Toyo Proxes T1R brand new!!! $below cost

[sharkmanbmw]

2 tires, brand new, 255/40/17
$200 each, retails over $360

brand new model
bought 2 weeks ago, then bought new car (not smart I know! but you get a deal!!!)

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Just in case you don't know, these tires will fit the rear of your xi with wheels that have an offset of ET45.

This is what I have on my E46/325xiT. 255/40/17 and 225/45/17

[sharkmanbmw]

Just in case you don't know, these tires will fit the rear of your xi with wheels that have an offset of ET45.

This is what I have on my E46/325xiT. 255/40/17 and 225/45/17


thanks for the tip... I am new to the 3 series... I did think of buying new wheels for the xi
what wheels would I need, or would be suggested?
Have you lowered your xi?
your pointers are welcomed!

thanks,
Chris

[Turbo_Bimmer]

The wheel market is very wide. It all depends on what you want. I personnaly decided to stay with the 17" rim size because of the quantity of potholes in Montreal. 18" look better, but are easier to bend. They are also heavier than 17, so it is more rotational mass to turn and may affect a bit the performance, if performance is important to you.

On the xi, because of the AWD system, it is very important to have 4 tires of the same diameter, or very close. I choose to have a staggered setup (wider at the rear) only for cosmetic reasons. It looks good, but I can't do tire rotation, so, they will wear faster. If you want 4 tires the same width, most people use 225s all around. 235 all around can be used, but you need to be carefull on the offset you choose because the front will either rub on the strut or stick out of the fender. My tires are 255-40-17 and 225-45-17. They have the same diameter.
If you can find a used set of M68 wheels (M package from BMW offered on the 330) that would be a good pick, but usually, they sell for almost the price of brand new aftermarket wheels. M68 are a staggered setup though.

My car is not lowered. I which it was. Most of people lowering their xi use H&R springs. It drops the car 1.25" for 400-500$. Another option is to use a coilover suspension. With that kind of suspension, you can lower the car for summer, and bring it back to the original height for winter. But the price is around $1200USD plus shipping/customs etc.
If I can stop spending money on my E30, I may buy a set of H&R.

If you have any other questions, just ask me.



thanks for the tip... I am new to the 3 series... I did think of buying new wheels for the xi
what wheels would I need, or would be suggested?
Have you lowered your xi?
your pointers are welcomed!

thanks,
Chris

[sharkmanbmw]

my 540 has 235 front and 255 rear, I like the handling, but have also heard that xi should be the same all the way around.
I can get a set of Fast replica bmw wheels for $175 each, but they are cheap, I would prefer OEM, and will pay for them, but where do I look?
I think I will leave the suspension - we'll see.
225 all around is ok with me, do you have a pic of the M68 wheel??
http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/

[Emre]

but have also heard that xi should be the same all the way around.Generally speaking, when it comes to AWD cars you need to make sure you have the same tire diameter at all 4 corners. Otherwise, you can overheat your center differential/transfer case. Tire width is not really that important as long as the overall diameter is the same.

Emre

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Like Emre said, on an AWD it's the diameter that is important to keep very close.
With my 255 and 225, there is a difference of 0.06" in diameter, which is nothing.
On my doorjam, BMW lists a 'sport' setup with 245 and 225. The difference of the BMW setup is bigger; 0.26" , so I think there is a bit of tolerence in the BMW AWD system in regard to the difference of diameter. The reason for that I think is because BMW uses an open center differential. Other cars like the WRX, and the EVO use a viscous coupling center differential which are very touchy about the tires diameter difference F/R

[sharkmanbmw]

Like Emre said, on an AWD it's the diameter that is important to keep very close.
With my 255 and 225, there is a difference of 0.06" in diameter, which is nothing.
On my doorjam, BMW lists a 'sport' setup with 245 and 225. The difference of the BMW setup is bigger; 0.26" , so I think there is a bit of tolerence in the BMW AWD system in regard to the difference of diameter. The reason for that I think is because BMW uses an open center differential. Other cars like the WRX, and the EVO use a viscous coupling center differential which are very touchy about the tires diameter difference F/R

great info, thanks!:eek:

now, where can I get some well priced OEM wheels in Canada? anyone have contacts, used is ok!
something like these...

http://www.modbargains.com/popup_zoom_img.asp?pid=bmw-e46-wheels005&imgIndex=3 (http://www.modbargains.com/popup_zoom_img.asp?pid=bmw-e46-wheels005&imgIndex=3)
and the style 125 here...
http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e46/7066379-1.html