[Somerset Jim]

Found a set of alloys with non run flat 235 45 17's on with 8" and rear 8.5". Would it be ok running the same size tyres on all wheels or would the car be likely to wallow around?

I changed the tyres on my old 17's to non runflat Nexens which were all the same size 225 45 17 but it killed the handing unfortunately. I'm hoping that these being staggered wheels may make a difference.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Icekube]

the nexen's killed the handling because they are nexen's not because they were the same all round.

"Rotalla" tyres are going to be similarly terrible.

there isn't any issue running a square tyre setup on staggered wheels, but 225/45's on the 8.5" wheel will give some stretch.

[SteveC]

Tyres are typically one of the most extreme cases of 'You get what you pay for'

Its rare that a budget tyres offers premium tyre performance. Almost unheard of.

Fit cheap winter tyres and you'll suffer months of sub-optimum handling. Winter still offers plenty of 'BMW' days, but you won't enjoy them if your tyres are well below par.

I agree with Icekube that there's no huge downside in running a square set up. Ultimate traction and rear end grip on dry days are somewhat reduced but this is more than compensated by improved traction and grip when temperatures are low and the road is wet or icy

[Somerset Jim]

Thanks for clearing that up. I guessed wrongly that rotalla must have been a good specialist winter tyre. Will stick to the normal premium brands in that case.

The car came with a square set up when I bought it and it seemed fine. Swapping from the summer tyres which are 225 and 265 width could be interesting but I guess if it snows then the traction would be better on the winters due to the tread pattern.

[Somerset Jim]

Would these fit an e91 se?

They are from an se 5 series (f10 or f30 - can't remember the number!)

[Icekube]

the alloy wheels will fit, but the tyres are likely to be too big

[Z3man]

Originally Posted by Somerset Jim

Found a set of alloys with non run flat 235 45 17's on with 8" and rear 8.5". Would it be ok running the same size tyres on all wheels or would the car be likely to wallow around?

I changed the tyres on my old 17's to non runflat Nexens which were all the same size 225 45 17 but it killed the handing unfortunately. I'm hoping that these being staggered wheels may make a difference.

Any input would be appreciated.

I test drove a 320D with Nexens on a few months ago and it was bloody dangerous, it felt totally unbalanced and it did wallow around, back end always trying to drift out. Like you the first thing i thought about was whether it needed an offset set up, but since then i have bought another 320d with a square set up on and the handling is perfect, the main reason why is it has decent tyres on. So i don't think you need an offset set up to get decent handling, you just need good quality tyres.

Nexens or bloody dangerous.

[Somerset Jim]

Originally Posted by Icekube

the alloy wheels will fit, but the tyres are likely to be too big

They're 225 55 R17 with a speed rating of 97H.

I shan't be using Nexens again on a quick(ish) car! As you say they are awful. I was the same - continually fighting the car to stop the rear kicking out at anything over 50mph!