[4Hockey4]

I've read, researched, and I know a bit more lol

Wanted some thoughts. I have a 235i on stock 18/7.5 wheels, RFT.

I'm moving to Michelin A/S3+, I simply drive too much under 40-45 degrees for PS4 (no rain/snow), and have no interest in changing tires/wheels out twice a year. Still soild upgrade over RFT's

1) Are APEX/VMR type rims (read price) as strong as stock ?
2) I'm going squared and not interested in going 8.5" in front, so 18x8 all the way around. Is 245/40 possible, or whats better set up, or stick with 235's ? Don't want any rub, and believe I can do w/o adjusting camber on 8's.
3) Off set - I want no poke, in fact with fenders, rather be a hair under. Is 45 best, or can I go 40 ?
4) I want black rims, probably gloss, and could spend up to $500/per, rahter stay in $300-400 range. Mostly street driving, and maybe some lite club events. Love the VorSteiner wheels, think only one non black fits...arrgghhh. Love VMR 802's in black, but only 8.5 (I have gray, and blacked out front) Like the Avant Garde M359 too....I can't find great info on how good/strong certain wheels/manufactures are. More $$ the better, but just a 1 piece forged ok ? C

Love some thoughts, suggestions esp on wheels/off set

Thanks !

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

I'm moving to Michelin A/S3+

1) Are APEX/VMR type rims (read price) as strong as stock ?
2) I'm going squared and not interested in going 8.5" in front, so 18x8 all the way around. Is 245/40 possible, or whats better set up, or stick with 235's ? Don't want any rub, and believe I can do w/o adjusting camber on 8's.
3) Off set - I want no poke, in fact with fenders, rather be a hair under. Is 45 best, or can I go 40 ?
4) I want black rims, probably gloss, and could spend up to $500/per, rahter stay in $300-400 range. Mostly street driving, and maybe some lite club events. Love the VorSteiner wheels, think only one non black fits...arrgghhh.

1) Just a guess, but I doubt it. I have no data to offer; you might try looking for wheel weights to use as a rough guide to guessing relative strengths. I weighed my OEM 7.5" front / 8" rear wheels with MPSS tires with 3K on the tires and, not taking the TPMS parts into account, came up with the following weights for the OEM wheels: Front - 27#, Rear - 29#. I got the tire weights off Tire Rack's site. Note that Apex doesn't appear to have an 8" wheel for our cars (at least, not that I see on their website).

2) These are the AS/3+ sizes for tires that you might put on an 8" wheel:


Offhand, the 245/35 seems to offer the most tire. However, if you don't want a 35-series tire, then the 235/40 might ensure a better fit as it exceeds the OEM tires' diameter by less than does the 245/40. Other owners may have specific information regarding the fitting of these differing sizes.

[Fermelmehue]

This guy has squeezed 245s on 18x8 wheels... although not the brand you're asking about.

I'm in a similar conundrum with a smaller budget. Interested in others' replies. In my case, though, I'm keeping my stocks for winter and the new ones are strictly summer only, so strength and finish durability aren't as much of a concern for me. Makes life a little easier.

[4Hockey4]

Thx for info - I'd love to go 245/35 on 8.5" rim, but hear that on front that isn't good/rubbing, plus changing camper and arms in some cases.

Yea saw his post, the 245/35 on 8" would be awesome, but really limited on wheel options. Would a differrent wheel/non custom 45, work ?

His 43 offset is good, so I'm leaning 45.

huh guess i could keep stock Pirelli RFT for winter/lower temps...and go back ass for summer....hmmmmmm

[dradernh]

I'm of the opinion that the average owner on this site who is contemplating something like the OP would be well-served by consulting with a local shop that knows BMWs inside and out – assuming one is available, of course. Failing that, Bimmerworld (or, perhaps, one or more of this forum's sponsors) can be called on for reliable and expert advice.

I've bought both wheels and tires that wouldn't fit on previous BMWs. Those instances were because I failed to do enough research, and they happened on cars that were easier to sort out than our cars are.

[kthor703]

I run 235/40 square. That would be my advice for an 8 inch rim. More tire options in that size too.

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by kthor703

I run 235/40 square. That would be my advice for an 8 inch rim. More tire options in that size too.

Looks like my stock RFT and rim are 24", based on the above chart it would add 1.4" total diameter for 235/40....I have plenty of room def. in back and probably enough in front.

What offset you run ...40 ? Shooting for just inside

Anyone know what stock offset is ?

Thx for info

[msej449]

Over here in the UK, the stock M235i setup ex-factory is

F: 7.5Jx18 225/40 R18 92Y
R: 8.0Jx18 245/35 R18 92Y

With various other options certified e.g. 7.5Jx17 square for winter, F:7.5Jx19 R: 8Jx19 summer etc. but not the setup that you envisage.

So I think you have to ask yourself what it is you expect to gain from what you propose? Remembering that this isn't a setup that BMW has tested for certification. What you propose will change the handling - so do you know exactly what effect this will have? Fine if you do (as is the case for many on here) but worth my asking the question, especially if you're less certain. I'm with @dradernh and I think that "What are you trying to achieve?" will be the first question that a reputable specialist will ask.

[Fermelmehue]

The stock 18x1.7 wheels are a +45 offset. I think the stock 18x8 are +52 I think?

[kthor703]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

Looks like my stock RFT and rim are 24", based on the above chart it would add 1.4" total diameter for 235/40....I have plenty of room def. in back and probably enough in front.

What offset you run ...40 ? Shooting for just inside

Anyone know what stock offset is ?

Thx for info

What is the RFT size? 225/40/18? I'd be shocked if they're only 24" in diameter.

I run effectively offset 40 (45 and a 5mm spacer), but I have 8.5" wide wheels. 45 might work on an 8" up front.

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by kthor703

What is the RFT size? 225/40/18? I'd be shocked if they're only 24" in diameter.

I run effectively offset 40 (45 and a 5mm spacer), but I have 8.5" wide wheels. 45 might work on an 8" up front.

yep Pirelli 225/40/18 RFT and measured and exactly 24" off ground. lol. Pretty low profile.

Still digging, wondering if I should do down/charge pipe, MHD tune, and just upgrade to the PS4 in 225, and add LSD. I could hold on to the RFT for winter.

My goal is to get more rubber on ground, as I'd like to do some lite club/track events.

LSD>More rubber ?

Biggest issue is having to buy decent rims, and LSD isn't much more. Like to add some power, but not spend $8k

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

yep Pirelli 225/40/18 RFT and measured and exactly 24" off ground. lol. Pretty low profile.

25.1" and 25.2" are the diameters shown for the four 225/40-18 Pirelli RFTs on the Tire Rack site. Of course, that's for new tires with 9-11/32" tread depth.

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by dradernh

25.1" and 25.2" are the diameters shown for the four 225/40-18 Pirelli RFTs on the Tire Rack site. Of course, that's for new tires with 9-11/32" tread depth.

hmm ok thx. Tread is pretty decent, and pressure is spot on. On closer measurement, pushing 25".

Need to figure out how much tire/width I need if I push to 400hp with MHD/Downpipe/intercooler.

Would a 225/40 PS4/AS3+ be sufficient, or need to upgrade wheel/tire width. ugggh...

[ifobd]

Apex ARC8, 18x8.5 et38 on 245/35 18s.

Running for a year, no issues. Strong and light and sexy.

[4Hockey4]

Seen some posts where 8.5 was too big on front...no issues ? I'd probably go 45 off, don't want quite flush with fender. (wonder if that is issue and need to push to 38, don't want ANY poke)

Nice look, no issues with strength ? APEX and VMR similar in strength ? What tires are those ?

$304 not too bad and makes tires easier.

Does APEX have local dealers ? Web site doesn't really indicate.

Thx for info all

[4Hockey4]

Gonna have to find good local shop...AS3+ in 225/40/18 has 8.1" tread width ??

and pilot 4s has 7.7 in same stock size, but the Pirelli RFT is only 6" ? All same size ?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

Gonna have to find good local shop

I think that would be wise. It's too easy to spend money that later you wish you'd spent on something else.

[Estoril235]

Originally Posted by ifobd

Apex ARC8, 18x8.5 et38 on 245/35 18s.

Running for a year, no issues. Strong and light and sexy.

What model tire? Any rubbing, suspension mods or added camber?

[ifobd]

Originally Posted by Estoril235

What model tire? Any rubbing, suspension mods or added camber?

Dinan lowering springs. No other suspension mods. Have run rsrr (in 235 which fits like 245) and ps4s. Slight rub on big hits.

[Maynard]

If you aren't willing to change into summer tires, you are wasting your time.

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by Maynard

If you aren't willing to change into summer tires, you are wasting your time.

I disagree, from dry performance, to tread width/strength, the Michelin AS3+ is a better handling tire than my base Pirelli RFT's...hell not even the "zero's"

Don't have storage and not running PS4 year round, too cool... but Pirelli RFT have to go, but thx for your thoughts.

[4Hockey4]

I have added down and charge pipe. LCA, shifter going in few weeks, pads/lines/fluid also. I need better tires

I've read every thread here and other sites. I want to go 245/35, and will not be lowering car.

Should I find an 8" wheel ? I know folks go 8.5, but so many places show 8 with standard 45 offset ideal. Zero rubbing, issues with strut etc. (and can go Dinan)

Also chatted with a few folks and they drive PS4 year round, says take easy under 40 degrees until they warm...one guy runs at track at 40 degrees out, so does a lap or 2 to warm. (some folks say dont even start the car under 40 !! )

3 different shops says Flow Formed (Apex etc) just fine for light track duty...crazy many track folks scream "forged" !! or don't bother.

Thx for thoughts