2.8 wheels and tyres

[Neil Wilson]

Hi recently purchased a really nice facelift 2.8. I’ve given it a good service, replaced the sills and yesterday changed the dif oil, gearbox to follow. The rear tyres need replacing and checking the size in the handbook realised it should have 245 40 17 on the rear on 8.5 rims and 225 45 17 on 7.5 rims on the front. Mine is fitted with 225 45 17 on 7.5 rims front and rear. I really like the rims and they are genuine BMW. Is having same size front and rear an issue, if not what tyres do people recommend, I’ve got Bridgestone Turanza on the front should I put the same on the rear. I can buy a pair of new Falkens of eBay for sensible money what are peoples opinion of them?

 

[t-tony]

Falkens are a decent tyre, as are the Bridgestones. If the fronts have plenty of tread I would buy 2 more of them. Your handbook describes what's called a "staggered" set up, ie. rear wheels wider than fronts. However running a so called "straight" set up is equally fine.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Nothing wrong with having the same size all round, that's how most cars go, after all. The Z3 does seem extra sensitive to tyres, best to have the same tyres all round, and round-about the same tread depth, too. My one really didn't like having brand new Avons at one end and worn-out ones at the other, had the DSC telling me we're all going to die at every corner. Nothing wrong with Falkens, had them myself and they work.

 

[Rudyrov]

I have been using Cooper tires for some time and am very happy with them.

 

[Neil Wilson]

Thanks for the replies guys, because the existing Bridgestone fronts have plenty of tread and are ‘21 tyres I’m going to get a pair of Bridgestones for the rear.