275/40/17 Fitment?! Seriously?!

dbjb · 10-29-2011, 10:35 PM

I was a bit bored today. So, I decided to try a few things with my track setup.

Little background:
Currently, I have Kosei 17x8.5 40mm offset wheels. I am also using 5mm spacers making that a total of 35mm offset. My front suspension consists of HR Sport Springs, Koni Yellows and M3 wishbones and control arms. IIRC, my front camber is currently at -1.3L and -1.5R. I bought my wheels used and have since ordered some Nitto NT01 in 255/40/17 for track duty. But in the meantime, they have NT05R mounted. Obviously, the previous owner was into drag racing whereas I'm more into road courses.

As mentioned before, I placed an order of 255/40 NT01's square but I am not aware of anyone running them with a lowered suspension. So, I figured why not see if these 275/40 NT05R fit up front? I mean, if they do, surely the 255 will fit.

Here's the difference in sizes. I've included the stock tires and my current 19" street tire for reference.

Mfr - Size - Diameter - Section Width
Bridgestone RFT - 225/40/18 - 25.2" - 9.1"
Hankook V12 - 235/35/19 - 25.5" - 9.5"
Nitto NT01 - 255/40/17 - 24.9" - 10.4"
Nitto NT05R - 275/40/17 - 25.8" - 11"

As you can see, the 275 tire is quite a bit larger in both diameter and width when compared to the 255 tire. When compared to the 19" V12 or 18" RFT, it is nearly 2" wider. Surely, the 275 wont fit. It can't. It must rub like crazy. Why should I even try, right? I am wasting my time.

Well, I was SHOCKED. Here it is. Mounted. Fits. No rubbing. Full turn left or right. Nothing touches. Seriously. So, I take it a step further. I pulled out of my driveway. For those familiar with my home, my driveway is steep. I came down at an angle... very slowly. Didn't want to lose my front fender. Made it down. Again, no rubbing. I drove down the road slowly picking up speed. Nothing. I made several slow stops. That 25.8" diameter must hit the top of the wheel well right? Nope. I made several hard brakes. Still nothing. I got up to speed and slalomed through the lanes. Nothing. I took a few hard lefts while braking. And, you guess it... Still nothing!

What the hell is going on here? I've heard over and over again that even 255/40 would be questionable. I'd have to run camber plates. I couldn't do it without at least -2.5 camber. Here I am doing so and this is on an e92! Supposedly the e90 is to have more room.

So, what am I missing? I still can't believe this works. That's why I am rambling. Looking forward to hearing some thoughts.

Before you ask, let me say this. I currently have just the right side installed. The left still has the 19" Hankook. It's late so I'm not going to mess with the other side yet. However, I plan to mount that tomorrow morning. Afterward, I will try harder stops and more aggressive driving. I want to see how far I can take it. Of course, all this is just for kicks. I have no desire to run 275/40 up front. But for the sake of the forum, I think this is an interesting discussion.

Here's the sole image so far. I know it looks like the car isn't lowered so I included another image of the car. Same setup.

NiVeDh · 10-29-2011, 10:45 PM

Very nice! How much room is there between the shock and the tire and also between the tire and fender? Can you take some photos parallel to the side of the car?

dbjb · 10-29-2011, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

Very nice! How much room is there between the shock and the tire and also between the tire and fender? Can you take some photos parallel to the side of the car?

Not sure. Must be tight though. The garage is fairly dark so the additional pics will have to wait til morning. The tire does protrude a little but i assume it tucks under load.

Doyle · 10-30-2011, 10:42 AM

Also note that the section width decreases about .2 inches for every .5 inch decrease in the width of the wheel the tires are mounted on.

So, assuming the original measured section width of 11" is on a 9.5" wheel, your mounted section width will be about 10.6".

Great work pushing the envelope! I believe member Stratplaya fit 275/30/19 up front on his e92 (9.5" rim et30) with slight rubbing. I believe he is lowered on V3s.

remmib · 10-30-2011, 03:46 PM

Wow, 275 in the front.

dbjb · 10-31-2011, 02:03 AM

Just a quick update. Didn't have time til now to respond.

Tested again this morning. Last time I tested, I stayed close to home. Well, I just realized that the roads were a little too perfect here. I now ventured farther which included highway speeds and long undulations. Now, it finally rubs. It does so when the suspension fully compresses. It rubs against the fender. I removed the 5mm spacer and in doing so, the tire rubs against the shock. It is very slight. To the point that a 3mm spacer might make it all fit. However, I do not have a 3mm spacer and this test was just for kicks. That said, this does lead me to believe that a 265 tire just might fit up front. 255 shouldn't be a problem either. Of course, I will find out in another week or so when my Nitto NT01's arrive.

I'll let you know. Sorry if I got anyone's hope up on fitting a 275. It definitely will NOT work.

meepster · 11-02-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsbj

Just a quick update. Didn't have time til now to respond.

Tested again this morning. Last time I tested, I stayed close to home. Well, I just realized that the roads were a little too perfect here. I now ventured farther which included highway speeds and long undulations. Now, it finally rubs. It does so when the suspension fully compresses. It rubs against the fender. I removed the 5mm spacer and in doing so, the tire rubs against the shock. It is very slight. To the point that a 3mm spacer might make it all fit. However, I do not have a 3mm spacer and this test was just for kicks. That said, this does lead me to believe that a 265 tire just might fit up front. 255 shouldn't be a problem either. Of course, I will find out in another week or so when my Nitto NT01's arrive.

I'll let you know. Sorry if I got anyone's hope up on fitting a 275. It definitely will NOT work.

Cool, thanks for the info! I think the 255 will be totally fine on your car.

Murph335 · 11-14-2011, 01:06 PM

17x8.5 40mm offset, 275/40 NT05R fit out back just fine? Want to sell them?

turugara · 11-25-2011, 02:43 AM

Any news on the NT01's front fitment?

dbjb · 11-25-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turugara

Any news on the NT01's front fitment?

Yes. Last post here...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=600080&page=2

n54trev · 08-05-2024, 01:49 PM

Running ARC-8 17x9 et 30 on 235/45/17 and 17x9.5 et 35 with 275/40/17 in the rear.
Fronts clear the suspension just fine and the rears only rub the outside of the fender on aggressive bumps but even then its minimal. Im on stock suspension so its pretty soft. I had low hopes on the rears fitting but so far so good.
Name: 952968AF-2F60-4AC2-992B-32A54BDC0A9D_1_105_c.jpeg
Views: 113
Size: 203.1 KB

Name: 952968AF-2F60-4AC2-992B-32A54BDC0A9D_1_105_c.jpeg
Views: 113
Size: 203.1 KB

Name: 25967AA8-B696-4EF0-8CB4-B81CA340E224_1_105_c.jpeg
Views: 108
Size: 280.4 KB

Name: 57F5ABFD-6F73-41E8-9E16-534C92D08D87_1_105_c.jpeg
Views: 108
Size: 209.7 KB

10-29-2011, 10:35 PM	#1
dbjb I sweat pheromones 208 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: e92 335i, retired SLK55 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NorCal iTrader: (25)	275/40/17 Fitment?! Seriously?! I was a bit bored today. So, I decided to try a few things with my track setup. Little background: Currently, I have Kosei 17x8.5 40mm offset wheels. I am also using 5mm spacers making that a total of 35mm offset. My front suspension consists of HR Sport Springs, Koni Yellows and M3 wishbones and control arms. IIRC, my front camber is currently at -1.3L and -1.5R. I bought my wheels used and have since ordered some Nitto NT01 in 255/40/17 for track duty. But in the meantime, they have NT05R mounted. Obviously, the previous owner was into drag racing whereas I'm more into road courses. As mentioned before, I placed an order of 255/40 NT01's square but I am not aware of anyone running them with a lowered suspension. So, I figured why not see if these 275/40 NT05R fit up front? I mean, if they do, surely the 255 will fit. Here's the difference in sizes. I've included the stock tires and my current 19" street tire for reference. Mfr - Size - Diameter - Section Width Bridgestone RFT - 225/40/18 - 25.2" - 9.1" Hankook V12 - 235/35/19 - 25.5" - 9.5" Nitto NT01 - 255/40/17 - 24.9" - 10.4" Nitto NT05R - 275/40/17 - 25.8" - 11" As you can see, the 275 tire is quite a bit larger in both diameter and width when compared to the 255 tire. When compared to the 19" V12 or 18" RFT, it is nearly 2" wider. Surely, the 275 wont fit. It can't. It must rub like crazy. Why should I even try, right? I am wasting my time. Well, I was SHOCKED. Here it is. Mounted. Fits. No rubbing. Full turn left or right. Nothing touches. Seriously. So, I take it a step further. I pulled out of my driveway. For those familiar with my home, my driveway is steep. I came down at an angle... very slowly. Didn't want to lose my front fender. Made it down. Again, no rubbing. I drove down the road slowly picking up speed. Nothing. I made several slow stops. That 25.8" diameter must hit the top of the wheel well right? Nope. I made several hard brakes. Still nothing. I got up to speed and slalomed through the lanes. Nothing. I took a few hard lefts while braking. And, you guess it... Still nothing! What the hell is going on here? I've heard over and over again that even 255/40 would be questionable. I'd have to run camber plates. I couldn't do it without at least -2.5 camber. Here I am doing so and this is on an e92! Supposedly the e90 is to have more room. So, what am I missing? I still can't believe this works. That's why I am rambling. Looking forward to hearing some thoughts. Before you ask, let me say this. I currently have just the right side installed. The left still has the 19" Hankook. It's late so I'm not going to mess with the other side yet. However, I plan to mount that tomorrow morning. Afterward, I will try harder stops and more aggressive driving. I want to see how far I can take it. Of course, all this is just for kicks. I have no desire to run 275/40 up front. But for the sake of the forum, I think this is an interesting discussion. Here's the sole image so far. I know it looks like the car isn't lowered so I included another image of the car. Same setup.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-29-2011, 10:45 PM	#2
NiVeDh Major General 426 Rep 8,003 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i, '99 E36 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston, TX & Atlanta, GA iTrader: (132) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Sedan [8.66]	Very nice! How much room is there between the shock and the tire and also between the tire and fender? Can you take some photos parallel to the side of the car?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2011, 10:42 AM	#4
Doyle Hellafunctional 37 Rep 426 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A iTrader: (2)	Also note that the section width decreases about .2 inches for every .5 inch decrease in the width of the wheel the tires are mounted on. So, assuming the original measured section width of 11" is on a 9.5" wheel, your mounted section width will be about 10.6". Great work pushing the envelope! I believe member Stratplaya fit 275/30/19 up front on his e92 (9.5" rim et30) with slight rubbing. I believe he is lowered on V3s.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2011, 03:46 PM	#5
remmib General 1580 Rep 29,214 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Wow, 275 in the front. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2011, 02:03 AM	#6
dbjb I sweat pheromones 208 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: e92 335i, retired SLK55 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NorCal iTrader: (25)	Just a quick update. Didn't have time til now to respond. Tested again this morning. Last time I tested, I stayed close to home. Well, I just realized that the roads were a little too perfect here. I now ventured farther which included highway speeds and long undulations. Now, it finally rubs. It does so when the suspension fully compresses. It rubs against the fender. I removed the 5mm spacer and in doing so, the tire rubs against the shock. It is very slight. To the point that a 3mm spacer might make it all fit. However, I do not have a 3mm spacer and this test was just for kicks. That said, this does lead me to believe that a 265 tire just might fit up front. 255 shouldn't be a problem either. Of course, I will find out in another week or so when my Nitto NT01's arrive. I'll let you know. Sorry if I got anyone's hope up on fitting a 275. It definitely will NOT work.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2011, 01:06 PM	#8
Murph335 Major 145 Rep 1,423 Posts Drives: '07 N54 e90, '10 N54 e93, TBSS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (12) Garage List 2015 Tesla P85D [0.00]	17x8.5 40mm offset, 275/40 NT05R fit out back just fine? Want to sell them? __________________ E90 - H&R Touring - M3 Front Arms - Work Genosis GS-1 19x9+30 x10+26 225f 265r stretch - AA FMIC - AR DP - Cobb E30 Map +160rwhp/+200rwtq E93 - Style 95 - RB Turbo - AR DP - Evolution RW FMIC - PTF E50 +242rwhp/+234rwtq
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-25-2011, 02:43 AM	#9
turugara Major 92 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: May 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [9.44]	Any news on the NT01's front fitment?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-05-2024, 01:49 PM	#11
n54trev Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E90 Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Morgan Hill, CA iTrader: (0)	275/40/17 on a 9.5 wheel in the rear Running ARC-8 17x9 et 30 on 235/45/17 and 17x9.5 et 35 with 275/40/17 in the rear. Fronts clear the suspension just fine and the rears only rub the outside of the fender on aggressive bumps but even then its minimal. Im on stock suspension so its pretty soft. I had low hopes on the rears fitting but so far so good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote