[ideliver]

I could really use some help.

2011 328 xdrive with 6MT. The stock rims were 17x8 ET 34 mounted with 225/25/17. I decided to get new rims as the originals were in bad shape (I purchased the car used). I went with ALZOR 040 staggered 18x8 ET35 and 18x9 ET38. I mounted 225/40/18 (rolling diameter of 25.1") and 255/35/188 (rolling diameter of 25"). The fronts were "stretched" and this was not intended. The rears look great and I chose the Pirelli PZero RFT

After a 1000 miles or so, the front tires created a lot of noise. I took the car to a indy that I have used for a long time. It's my son's car and he's moving about 150 miles away. We had all of the fluids changed (including the gear box and transfer case) and had them look at the front end.

They said the tires were cupped badly and that they were the wrong size. I purchased the tires from TR and this was their recommendation (as as best as I can tell, is the BMW OEM staggered sizes too). Regardless, they insisted that I needed new tires and mounted 245/40/18 with a rolling diameter of 25.7 and is 2.4% difference from the rears. Also, a slight amount of rubbing in the wheel well. To add insult to injury - they mounted Pirelli PZero ALL SEASONs on the front. The rears are summer tires.

Well, we drove the care 150 miles and noted that shifts from 2nd to 3rd resulted in some type of noise coming from the transmission or drive train somewhere. To me it sounds like a syncro. If 2nd gear is avoided, no problems.

I then decided to return home with the car and would take to the indy. After driving for a while, the noise was gone, only to return when the car sat overnight and then drove. It got me thinking. I took of the offending tires and put the winter tires and rims on - the drive train noise is gone - for now.

For good measure - I gave away the OEM take offs to a friend.

What should I do?

1. Go back to the OEM 17" square set up. I would need 4 new rims and tires.

2. Go to an 18" square setup. 225/40/18 would be the size I think. Do I need a 7.5" rim because the 8" rims look like shit with this tire.

3. Something else I'm not seeing?

4. Why did my 225/40/18 wear badly on 18x8 rims? Is this the wrong rim for that size tire?

Any help is appreciated.

The Pierlli does not have 235/40/18.