215/45 and 225/45 on stock 17 X 6.5

[Mazda_Thr3]

Okay, i've searched and cant find too much info on these 2 sizes of tires. Im almost to the end of my Goodyear Eagls RSA(sucka** tires) and want to replace mine with tires i already selected. Kumho Ecsta ASX( i need an all season tire). question is, i know the 215/45 is fine, jsut smaller and will read 2mph faster roughly than i am actually going. i am used to running really wide tires on my previous bmw and would like to put 225/45s on this car. i've read, they are too wide for a stock 3i touring value 17" rim as well as heard that it would be fine. those of you running the 225/45, any issues with it at all? im talking treadware, handling, etc. is it too much tire for the rim? will it stick out ridiculously? Pics are nice too.....please help

 

[BT Automotive]

I think the issue is rubbing because of the size.

 

[thunder]

I'm interested as well in this. I don't think there are issues concerning rubbing, at least on stock suspension. On my last car, an M3 Sport GT, I put RX-8 wheels with 215-40-18 (the overall diameter was I think 2% larger than stock). The was still lots of room to spare.

My question is more relative to how wide we can go on the oem rim size

 

[lucaspl88]

on stock wheels.. 17x6.5 I wouldnt recommend going with anything over 215/50/17

 

[jus10 msp]

I have 215/50 R17 on my stock wheels. They only rub if you turn the wheel all the way to the right or left.

 

[lucaspl88]

if rubbing is an issue, i would go with 215/45/17

 

[sunrun176]

Can't resist chiming in..

www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp

Really useful for comparing wheel/tire setups.

 

[Zoomzoom17]

Can't resist chiming in..

www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp

Really useful for comparing wheel/tire setups.

Damn, very helpful. Speed won't change as much as I thought it would moving from 16's to 17's.

Okay, this may make me sound like an idiot, but What do the numbers mean? Like 205/50-16 is my stock I believe. I understand 50 is offset but what exactly is the offset and what is the 205? And what tire size to use for 17x7.5 MOTEGI TRACKLITES?

 

[sunrun176]

Damn, very helpful. Speed won't change as much as I thought it would moving from 16's to 17's.

Okay, this may make me sound like an idiot, but What do the numbers mean? Like 205/50-16 is my stock I believe. I understand 50 is offset but what exactly is the offset and what is the 205? And what tire size to use for 17x7.5 MOTEGI TRACKLITES?

Actually, most people don't know what all the data stamped on the sidewall means.

In "205/50R15": the '205' refers to the Cross-Section Width (inboard side to outboard side) of the tread in millimeters; the '50' refers to the ratio of sidewall height to cross-section width, in this case 50% or roughly 102.5mm; the 'R' is for Radial as opposed to Bias-Ply; the '16' is the wheel diameter in inches.

Here's a link that will explain that and the rest, such as load index and speed ratings, treadwear ratings, etc.:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...es/how-to-read-a-tire-1205/overview/index.htm

Regarding the offset, that's the distance between the vertical center of the tire along its rotational plane and the mounting surface, with '0' indicating that they're the same, positive numbers indicating that the mounting surface is 'x' millimeters toward the outside and negative numbers indicating that the mounting surface is 'x' millimeters toward the inside.

At the wheelsmaster site I referenced before, try playing with the offset numbers and see what effect it has on the graphical representation of the wheel.

 

[dredman]

I have 215/45/17s on my OEM 17" rims, and I have absolutely no fitment issues with them. No rubbing or touching either at full lock or when going over gentle bumps at speed. My car has the stock suspension - no lowering springs or performance shocks.
They look great too - the sidewalls don't stick out at all past the rim.
The one drawback with these is that the ride is a bit harsher than the already firm OEM ride over potholes and rough roads, plus the greater likelihood of damaging your rim - both due to the shorter sidewall.

 

[Mazda_Thr3]

^^^is it that much of a noticeable change from a 205/50 to a 215/45? that was my only main concern since i decided on 215/45's. the tires were a few dollars cheaper and the tire is a bit wider, but i didnt think it would make it much more harsh than it already is

 

[dredman]

Sorry for the late reply...
I've only ever had 215/45's on my car - got it with them. However, I've driven in a friend's 3 with the stock 205/50's and his car seems a bit kinder over harsh bumps, but nothing to talk about unless you drive at speed over REALLY bad road.
Not that i mind the trade off given the gain steering response anyway

 

[thunder]

I have 215/45/17s on my OEM 17" rims, and I have absolutely no fitment issues with them. No rubbing or touching either at full lock or when going over gentle bumps at speed. My car has the stock suspension - no lowering springs or performance shocks.
They look great too - the sidewalls don't stick out at all past the rim.
The one drawback with these is that the ride is a bit harsher than the already firm OEM ride over potholes and rough roads, plus the greater likelihood of damaging your rim - both due to the shorter sidewall.

Great! That's the answer I was hoping for. There are great choices on tires sized 215/45/17

 

[kulka89]

yup
215/45/17

 

[Mazda_Thr3]

sold im going 215. it cant be that much worse with 215/45s on oklahoma roads(which are rated pretty bad too)