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[997gt3rsgen2]

I took delivery of my 3rd E90 M-DCT a couple of months ago. Guess what, UK is probably the only European BMW market where the Competition Pack is NOT available for the Saloon (Sedan), just the Coupe!!?? So, I ordered a set of ZCP wheels with and was going to put another set of tyres (while keeping the standard 19s as a spare set). While waiting for my wheels to arrive to my dealer, I saw a nice Frozen Gray Coupe with the Performance Pack and, also the ZCP wheels on it. I looked more closely and could not believe what I saw - on both front and rear wheels there was a clear 4-5mm GAP between the edge of the rim and the hard edge of the tyre!!!!!!!!!!!! As we all know. BMW puts standard 245s (front) and 265s (rear) on rims that are 1/2 inch wider all around. We also know that the tyre of any size (width) can "stretch" across the width of the rim only as much as its design and the positioning of the hard edge allows. I was most certainly NOT going to put 245s and 265s on my set of ZCP and have them buckle under cornering forces, leaving aside the fact it is not appropriate to run tyres too narrow for the rims. And it does not look nice. Needless to say, I tried to speak to BMW GB and BMW in Germany, but I guess I am too old to waste my head hitting too many brick walls...
Just look at all the road tests of the M3 with the Competition Pack under hard cornering and you will se it clearly... ridiculous!!
I bought a set of Michelin PS2s 255/35-19 for the front and 275/35-19 for the back and not only do they occupy the ZCP wheels perfectly, but the car feels SO much better in every respect. No tramlining at all and with tyre pressures approx. 10% below those for standard 19s (I drive 2.2bar front and rear) the road noise is minimal and comfort excellent.
Just thought I would let you all know in case not many noticed. Oh, yes, and if you look at the M3GTS you will see 255/35-19s on the front and practically the same tyre size as 265/35-19 on the back, except it needed to be 285/30-19 to ensure even better traction.
Happy New Year to all.

[sensi09]

You can certainly fit larger tires, but I wouldn't call a 245 on a 9" tire or a 265 on a 10" tire stretched by any means.

The brand of tire can make a noticeable difference though, even with the same sizes.

[997gt3rsgen2]

Good for you, but it is, very much so. No one drives wheels (rims) which are so wide that a tyre fitted on them cannot occupy the full width of the rim!!?? Of any kind, size or type.

This is not an issue of every one of us putting whichever wheels and tyres CAN be fitted. Far from it.

But, if BMW says it is ok, I am sure the world will continue to be happy ever after.

ATB

[calintexas]

Lots of people are running around with 255/35x19's front and 275/35x19's rear on 9" and 10" rims (almost all the RAC group buy guys for example). The sizing should work great on the ZCP wheels and maintain the standard size stagger.

It's likely that BMW stuck with the 245's and 265's for cost reasons. They do look a little bit stretched on the 9 and 10 inch ZCP wheels.

[sensi09]

I've run 265 PS2s and RE-11s on a 10" tire without any problems. I did not go bigger so I could run a square setup.

I would not run a stretched tire and would even prefer to have some tire protection for my wheels.

For a 265/35/19 tire, the recommended wheel width is 9-10.5", but yes you would expect to BMW to fit larger tires on the ZCP wheels.

[PKL]

220M FTW! Back on topic...

[Rshane]

I've got 255 fronts and 285 rears waiting to go one once summer hits. That should fill out the rims really well, plus fill in the rear wheel well nicely. Another thing that sucks about the narrow tire on the wide rim is the ease of curb rash on the rims, it's as if the rims are daring the curbs to scratch them. A wider tire should help prevent that.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by calintexas

Lots of people are running around with 255/35x19's front and 275/35x19's rear on 9" and 10" rims (almost all the RAC group buy guys for example). The sizing should work great on the ZCP wheels and maintain the standard size stagger.

It's likely that BMW stuck with the 245's and 265's for cost reasons. They do look a little bit stretched on the 9 and 10 inch ZCP wheels.

That's what I'm running on my ZCPs.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

I took delivery of my 3rd E90 M-DCT a couple of months ago. Guess what, UK is probably the only European BMW market where the Competition Pack is NOT available for the Saloon (Sedan), just the Coupe!!?? So, I ordered a set of ZCP wheels with and was going to put another set of tyres (while keeping the standard 19s as a spare set). While waiting for my wheels to arrive to my dealer, I saw a nice Frozen Gray Coupe with the Performance Pack and, also the ZCP wheels on it. I looked more closely and could not believe what I saw - on both front and rear wheels there was a clear 4-5mm GAP between the edge of the rim and the hard edge of the tyre!!!!!!!!!!!! As we all know. BMW puts standard 245s (front) and 265s (rear) on rims that are 1/2 inch wider all around. We also know that the tyre of any size (width) can "stretch" across the width of the rim only as much as its design and the positioning of the hard edge allows. I was most certainly NOT going to put 245s and 265s on my set of ZCP and have them buckle under cornering forces, leaving aside the fact it is not appropriate to run tyres too narrow for the rims. And it does not look nice. Needless to say, I tried to speak to BMW GB and BMW in Germany, but I guess I am too old to waste my head hitting too many brick walls...
Just look at all the road tests of the M3 with the Competition Pack under hard cornering and you will se it clearly... ridiculous!!
I bought a set of Michelin PS2s 255/35-19 for the front and 265/35-10 for the back and not only do they occupy the ZCP wheels perfectly, but the car feels SO much better in every respect. No tramlining at all and with tyre pressures approx. 10% below those for standard 19s (I drive 2.2bar front and rear) the road noise is minimal and comfort excellent.
Just thought I would let you all know in case not many noticed. Oh, yes, and if you look at the M3GTS you will see 255/35-19s on the front and practically the same tyre size as 265/35-19 on the back, except it needed to be 275/30-19 to ensure even better traction.
Happy New Year to all.

After an incident wherein my M3 slid at an angle while the steering wheel was pointing straight ahead, the scuff marks from the asphalt were on the upper/outer half of PS2 tires on ZCP wheels, almost as if that portion became part of the tread under load...

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

I was most certainly NOT going to put 245s and 265s on my set of ZCP...

I bought a set of Michelin PS2s 255/35-19 for the front and 265/35-10 for the back...

I am confused. Obviously you meant 19 and not 10 for the wheel diameter on the rear tire. But didn't you also mean 285 rather than 265 for the width?

[jonasaurus]

It is ridiculous they don't offer the Comp pack here in the UK! We're being deprived for no reason

Interesting combo though 255 and 265 for F/R? As above think most who increase their width on that sort of width rim would go wider out the back.

[BimmerM]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

...on both front and rear wheels there was a clear 4-5mm GAP between the edge of the rim and the hard edge of the tyre!!!!!!!!!!!! As we all know. BMW puts standard 245s (front) and 265s (rear) on rims that are 1/2 inch wider all around. We also know that the tyre of any size (width) can "stretch" across the width of the rim only as much as its design and the positioning of the hard edge allows.

That was also the first thing I noticed when I picked up my ZCP last week. The OEM tires are not wide enough for the width of the wheels.

[geneatals]

bmw is going the mod route now, offering the stretch and poke look straight from the factory

[ES_TRADER]

Zcp wheels are a bitch to clean. That inner lip. Never realized this till my first wash last nite

[CKM3]

+1

[997gt3rsgen2]

285s can, of course fit nicely the 10-inch rim on the back, but I deliberately chose not to go for it as 275s ideally meet the purpose as far as I am concerned. More width (footprint or "roadprint") per se is not something I like doing for a number of reasons. Which is why BMW went for the 285/30-19 instead of 35-19 on the GTS. Not to forget that those of you with the competition pack 10mm lower ride (which I do not have - and am very glad for that!) it is even less advisable to go wider unless you compensate with lower profile (like on GTS).
Anyway, I am over the moon with the behaviour of what I have and all I was interested was to improve the feel and directness of the steering response which I achieved more than I expected. Not to mention the compliance and comfort of the ride was also of paramount importance as British roads leave a LOT to be desired these days and are nowhere near as smooth as one would like.

PS. My apologies for inadvertently mistyping 2 crucial tyre size in the opening post of this thread (New Year's day and typing well evidently was beyond me) - 1) my tyres are 255/35-19 front and 275/35-19 rear on ZCP wheels and 2) M3 GTS has 285/30-19 on the back. I already edited the original words above and am sorry this may have caused confusion with some of you. All is as it should have been now. Thank you.

[quality_sound]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

Good for you, but it is, very much so. No one drives wheels (rims) which are so wide that a tyre fitted on them cannot occupy the full width of the rim!!?? Of any kind, size or type.

This is not an issue of every one of us putting whichever wheels and tyres CAN be fitted. Far from it.

But, if BMW says it is ok, I am sure the world will continue to be happy ever after.

ATB

You don't get to Germany much do you? The OEM fitment on the ZCP wheels is not unsafe by any stretch of the imagination. The tires will not unseat and you won't be in any danger. Over here people will run 9s and 9.5s with 205 and 215 section widths. THAT is silly. What BMW did is not only ok, but is well within the acceptable tire widths for the width of the ZCP wheels.

Having said that, I'm with you. I think a slightly meatier tire looks better on them.

[jbtco]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

PS. My apologies for inadvertently mistyping 2 crucial tyre size in the opening post of this thread (New Year's day and typing well evidently was beyond me) - 1) my tyres are 255/35-19 front and 275/35-19 rear on ZCP wheels and 2) M3 GTS has 285/30-19 on the back. I already edited the original words above and am sorry this may have caused confusion with some of you. All is as it should have been now. Thank you.

Did you declare non standard tyre size to insurer ? and if so did they increase premium ? If not and discovered if you have a claim must be a danger of there not paying out the way insurers are in the UK these days.

[BimmerM]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

1) my tyres are 255/35-19 front and 275/35-19 rear on ZCP wheels

Do you have tire rubbing with that size? You are not running any spacers are you?

[997gt3rsgen2]

Oh, yes, I go very often to Germany. In actual fact, just brought my M Performance exhaust system for the E90 from the M department of the factory in Munich where I happen to know some good (also technically minded) people.

My points have nothing to do with the "danger" element or similar attributes (I never mentioned any "danger"). As I have already stated clearly, it is perfectly possible to use 245 and 265s on both 8.5/9 and 9.5/10 inch rims and it is certainly not "unsafe" (BMW does not need to be defended on this, they know perfectly well what they are doing and have done here).

The simple fact is that the car underperforms relative to what is easily possible) in most aspects of roadholding under dynamic driving conditions, levels of adhesion that can be achieved with just 10mm wider track and road contact surface, level of comfort which is superior with 255s and 275s and lower pressures on ZCP rims (which can easily be calculated in a spreadsheet taking into account individual corner weights of the vehicle, all tyre parameters, etc) and, most importantly, the sense of "communication" between the front wheels on the road and driver's hands on the steering wheel (which the M3 can be better at anyway compared to absolute best). As simple as that.

I am afraid I never change anything on my performance cars because it may "look better". Unless there is no clear benefit in terms of car's behaviour when driven at most speeds and both in a straight line and corners , it is of no interest to me. And, the fact remains that a 0.5 inch wider rim than standard as is the case of ZCP is NOT ideal for the 245/265 tyres. Last but not least, it does not even LOOK good enough with that gap...Watch this space, with the launch of the new Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres things may change pretty soon...

Yes, I have notified my insurers about the change and it did not command any premium increase as a matter of fact.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

PS. My apologies for inadvertently mistyping 2 crucial tyre size in the opening post of this thread (New Year's day and typing well evidently was beyond me) - 1) my tyres are 255/35-19 front and 275/35-19 rear on ZCP wheels and 2) M3 GTS has 285/30-19 on the back. I already edited the original words above and am sorry this may have caused confusion with some of you. All is as it should have been now. Thank you.

Thanks, that makes much more sense. Though, you still technically have a mistake in the last sentence, "... practically the same tyre size as 265/35-19 on the back...", but that one doesn't really cause confusion.

If I got GTS wheels I would probably go with the GTS tire setup but 275s are good too. I agree that the stetch look is not good, and plus like Rshane said, the 265s with the lip hanging out are just begging to be rashed.

[quality_sound]

Originally Posted by 997gt3rsgen2

My points have nothing to do with the "danger" element or similar attributes (I never mentioned any "danger"). As I have already stated clearly, it is perfectly possible to use 245 and 265s on both 8.5/9 and 9.5/10 inch rims and it is certainly not "unsafe" (BMW does not need to be defended on this, they know perfectly well what they are doing and have done here).

Your quote below from your first post sounds a lot like you DON'T agree with BMWs tire choice (calling their selection inappropriate) and that the tires selection is indeed unsafe (have them buckle under cornering).

I was most certainly NOT going to put 245s and 265s on my set of ZCP and have them buckle under cornering forces, leaving aside the fact it is not appropriate to run tyres too narrow for the rims.

The simple fact is that the car underperforms relative to what is easily possible) in most aspects of roadholding under dynamic driving conditions, levels of adhesion that can be achieved with just 10mm wider track and road contact surface, level of comfort which is superior with 255s and 275s and lower pressures on ZCP rims (which can easily be calculated in a spreadsheet taking into account individual corner weights of the vehicle, all tyre parameters, etc) and, most importantly, the sense of "communication" between the front wheels on the road and driver's hands on the steering wheel (which the M3 can be better at anyway compared to absolute best). As simple as that.

I am afraid I never change anything on my performance cars because it may "look better". Unless there is no clear benefit in terms of car's behaviour when driven at most speeds and both in a straight line and corners , it is of no interest to me. And, the fact remains that a 0.5 inch wider rim than standard as is the case of ZCP is NOT ideal for the 245/265 tyres. Last but not least, it does not even LOOK good enough with that gap...Watch this space, with the launch of the new Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres things may change pretty soon...[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure BMW picked those tire widths for good reason. Can you add more traction by going wider? Absolutely, The question is why didn't BMW spec it that way from the factory? Also, is adding more tire really beneficial?