i have a 95 530i. the standard tire size is 225/60R15. Does anyone know any other sizes that are compatible with the factory 15" rims?
You don't mention the style or width of the wheel in question, but you can't/shouldn't put too narrow or wide a tire on the wheel with a given width. You also want to be able to clear the suspension and fenders without interference. For a 7x15" wheel with offset ET 20mm 225/60R15 is the proper size. You want to keep the overall diameter of the "new" tire the same as stock to keep the speedometer & odometer accurate. Use this calculator to check: http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp You might get away with a 245/50-15 tire, but Tire Rack shows just one choice: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=245%2F&ratio=50&diameter=15&x=16&y=3 Looks like you need to consider some 16" E34 wheels or 16" or 17" E32 or E38 wheels! http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/
It probably would fit, although I'd think a 245 is a bit much to stuff onto a 7" wide rim. Presumably you're not that interested in maintaining the stock overall dia. or you wouldn't be looking at changing tire size only. There should be some 225/50-15 tires, and unless your car's lowered, a lower profile tire like that might look a bit odd, there would be more gap between the fender lip & tire. Tire Rack is an excellent resource for exploring wheel/tire options.
What are you trying to achieve? My '95 E34 runs 235/45x17s. Not much you can do with 15" wheels these days.
Just trying to find Ultra high performance tire at decent price under $110 piece, not many brands have the 225/60R15. Anything that works well on the factory 15" wheel
An ultra high performance tire for under $110 each? I don't know about ultra-high performance, but good luck with that. You're talking about a Z-rated tire rated for speeds up to 149 mph. I'm not sure such a tire would be a bargain even if they existed new at that price. Price isn't everything when it comes to a quality tire. There's other factors such as temperature, treadwear, hardness, all season performance vs. summer or snow tires. You might be able to get an H-rated tire at that money. H-rated is rated at a top speed 130 mph. Personally, I'd be very concerned about the quality of a Z-rated tire being sold so cheaply. It costs money to MAKE these tires, and I see little reason to sell such a top drawer tire for so little money unless the maker made some design compromises enabling them to make money on that tire. I would certainly not trust a $110 Z-rated tire at those Z-rated speeds. The last time I checked, Fort Knox wasn't giving away gold. Think about it. Additionally, I checked the specs on the E34 530i. It's powered by a 3.0L M54 DOHC inline six putting out 215 hp. Top speed is 144 mph. The speed limit on most USA interstates is between 65 to 80 mph. Do you plan on going racing, or are you moving to Germany? L 75 mph 120 km/h Off-Road & Light Truck Tires M 81 mph 130 km/h N 87 mph 140km/h Temporary Spare Tires P 93 mph 150 km/h Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans U 124 mph 200 km/h H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
95' 530i actually has a 3.0L V8 still putting out 215hp though. But im not looking for a Z-rated tire i dont plan on going that fast. more like a H or V rated all season
The E34 530i V8 was not officially imported into the USA Tire Rack has a very good tire website. It's a good source of information but not sure if they have retail sales in your country since I am not sure if you are in the US or in a country that Tire Rack serves. http://www.tirerack.com
Ive never heard that before, but i do know forsure mine is a 3.0L V8. i have looked at Tirerack, just wondering if there were any specific brands to look out for. Thanks http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Specs-c5013-1995-530.html BMW car club of AMERICA (Illinois)
Then you have a Euro model or probable grey market import. I do know that the BMW 3.0L V8 was never officially imported into the US in any BMW vehicle. It was commonly available just about everywhere else though. 3.0L V8 considered to be the lo-po entry level brother to the 4.0L/4.4L V8 every other US M60 V8 powered car got. In much the same way that the old M30 3.0L and 3.3L six found its way into cars before the 3.5L M30 started showing up in everything larger than a 3-series until around 1993.
Brian, The 530i was sold in North America, with an M60 V8. It was one of the later E34's. OP, I personally would stay with the sizes Tire Rack suggests on their site. They have a pretty darned good idea of what tires will fit on stock rims, and have to agree on being skeptical to put larger than 225's on a 7" wide wheel.
Do Your Research 530i The six cylinder E34 530i was available in Europe starting in 1988 but it never arrived in North America. It had a M30B30 3.0 liter inline-6 engine producing 185 bhp (138 kW). This European version of the 530i was discontinued in 1990. The eight cylinder 530i model was introduced to North America in 1992. Replacing the 535i, it had the new M60, 32 valve DOHC 3.0 liter V8 engine producing 218 bhp (163 kW). It was also offered in a touring version.
My current ride is one of those discontinued European 530i's(1989).( thanks to Bcweir I have a better understanding of what fits in her) I currently run on 225/40/R18's on aftermarket rims without any issues of rubbing and still have plenty of clearance.Just my 2 cents.
Hope this helps both E32 and E34 owners I present to you the E34 Factory Options Retrofit guide. Put together by a Bimmerboard member named Marcus Corbin aka shadetreebmr. Enjoy! http://mysite.verizon.net/marcuscorbin/E34_Factory_Options_Guide.pdf
