Got a set of 17x7.5 Motorsport rims with 235/40/17 old tires from eBay. But when I was about to check out a new set of tires from tirerack.com I found out that 235/40/17 are meant for 8"-9.5" rim width. So is it safe to just go ahead and put the 235/40/17 on the 17x7.5 rims?

Thanks!

235/40r17 were stock tires for a 7.5" width rim on 1995 E36 M3s. To answer your question, no there should be no probelm.

But tire manufacturers have recommeded min. 8.0" wide for that size for safety and handling issues. Check out various tire sizing charts for optimum range of sizes.

you should do 225/40 on a 7.5 width rim.

If BMW deamed it safe enough to put a 235/40/17 tire on a 7½in wide wheel and put it on all their m3s i think you will be fine.

235/40-17's fit just fine on a 7.5" wide wheel. That's what I run.

No problems at all in 8 track days with Yokohama AVS intermediates 235/40/17s on OEM 10 spoke wheels 17x7.5 front 17x8.5 rear.

No probs here with Contours and Yoko AVS ES 100's 235/40/17's

It will fit no problem. But the optimal width for 235s from a performance standpoint is 8.5inch.