16s vs 17s

[Bmr]

I wouldn't worry, undersized tires are pretty popular for stretch/stance. are there still lots of 215/40R17s?



Uh.. how many 235s are there in 15 or 16" fitment that are ~24" diameter? one? (toyo R888 )

s-drive, g-force kdw, advan, ecsta, direzza, just a couple. 215 45 17 on a 9" is a little less than 3% over stock. Still has a lot of meat.

For those 235's on a 15/16 i would say, zero. lol

[nando]

I wouldn't worry, undersized tires are pretty popular for stretch/stance. are there still lots of 215/40R17s?

I agree, 17 tire sizes are too limiting now. Anything bigger than 24.4in diameter in front is a hassle, and running less than 235s is limiting my traction too much.

Uh.. how many 235s are there in 15 or 16" fitment that are ~24" diameter? one? (toyo R888 )

[wazzu70]

Its unfortunate even though 17" tires are plentiful, the sidewall ratios are mostly incorrect for older applications.

There is a decent amount of 40 series tires in 17", but I always wonder for how long!

[Bmr]

I understand, but unfortunately these are custom WORK wheels and narrower hoops are NLA as far as I can see.

IMO, the fitment is perfect...

I have to agree with you on that. Looks nice!

Also of topic. I had sent you a email regarding suspension setup on my e30. Wondering if you ever got it?

[DRTSRFR]

If you want correct fitment then you wouldn't want to go with a wider wheel, 7" or 8" is just fine for wideness.

I understand, but unfortunately these are custom WORK wheels and narrower hoops are NLA as far as I can see.

IMO, the fitment is perfect...

[Bmr]

I am running 17 on my e30, more tire sizes at less money than almost all wide 16" tires. Bigger brake combos fit with ease.

Get low and fit some nice wide 17"s in there. 15 and 16 look small. But a 15/16 is better for a daily with rough roads. Taller tires=softer ride.

Boils down to how wide you want your tires and what you are going for in the looks department. GL man

I agree 17" fill the wheel well nicely. I hate gaps on the side.
A 17" with 225 up is going to be the same ride as 15 and 16"

I prefer 17s with correct fitment.

Unfortunately I'm on 17X9s in the rear and need 245 35 17 for good fit with no stretch which are no longer made...except in R comps.

Bought the last set I could find in the US last year, don't know what I'm going to do next.

If you want correct fitment then you wouldn't want to go with a wider wheel, 7" or 8" is just fine for wideness.

235

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=235%2F&ratio=40&diameter=17

255

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=255%2F&ratio=40&diameter=17

Examples here.

You want to be closer to that 3% speedometer I would think. It is based off 100 mph, but then the father away you get the lower/higher it goes with %

I agree, 17 tire sizes are too limiting now. Anything bigger than 24.4in diameter in front is a hassle, and running less than 235s is limiting my traction too much.

Really? Show me that 17's are limited over 15" and 16". Because when my bud pulls up tires on his workstation at Discount there's over 100+ tires he could list.

Like i said before It's how much you want to pay and choice of brand of tire you want. I have lots of data to show this if you want. I'm not trying to prove anyone wrong, just clarifying what i know from one of the largest tire companies in the US.

[R3Z3N]

I prefer 17s with correct fitment.

Unfortunately I'm on 17X9s in the rear and need 245 35 17 for good fit with no stretch which are no longer made...except in R comps.

Bought the last set I could find in the US last year, don't know what I'm going to do next.

I agree, 17 tire sizes are too limiting now. Anything bigger than 24.4in diameter in front is a hassle, and running less than 235s is limiting my traction too much.

[MC Hammered]

They still have NOS 245/35/17 for sale on eBay.

Found a pair of Goodyear F1-GS for $350 shipped but decided to go with 235/40/17 Toyo T1 Sport instead. I can forward you the seller link if you are interested.

[DRTSRFR]

I prefer 17s with correct fitment.

Unfortunately I'm on 17X9s in the rear and need 245 35 17 for good fit with no stretch which are no longer made...except in R comps.

Bought the last set I could find in the US last year, don't know what I'm going to do next.

[F34R]

I am running 17 on my e30, more tire sizes at less money than almost all wide 16" tires. Bigger brake combos fit with ease.

Get low and fit some nice wide 17"s in there. 15 and 16 look small. But a 15/16 is better for a daily with rough roads. Taller tires=softer ride.

Boils down to how wide you want your tires and what you are going for in the looks department. GL man

[Bmr]

My best bud works Discount Tire around where i live. He pretty much said 15" and 16" are getting more and more limited when choosing performance tires. But, you jump up to 17" he can get you pretty much any tire any size any manufacturer.

I guess its all about your preference and what you want to pay. About 4 years ago got a set of all season g-force super sports for less than $415 because they were 17". The 16" tires i wanted were about $123 a tire to go with the wheels. So i payed about $1200 for my wheels and tires. If i would have went with the 16" he estimated I would have payed around $1500+

17x8.5 with +25 in the front will clear, you do have to take out plastic wheel well, and 17x9 with +20 in the rear with no spacers, with a 2"+ drop, that's is pretty low. I know around here in Bellingham, I have already went through 4 oil pans. I couldn't imagine if i were running 16".

[UpstateMike]

17" bbs style 5's filled and drilled

[SmokeE30]

I run 16s and tire selection isn't great but it's not terrible, I think 16s fit the e30 wheel wells perfectly. That said I am thinking about 15 or 17 just for more tire selection but currently there is enough 16in offerings to keep me satisfied

[MF DOOM]

i have 17s.
































i wish they were 16s....

[nando]

Nando is right. Unfortunately 17 inch wheels come in Japanese multi lugs and offsets, and are fugly. I don't know why Bmw doesn't commission some good looking 4x100, 30-20mm offset, 57.1 cb wheels to be produced for the E21 / / E30. After all, the E21 / E30 is what put them on the map. IJS.

There are actually lots of good direct fit wheels, they just cost lots of money.