Widest Rear Tires

[Slovik]

I have a 91 w/ s52 swap and need a little more grip at the rear, what is the widest tire I can run on my esm 002 wheels they are 16 x 8 20et. I don't want to roll my fenders if at all possible. Right now I have 205/50 -16 all around now. Will a 225/45-16 fit with out rubbing?

[bmw325csi]

No it won't fit w/o rolling. I barely got a 215/40 with minor rolling.

Btw, we have a great thread for tires and wheels. Forgot what it's called but Mystikal is the username and he is a very knowledgeable guy. I'm sure he has answered your question already multiple times.

[GunMetalGrey]

I run 225/45/16 in the rear of my late model, didn't roll for a few weeks and the tires show it a tad but it was not horrible.
Roll them flat and it fits perfect.

Sent from the future. Or my phone, who knows.

[Slovik]

Thanks for the quick answers, were you both running the same offset I am? I assume they rubbed on the outer sidewall.

[GunMetalGrey]

I was running the same wheel (not ESM, but same specs) Yes, rubbed the outer sidewall.

Best reference shot I could find

[Slovik]

Thanks, I'll roll the fenders then.

[bmw325csi]

Yea I ran the same width and offset as you. Just get them rolled, it will save you from headaches and getting new tires gouged up

[nando]

You can do wider than a 225 but not with those wheels.

[bastianshaw]

You can do wider than a 225 but not with those wheels.

keep going

[e30 gangsta]

Yeah id like to know what the best specs are for wheel sizes in the rear. Obviously a 17 inch rim is needed due to tire size availability, so would a 17x8 +25 be ideal for a 245 or 255 outback?

[E30SPDFRK]

Ok, here's a theoretical widest fitment.

Early model, rolled (slightly flared) and shaved fenders, 18x9.5 et 26 with a 285/30/18. Needs to be either a 3 piece wheel or have a slightly shaved trailing arm for inner clearance. Outside will probably still rub a little.


This is purely theoretical and will only (theoretically) work in the rear of an early model.

[CHIF8008]

i was about to say that a few people on here run like 230 somethings out back on their e30's

[einstein57]

245/45/16 on 16x8 et23 wheels









255/40/17 (run like 275s) on 17x10 et -3

[dmoney(AB)]

I run 245/35r17 on a 17x9 et23

[Eric]

Stop buying shitty tires! The current "extreme performance summer" is as sticky as DOT-R stuff 10 years ago and they wear well. You can get re-11's in 245/40/16.