20, I'm thinking of going 205/45/16 only because they'll have a little stretch and won't need loads of fender pulling or rolling. I'm pretty low in the rear and was running 225/50/15. Those bitches would rub on the upper part of the inside of the rear fender when I went over a bump too fast but nothing crazy that I couldn't handle. Go to a used tires shop and see if they can test fit one for you. That's the best advice I could give you for now.

[N2MYE30]

^^you know, thats a great idea! I have a shop by me that mounts used tires for cheap. The only problem is finding those "good" sizes.

I have a set of 16x7.5 that Im on the fence about keeping and was considering running 215/40's...205/45 was my second choice though. Its gonna be a DD so the 205/45s may be better and to pull of the 215/40's, i would prolly hafta be coilover low to pull it off.

[IRON-E]

^^you know, thats a great idea! I have a shop by me that mounts used tires for cheap. The only problem is finding those "good" sizes.

I have a set of 16x7.5 that Im on the fence about keeping and was considering running 215/40's...205/45 was my second choice though. Its gonna be a DD so the 205/45s may be better and to pull of the 215/40's, i would prolly hafta be coilover low to pull it off.

I can't speak for a 215/40 tire but from my experience with a 15" wheel, the 215 and 225/50 look like balloons on my car. Beefy tires but will make your car understeer.

[evilnickwong]

I have the exact same specs on AKT throwing stars. I used to run 205/50/16 front and 215/50/16 rear, H&R sports. Great ride and good grip.

I switched to 205/45/16 all round and the feel just isn't as good, probably cause it's a slight stretch compared to previous. Also has larger fender gap which sucks. :P

Just my own experience. :)

[bmw325csi]

my fronts are 205-45r16

[N2MYE30]

I have the exact same specs on AKT throwing stars. I used to run 205/50/16 front and 215/50/16 rear, H&R sports. Great ride and good grip.

I switched to 205/45/16 all round and the feel just isn't as good, probably cause it's a slight stretch compared to previous. Also has larger fender gap which sucks. :P

Just my own experience. :)

You got pix with each of these setups by chance?

[evilnickwong]

Found some digging through my Imageshack.
Old setup, Potenza GIIIs, 205/50/16 front, 215/50/16 rear, definitely handled better in corners and felt better overall.



Current setup, Ziex 912, 205/45/16 all round.



Of course the old tires were themselves a much better performance tire as well, but I believe alot of the difference in road feel and grip was also from the beefier and IMO more suitable size.

*EDIT* I'm running on H&R sports.

[e30trooper]

Ziex 502's , 205/50/16's on a 16 x 7 1/2 borbet type C , ET 28 . Very grippe tire , when its heated it sticks great. Only down side is they dont last a long time if you push on them.

[e30trooper]

I can't speak for a 215/40 tire but from my experience with a 15" wheel, the 215 and 225/50 look like balloons on my car. Beefy tires but will make your car understeer.

BUt yours was a 15x7 , the topic is 16x7.5 ;) And Big balloony tires kinda look good but such at hard turns.

[Stephen]

205/45 if youre moderately low, 205/50 if youre not.


Or 205/55 like the beater wheels i just picked up, if you wish to go muddin'

[margas]

205/45 if youre moderately low, 205/50 if youre not.


Or 205/55 like the beater wheels i just picked up, if you wish to go muddin'

+1. If you are lowering your car I'd stick with the 205/45s. I'm lowered on H&R sports and running this size on 7.5s. No worries about rubbing and I think they look better being one size smaller in diameter. Also less tire weight = faster car!

[IRON-E]

Not my thread but thanks for the replies guys. I have learned something today :D

[ak-]

205/45 if youre moderately low, 205/50 if youre not.


Or 205/55 like the beater wheels i just picked up, if you wish to go muddin'

Pretty much this.

[Beej '86 325es]

On a 16x7.5et20 rim, with an early bodied E30, lowered or not, you can run a 225/45/16.
I had this setup for years before and after lowering the car with no rubbing issues.

Can't speak to later bodied cars.