Yet another tire size/offset question

[wcelliot]

I've read the archives as closely as possible and there seems to be a difference of opinion of whether a 225/50-15 tire will fit on a later E30 (1990 vert) on a 15x7 ET20 rim. Complicating matters are a set of H&R springs...

It seems that those folks successfully running such a combo are either doing it on a stock height car and/or with an earlier (pre '88) E30...

Looking at a set of 205/55-15 on my other 1990 E30 (on 15x7 ET25 rims) I don't think there would be room for a 225...especially on a lower offset rim... but them this car is very very low (much lower than the H&R sprung car)

I absolutely do not want to roll fenders and absolutely don't want rubbing (it's the wife's car...)... am I stuck with a 205/55-15 on these rims?

Thanks!
Bill

[O 16581 72452 5]

Rolling isn't a big deal at all, you'll never notice it. You should have no issue fitting 225s though, i am however on an '87, but i ran 225s in the back with a 12mm offset no rubbing issues. I had alot of room between the tire and touching anything on the back side of the rim, but had to roll the fender due to my offset.

[wcelliot]

I've rolled several sets of fenders... not interested in doing tha on this particular car.

Thanks!
Bill

[2002maniac]

I ran 225/50/15 on 15x7 et17 Kosei's for a while with no fender rolling on my car. They never rubbed once.

Suspension at the time was as such:

GC coilovers with bilstiens
-2.5 degree fixed camber plates

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

Do you really need that wide of a tire on your wife's car?

I know that it's not always about making comprimises, but you've got to weigh your options.

A 7" wide wheel is pretty narrow, 205 would look fine on it, obviously it won't perform as well as 225 but does your wife really need that extra tire width? They say, that the extra width of the tire is not really for a larger contact patch (although it helps a little) but more of a way to help the tire dissipate heat built up.

I honestly think 225 is too wide and would look bunched up on a 7" wide wheel.

Don't forget that the factory tire size is 195-205/60-14 so 205 should be a normal deal for an E30.

[wcelliot]

No, you're right... "need" isn't part of the equation... ;-)

Sweet looking cab you have there!!

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll go "safe" with the 205...
Bill

[Mystikal]

15x7 ET20 225/50/15:



I loved the look, and it did not rub until I lowered the rear more (tucking slightly) and had more than 3 people in the car.

But, as you already decided, 205/55 is more than enough tire for the needs.