[rothwem]

I used to have a 2006 E90 325i, RWD with the sport package. I had the staggered wheels, style 161s, and I bought a second set so I could have 4 fronts and 4 rears. I then put all seasons on the fronts, and summer tires (Conti DWs) on the rear tires in size 255/40r17. They fit fine on my RWD e90, no rubbing or anything. I sold the car with four fronts on the car, and now I have the rears sitting in my storage unit.

For shits and giggles, I thought I'd put those wheels on my wagon, however, when I put the first one on the front, I noticed that I had very little room between the tire and the strut. I'd say it was around 5mm clearance, maybe less.

So with that said, you guys running 17x9s with that same tire size, how are you fitting that on the front of your car? It appears there's less clearance in the front of the xi's than in the RWD cars. Are you using spacers? Pokey offsets?

[niquehawk5]

That offset isn't quite aggressive enough for a 255 tire in the front. Et25-30 should work without rubbing the fender and give you more clearance on the strut

[Greyfox]

I ran Goodyear Eagles 255/40x17 with 8.5" 161's on all four corners with no problems. I had around 1 centimeter clearance on the front struts to the rim and about 7mm to the rim protector on the tire. It would only rub when I would get really aggressive in the corners.

I have since switched and put 225/45x17 on the rims.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by Greyfox

I ran Goodyear Eagles 255/40x17 with 8.5" 161's on all four corners with no problems. I had around 1 centimeter clearance on the front struts to the rim and about 7mm to the rim protector on the tire. It would only rub when I would get really aggressive in the corners.

I have since switched and put 225/45x17 on the rims.

That's on an xi? I see you've got an '07, was there any track difference on the front for the LCI vs pre-LCI?

I might run my 161's anyways and see if there's actually any rubbing.

How does the 225 tire look on the 8.5" rim? Stretched at all?

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by rothwem

That's on an xi? I see you've got an '07, was there any track difference on the front for the LCI vs pre-LCI?

I might run my 161's anyways and see if there's actually any rubbing.

How does the 225 tire look on the 8.5" rim? Stretched at all?

I don't think there are any suspension changes between Pre-LCI and LCI cars whether "i" or "xi".

According to realoem, the "xi" wishbone and the traction strut is used in various models from 2004 to 2015.

A little stretched... I'll have to take some pictures later and post.

[tetsuo111]

LCIs have less rear clearance than pre-LCI 3 series.

Don't remember the number at the moment, but it will affect fitment. Search the tires forum for more info.


Bty, I'm following with interest. I ran 245/40/17 on ARC-8 17x9 last year. No fitment problems. I want to go 255 next summer. Is your rubbing in front or rear?

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by tetsuo111

LCIs have less rear clearance than pre-LCI 3 series.

Don't remember the number at the moment, but it will affect fitment. Search the tires forum for more info.


Bty, I'm following with interest. I ran 245/40/17 on ARC-8 17x9 last year. No fitment problems. I want to go 255 next summer. Is your rubbing in front or rear?

Not sure why there is a change in the rear since nothing changed and 255/40x17 is stock for rear on many 3 series with no issues.

[tetsuo111]

Greyfox I'm reaching, but think I remember LCI has 12mm less clearance in the rear compared to pre-LCI.

Did you find the tightest fit in the front or rear?

I'm very motivated to go 255 square. My dream is 265. For the track. Thanks.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by tetsuo111

Greyfox I'm reaching, but think I remember LCI has 12mm less clearance in the rear compared to pre-LCI.

Did you find the tightest fit in the front or rear?

I'm very motivated to go 255 square. My dream is 265. For the track. Thanks.

Definately in the front. Was between the section of rubber to prevent curbing your rims and the strut.

You would have to put spacers on and probably roll the fenders to get 265's on the front of the car.

[niquehawk5]

Im not sure of the offset differences, but i have had a 162 rear (8.5) in the front and it didnt rub with 255/35/18 conti DWS tire. Maybe the shoulders arent as square as some tires, but it never rubbed

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by tetsuo111

LCIs have less rear clearance than pre-LCI 3 series.

Don't remember the number at the moment, but it will affect fitment. Search the tires forum for more info.


Bty, I'm following with interest. I ran 245/40/17 on ARC-8 17x9 last year. No fitment problems. I want to go 255 next summer. Is your rubbing in front or rear?

To be clear, it didn't actually touch the strut. I'm talking about the front, btw.

The rear is the OEM size, I'm not expecting any rubbing.

Originally Posted by niquehawk5

Im not sure of the offset differences, but i have had a 162 rear (8.5) in the front and it didnt rub with 255/35/18 conti DWS tire. Maybe the shoulders arent as square as some tires, but it never rubbed

And mine might not rub either, but it just seemed closer than I was comfortable with. It might be okay though. How much does the top of the tire flex anyways? It'd be cool if someone would put a gopro in their wheel well so I could see if it touches the strut during hard cornering.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by rothwem

That's on an xi? I see you've got an '07, was there any track difference on the front for the LCI vs pre-LCI?

I might run my 161's anyways and see if there's actually any rubbing.

How does the 225 tire look on the 8.5" rim? Stretched at all?

Sorry it took so long to get a picture....

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by Greyfox

Sorry it took so long to get a picture....

Wow, that's not as stretched as I expected.

[niquehawk5]

Originally Posted by rothwem

Wow, that's not as stretched as I expected.

the 45 sidewall helps hide it. 225 on 8.5 with say 225/35/19 would look more stretched. this doesnt look bad at all