Ok, I've got my flame suite on because I know what's coming...

But I gotta ask...

I've read all over this forum about tire size and wheel size and it seems to me that most that do 18" go with 245/40 front and 275/35 rear. HOWEVER, this size is technically bigger overall diameter than the stock M-Par fitmet on the '03 and also bigger than the stock sport fitment on the '02.

The stock M-Par fitment is 235/40-18 and 265/35-18 so by going to 245 and 275, you are increasing the o/d by 1/3" both front and rear... then you get rubbing questions and offset arguments.

Also, isn't that a large enough variance to throw off your speed-o? Not sure?

Same applies to 19" with 245/35 and 275/30 (but 275/30 is a little closer to OEM).

Can someone explain this for me? Why do ppl run 245 and 275 instead of the OEM 235 and 265?

Guess I should say why I'm asking... I just picked up an '02 540iA Sport and I'm looking to swap the 17s and go with either 18s or 19s and I want to get some clarity prior to getting the tires.

Thanks for reading and hopefully I'll get some answers.:)

Ok, I've got my flame suite on because I know what's coming...

But I gotta ask...

I've read all over this forum about tire size and wheel size and it seems to me that most that do 18" go with 245/40 front and 275/35 rear. HOWEVER, this size is technically bigger overall diameter than the stock M-Par fitmet on the '03 and also bigger than the stock sport fitment on the '02.

The stock M-Par fitment is 235/40-18 and 265/35-18 so by going to 245 and 275, you are increasing the o/d by 1/3" both front and rear... then you get rubbing questions and offset arguments.

Also, isn't that a large enough variance to throw off your speed-o? Not sure?

Same applies to 19" with 245/35 and 275/30 (but 275/30 is a little closer to OEM).

Can someone explain this for me? Why do ppl run 245 and 275 instead of the OEM 235 and 265?

Guess I should say why I'm asking... I just picked up an '02 540iA Sport and I'm looking to swap the 17s and go with either 18s or 19s and I want to get some clarity prior to getting the tires.

Thanks for reading and hopefully I'll get some answers.:)

Well I can say they are not doing it for performance reasons. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be appearance.

I'm running 18x9's on ALL four corners with 265's at each one (I should have gone with 275's). I can tell you that it DEFINATELY handles better, is more neutral, rides better and brakes better. So from a performance standpoint it is better for me.

Most won't notice the difference b/t the 235/245 and 265/275 but on a heavy car like the E39 the extra contact patch of the 20mm across the car does make a slight difference.

I just absolutely hate the look of stretched tires... so I went with 245/275, they just look to fit a little better.

Is going from 235/40/18 to 245/40/18 noticeable?

Is going from 235/40/18 to 245/40/18 noticeable?
yes its like 1/3 to 1/2 an inch more...

im running 245/275 and my lip is rubbing over HARSH bumps... then again i got coilovers!

yes its like 1/3 to 1/2 an inch more...

im running 245/275 and my lip is rubbing over HARSH bumps... then again i got coilovers!

Are your fenders rolled?

Also, are you running the M5 liners (front or rear or both)?