Hey gang...shopping for new tires on my Z4 M Coupe. Right now I have Michelin Pilot PS2 Sports. The factory front width is 225, but I am not pleased with how the wider shoulder rolls into the more narrow tread...I would like more tread on the ground and a more squared off look...similar to the rear. How much wider can you go on the front and keep the tires from rubbing? I was hoping for a 245. It may even be a tire brand issue...I know some manufacturers have wider profiles for the same width tire and provide a wider footprint. Any ideas? Thanks, Kevo
It won't be a problem with tires rubbing, I'm using 245mm wide front tires on OE rims (Toyo R1-R) and the only time it rubs is when the steering wheel is at full lock. The R1-R appears to be wider than typical street tires for the same sectional width. The biggest problem you will encounter, is the rims is too narrow for anything over 245mm. 8" wide rims are the bare minimum of what Toyo recommends for the 245mm wide R1-R (245/40/18). Depending on your aspect ratio that you chose to run, a 245mm wide tire may not fit properly and will result in a smaller contact patch than a proper width tire on a proper width rim. But if your goal is to fit the biggest, widest possible tire up front, most street tires at around 245mm won't rub up front. If your goal is better grip for track/auto-cross, you may want to 1) check the rule books for auto-cross and 2) check with the tire manufacturer and see what is the minimum and recommended wheel size for that particular tire.