Tire height

[RobE30]

I'm running 205/55r15's now and they are 24" dia. If I get what I want, something in the 16x8 range, I'd like to run something in the 225/45 range which is also 24" dia. The issue I'm finding is there are very few options in this size. 225/50r16's are an option, but they are 24.9"dia. I'm not real low (Eibachs, about 1.5" drop) so I think they'd fit, but I don't want to look like a damn 4x4! I also don't want to stretch the tires. Thought, experiences, options etc? Thanks

[Philo]

16x8 Either a 215/45 or a 225/45. Those are the only two choices without stretching and without being undersized/oversized.

[Ian F]

Yeah, this is an issue I've noticed since I bought my car. Another option is the 205/50-16, but is slightly on the narrow side.

I've been looking at 225/45-16 tires as well (Toyo, right?).

205/50-15's seem to be popular and don't look too bad... although my car seems geared too low as-is, so going with an even shorter tire would make that even worse. The 225/45-15 RS3 is roughly the same diameter.

Another down-side to the 225/50-16 is it is heavier tire as well as being taller.

Honestly, the lack of tires makes the E30 a difficult car to love if you're main concern is performance (auto-x in my case).

[straight6pwr]

Yeah, this is an issue I've noticed since I bought my car. Another option is the 205/50-16, but is slightly on the narrow side.

I've been looking at 225/45-16 tires as well (Toyo, right?).

205/50-15's seem to be popular and don't look too bad... although my car seems geared too low as-is, so going with an even shorter tire would make that even worse. The 225/45-15 RS3 is roughly the same diameter.

Another down-side to the 225/50-16 is it is heavier tire as well as being taller.

Honestly, the lack of tires makes the E30 a difficult car to love if you're main concern is performance (auto-x in my case).

you find a lack of tires only because your wheel diameter choice is not conducive. go to 15" or 17" and there are many around in the appropriate sizes.

[MR 325]

Not sure what tires you are after but a friend also is running 16x8 wheels. His tired are Nexen N3000 and they run wide. A 205/50 looks right at home on the fronts, no stretch. I am running these tires on my S50 car and I like them a lot.

[Philo]

There are enough tires in the 225/45 arena to fit your needs. Falken fks, toyos, and some cheap nexens. That's the size I recommend.

[Ian F]

you find a lack of tires only because your wheel diameter choice is not conducive. go to 15" or 17" and there are many around in the appropriate sizes.

That depends on what you're looking for in a tire. I'm only interested in tires in the 140-200 treadwear range (auto-x STX class). My car is not a daily driver and sits 95% of the time.

[RobE30]

My car gets driven between 5000-7000 miles a year. During foul weather months, I'm planning on having snows. During summer months I usually ride my bike for trips under 20 miles or light grocery store trips. I'm looking for a decent "all around" tire. I found some Maxxis tires in the 225/45 16 size but haven't found much feedback on them.