I'm trying to get a line on my current wheel and tire size, and suspension set-up, in order to determine what tires to get on my newly purchased rims. The car is relatively new to me.
The current setup is a tire size 215/65R15 on a 15inch BBS OEM wheel. The wheel says "ET15" right on it. Same wheel and tire front and back. So far so good.
But: How wide are these rims? I took a measuring tape and estimated between 8.5" - 9". Seemed pretty wide... they don't look that wide and with 215 tires that seemed like too wide a rim. But on the rim itself it says 'RX224' Can I take that as 224mm wide?... which would be around ~ 8.8" wide?
If so then I feel a lot better about my four already-purchased on-their-way-here 16x8.5" ACT/Ronal rims (ET10). I dunno, the current wheels do not seem that wide to me. Or maybe I thought you couldn't get a 215 tire on a nearly 9" rim.
Bonus question: any suggestions for a tire to go on the new 16x8.5 rims? I feel like the wheel wells could be just a bit more filled-up, but not sure how far I can go before I'll get rub. The job is made complicated by lack of proper suspension knowledge. I'm not sure but feel the car may be very-slightly lower than stock (the shocks are relatively new vintage, within the last 5 years). Ground clearance at the door sill as-is is 7", maybe 7.25". Some pics attached. Suggestions?
Current and future set-up
Moderators: GRNSHRK, ron, bfons
Current and future set-up
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- Ralph in Socal
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- Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:32 am
- Location: High Desert of SoCal
Re: Current and future set-up
First picture at the top 7 1/2 J x 16 H2
7.5 inches wide
I've run 245/50 16 rears and 225/50 up front on 8 inch et11 wheels. Not sure how those would equate to your new wheels. Good luck
Ralph
7.5 inches wide
I've run 245/50 16 rears and 225/50 up front on 8 inch et11 wheels. Not sure how those would equate to your new wheels. Good luck
Ralph
There is a very fine line between "Hobby" and Mental Illness.
85 635csi Zinno Auto
84 528i Euro
83 635 Euro Arktik
81 528i Kastanien 5-speed
88 528e Bronzit (Granpa Car)
86 535i Auto (For Sale)
81 633 csi (retired)
85 635csi Zinno Auto
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83 635 Euro Arktik
81 528i Kastanien 5-speed
88 528e Bronzit (Granpa Car)
86 535i Auto (For Sale)
81 633 csi (retired)
Re: Current and future set-up
Thanks - I didn't see that 7 1/2, or didn't get it.Ralph in Socal wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 11:52 pm First picture at the top 7 1/2 J x 16 H2
7.5 inches wide
I've run 245/50 16 rears and 225/50 up front on 8 inch et11 wheels. Not sure how those would equate to your new wheels. Good luck
Ralph
Good to know 225-50 on R16s works in the front. And I think they can get that width onto an 8.5" rim. So likely that's what I'll do. Although I am tempted for 55s just to keep the same diameter...
Re: Current and future set-up
The rub point to beware of on the front is the inside of the tyre on the strut.
'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
Re: Current and future set-up
Yes, but I think/hope the ET11 helps me there? The calculators online seem to think it’s ok for strut clearance, or at least only slightly worse than the current tire.
But I am just as worried, maybe more worried, about the fender rubbing with an 8.5 wide ET11 wheel. I would like to go to 225/55 to maintain diameter, if I can get away with it in front….
- Ralph in Socal
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 2745
- Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:32 am
- Location: High Desert of SoCal
Re: Current and future set-up
Agree with this, however, tire height can also cause rubbing on the underside of the spring cup
I think your et10 will pull the wheel out further so you may not have an issue on the inside.
8 x 17 inch style 5 are et 20 and I've run 235/45s and do not rub the strut. It's very close but no rub
Ralph
There is a very fine line between "Hobby" and Mental Illness.
85 635csi Zinno Auto
84 528i Euro
83 635 Euro Arktik
81 528i Kastanien 5-speed
88 528e Bronzit (Granpa Car)
86 535i Auto (For Sale)
81 633 csi (retired)
85 635csi Zinno Auto
84 528i Euro
83 635 Euro Arktik
81 528i Kastanien 5-speed
88 528e Bronzit (Granpa Car)
86 535i Auto (For Sale)
81 633 csi (retired)