[Joopster]

Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations on summer performance tires.

What non run-flat tires would you recommend? Any size recommendations? I'm wondering if should I stick with my standard 225/45/18 setup or get a different size? Also, I live in Montreal and constantly drive on plenty of broken roads (potholes, etc.). What can you tell me about ride quality if I go with a different size?

By the way, my current tires are 18" Continental Pro Contact run flats (225/45/18). They came with my F30 on delivery.

Greatly appreciate any advice.

[.BMW.]

I would suggest either 235/45-18 or 245/45-18, it results in slightly more sidewall and rim protection.

The ride quality will improve when you leave run-flats for regular tires, and the handling would improve if you choose slightly wider tires. A possible drawback with wider tires might be tramlining, but I wouldn't expect much difference for tires that are 10 or 20mm wider.

Michelin PSS are the reference for summer performance tires on this forum, available in both sizes I mentioned above.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by ss0803

I would suggest either 235/45-18 or 245/45-18, it results in slightly more sidewall and rim protection.

The ride quality will improve when you leave run-flats for regular tires, and the handling would improve if you choose slightly wider tires. A possible drawback with wider tires might be tramlining, but I wouldn't expect much difference for tires that are 10 or 20mm wider.

Michelin PSS are the reference for summer performance tires on this forum, available in both sizes I mentioned above.

Will 245/45/18 fit on the front without rubbing?

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

Will 245/45/18 fit on the front without rubbing?

Yes!

There are many members on the forum with 245/40-19 or 245/35-20 front tires that has the same overall diameter as 245/45-18.

These are often mounted on 8.5" or 9" wide aftermarket wheels, the OEM wheel is 8" wide so the risk of rubbing is even lower (if offset is the same).

[Joopster]

Originally Posted by ss0803

I would suggest either 235/45-18 or 245/45-18, it results in slightly more sidewall and rim protection.

The ride quality will improve when you leave run-flats for regular tires, and the handling would improve if you choose slightly wider tires. A possible drawback with wider tires might be tramlining, but I wouldn't expect much difference for tires that are 10 or 20mm wider.

Michelin PSS are the reference for summer performance tires on this forum, available in both sizes I mentioned above.

Thanks for your feedback. My current runflats are reaching the end of their days (I feel my F30 has been taking a beating in them on our rough roads here). I'm seriously thinking of going with your recommendation of 235/45/18. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport are what I had in mind, as well.

Just curious, anyone have on 235/45/18's? How do you like your ride quality and handling?

[Joopster]

So I decided I'm probably going with Michelin PSS 245/40/18 all around. Will post some pics once I get them on.

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by JooFoo

So I decided I'm probably going with Michelin PSS 245/40/18 all around.

245/40-18 will have shorter sidewall than OEM 225/45-18.

Just for your information since you mentioned bad roads and potholes in your first post.

That's why I recommended 235/45 or 245/45, both with a bit more width and sidewall height.

[Joopster]

Originally Posted by ss0803

245/40-18 will have shorter sidewall than OEM 225/45-18.

Just for your information since you mentioned bad roads and potholes in your first post.

That's why I recommended 235/45 or 245/45, both with a bit more width and sidewall height.

Thanks again, and you're absolutely right about having more sidewall as extra protection against bad roads. Your recommendation made a lot of sense to me.

The reason I'm considering 245/40/18 is for the slightly better look. I know I'll be getting less protection. Do you think putting tires of this size on my OEM rims will be a big compromise or cause any problems otherwise (rubbing, etc.)?

By the way, my OEM rims are style 397 - 18" 18x8 225/45/18 front and rear.

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by JooFoo

.....
I'm considering ... 245/40/18 ... Do you think putting tires of this size on my OEM rims will cause any problems otherwise (rubbing, etc.)?

By the way, my OEM rims are style 397 - 18" 18x8 225/45/18 front and rear.

I have 245/40-18 tires on my 2013 F30 with 18 x 8 rims and have not had any problems.

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by JooFoo

The reason I'm considering 245/40/18 is for the slightly better look. I know I'll be getting less protection. Do you think putting tires of this size on my OEM rims will be a big compromise or cause any problems otherwise (rubbing, etc.)?

245/40-18 is a great choice on 397 wheels, no issues with rubbing.

I just wanted to make sure that I haven't misled you in one of my previous posts (regarding tire widths vs sidewall height).

Post some pics when you have the new tires mounted!