19 to 18 for Winter

studio5 · 10-18-2013, 06:43 AM

When I had my 2004 330, I decided to switch from 17" to 18". In doing so, there was a noticeable gap between the top of the tire and the tire well, which made the car look silly.

Now, it got me thinking of my 2013 335is, if I were to downsize from 19" to 18" for the winter, will I expect tire rubbing, since it would seem logical that the gap between the tire and well would be smaller.

Or am I missing something there?

I know people don't recommend riding 19" in the winter time, but I usually don't drive a lot with the car during the winter season. I do however live on an incline hill and driveway that will require either all-weather or dedicated snow tires. Summer tires are just not going to work.

Thanks for your help!

MonacoBlueE90 · 10-18-2013, 01:39 PM

The wheel size has nothing to do with the gap between fender and tyre. Its optical illusion. Bigger wheels make the gap look bigger. Only way to eliminate it, is by lowering the car. You change your tyre profile to match the wheel size.

Like this way. Most common stock sizes
17 inch 225/45/17 front 255/40/18 rear
18 inch 225/40/18 front 255/35/18 rear
19 inch 225/35/19 front 255/30/19 rear.

10-18-2013, 06:43 AM	#1
studio5 Private 1 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 335is Convertible Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 335is Convertible [0.00]	19 to 18 for Winter When I had my 2004 330, I decided to switch from 17" to 18". In doing so, there was a noticeable gap between the top of the tire and the tire well, which made the car look silly. Now, it got me thinking of my 2013 335is, if I were to downsize from 19" to 18" for the winter, will I expect tire rubbing, since it would seem logical that the gap between the tire and well would be smaller. Or am I missing something there? I know people don't recommend riding 19" in the winter time, but I usually don't drive a lot with the car during the winter season. I do however live on an incline hill and driveway that will require either all-weather or dedicated snow tires. Summer tires are just not going to work. Thanks for your help!
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10-18-2013, 01:39 PM	#2
MonacoBlueE90 Colonel 163 Rep 2,823 Posts Drives: BMW E90 320D Half-LCI Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	The wheel size has nothing to do with the gap between fender and tyre. Its optical illusion. Bigger wheels make the gap look bigger. Only way to eliminate it, is by lowering the car. You change your tyre profile to match the wheel size. Like this way. Most common stock sizes 17 inch 225/45/17 front 255/40/18 rear 18 inch 225/40/18 front 255/35/18 rear 19 inch 225/35/19 front 255/30/19 rear. __________________
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