Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 23:08:45 EST
From: LoweSeaton@aol.com
Subject: Re: [E36M3] rims and tires sizes

Mike, 

You want to keep about the same diameter wheels.  Keeping the same
diameter 
is good because it won't effect your speedometer reading or ASC+T.  But
the 
biggest reason to maintain same size is for acceleration.  If you put
much 
larger tires on the rear, you will notice a decrease in acceleration. 

In your case, you have 245/40-17 rear tires and 225/45-17 front tires.
I 
would use 245/35-18 rear tires and 225/40-18 front tires.  Those sizes
are 
almost exactly the same as stock.  I know the 245/35-18 tire is hard to
find. 
 Not many choices in that size. 

As for rims.  I think the M3 should have at least 8.0 inch rims all
around.   
Preferably 8.5 all around.  Be careful with the offset.  You want at
least 37 
mm offset or you will have rubbing in the rear.  More offset the better.

Stock M3 rims are 41 mm offset. 

Lowell Seaton 
'95 M3 - BMW polished forged 8.5 inch rims all around 
Dallas, TX