[J555]

Hey guys,

I have spent so much time trying to find the answers by myself, but need your help, please...

I have F31 LCI 340i with x-drive, M adaptive dampers, and M performance brakes. My car came originally with 442m wheels and staggered 225/255 Potenza's S001 run-flats. Finally, these trashy tires are gone, but cannot sort out, what to do next... especially as there are not many x-drives around, it seems.

What I am looking for:
- new summer setup
- good looks and handling, while preserving decent level of ride quality
- ditching the run-flats (for MPS4S, GYEF1SS of GYEF1A5, in this order, based on the available tire sizes)
- no lowering planned due to quite bad roads and high curbs everywhere
- indeed, no risk of rubbing...

Currently considering these three options:

1. Keeping the 442m wheels
In general, I like the design of these wheels. But not happy with the standard staggered tire setup and with its appearance (wheels deep in the wheel well, with big fender gap).

Q1: To reduce the fender gap and improve the ride quality, can I wear a set of 245/40 tires squared?

Q2: Primarily to improve the looks, can I still go for the often recommended spacers - 12 mm front, 15/20 mm back?


2. Buying a new set of wheels
Considering the 442m's are quite heavy, there are more attractive designs around and I am not sure if using spacers is a good idea (not to mention the price), I am considering buying new wheels instead. While 19" rims look to me as the best compromise between visuals, driving dynamics and ride quality, what would you suggest?

Q3: Are there any particular rim specs considered to be the best, as 8.5x19 front, 9.5x19 back? Or 9x19, 10x19? With what ET's?

Q4: How far can I go with the tire sizes, to get wider tires (not happy with the behavior of the car on standard 225's) and to fill the extra fender gap of x-drive? Would it work and make sense to go square, again with the meatier 245/40? Or staggered with e.g. 245/40 + 275/35?


3. Going a bit crazy
You know, searching for the answers made me wondering if... As I like the idea of doing it wrong and fit some nice classic M wheels to my car, what is your opinion on this idea...

Q5: It seems it is possible to fit wheels as 373M (9x20" ET44 square) or even 343M (9x20" ET32 square), correct? Is there any tire size able to decently fill the fender gap to not compromise the ride quality too much and... not making the car looks completely stupid with huge wheels, small sidewalls and huge fender gap?


Any advice or comment would be greatly appreciated... selecting new wheels or tires is usually good fun, but I got lost this time

[alohasurftoad]

you can do all any of those options you stated except for 373M square.

personally i'd go rotary forged or better, sizes 19x8.5(or 9) ET30-35, 19x9.5(or10) ET40-45

235/40/19-265/35/19 MPS4S. i do not know what GYEF tires are

[J555]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

you can do all any of those options you stated except for 373M square.

personally i'd go rotary forged or better, sizes 19x8.5(or 9) ET30-35, 19x9.5(or10) ET40-45

235/40/19-265/35/19 MPS4S. i do not know what GYEF tires are

Many thanks, sir!

I meant Goodyear's Eagle F1 (either Supersports or Assy 5).

[alohasurftoad]

Ahh...definitely MPS4S over GYEF1

[J555]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

Ahh...definitely MPS4S over GYEF1

Sure, I am satisfied user of Eagle F1's, but with all what I've read here I'll buy MPS4S, if dimensions allow. Thank you!

[J555]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

personally i'd go rotary forged or better, sizes 19x8.5(or 9) ET30-35, 19x9.5(or10) ET40-45 235/40/19-265/35/19 MPS4S.

Before pulling the trigger, may I ask for one more thing in regard of tire sizes?

Sticking to your suggestion, I am about to order a set of 19x8.5 ET35 / 19x9.5 ET42 wheels. Is there any problem to fit these wheels with 245/40/19+275/35/19 MPS4S's to get higher sidewall, reduce the fender gap and get wider front tires?

As I am not concerned about speedo difference (can easily code it) and even the price is the same, is that a stupid idea?

[alohasurftoad]

You can use that size combo

[J555]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

You can use that size combo

Many thanks for confirmation!