So I don't know anything about Tires :-/... I just got some new wheels (17 x 7.5) and I need some sizes... I don't know what the sizes mean when people say "Oh get xxx/xx/xx..." what do each set of numbers mean? All I know is I need a tire that won't rub and that is low profile (so my wheels look good). I've already done some searches... so dont flame me... just please help me out :D. Thanks.

EDIT: I need a good tire thats kinda cheap too (im broke :D)

Tirerack can answer your questions.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/size_information.jsp
https://www.tirerack.com/about/techcenter.jsp
Kumho MX is an excellent inexpensive tire.

Tirerack can answer your questions.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/size_information.jsp
https://www.tirerack.com/about/techcenter.jsp
Kumho MX is an excellent inexpensive tire.


Thanks alot. What size should I get though... That won't rub, and will be a low profile look? thx

Thanks alot. What size should I get though... That won't rub, and will be a low profile look? thx
you really want to keep the outer diameter of the tire the same as stock or it will affect your ride height, looks, gearing, etc.

If you want low profile tires, you need larger diameter rims. For example...

The original equipment for your car is 205/60/15 front and 225/55/16 rear.
If you have 16 inch wheels, you can get 215/45/16 front and 225/45/16.
If you have 17 inch wheels, you can get 205/35/17 front (or even 215/35/17 front) and 235/30/17 rear.

you really want to keep the outer diameter of the tire the same as stock or it will affect your ride height, looks, gearing, etc.

If you want low profile tires, you need larger diameter rims. For example...

The original equipment for your car is 205/60/15 front and 225/55/16 rear.
If you have 16 inch wheels, you can get 215/45/16 front and 225/45/16.
If you have 17 inch wheels, you can get 205/35/17 front (or even 215/35/17 front) and 235/30/17 rear.
Couldn't he go with some 235/40/17s all around with no problems?

Couldn't he go with some 235/40/17s all around with no problems?
would they physically fit? I dunno, I would have to see it in person, but I have a suspicion it would rub.

The error for those tires is a little over 4% for the front and rear. It would make the car 1 inch taller (bigger in diameter) than it currently is (which is why it may rub).

would they physically fit? I dunno, I would have to see it in person, but I have a suspicion it would rub.

The error for those tires is a little over 4% for the front and rear. It would make the car 1 inch taller (bigger in diameter) than it currently is (which is why it may rub).
Rubbing wouldn't be an issue. I think as long as he keeps the front/rear size ratio similar, he shouldn't have problems. '95 M3s run 235/40/17 all around and the 96+ use 245/40/17s in the rear.

Rubbing wouldn't be an issue. I think as long as he keeps the front/rear size ratio similar, he shouldn't have problems. '95 M3s run 235/40/17 all around and the 96+ use 245/40/17s in the rear.
well if rubbing is no issue, his speedo would just be off a little bit and the car would be slightly higher off the ground

Some of the numbers above are a little off. I've listed generally what tire sizes at all 4 people use and stopped at 17". I've included next to it, its over diameter to show how close they are.

15s
195/65/15 ~ 25.0
205/60/15 ~ 24.7

16s
205/55/16 ~ 24.9
225/50/16 ~ 24.9

17s
205/50/17 ~ 25.0
225/45/17 ~ 25.0
235/40/17 ~ 24.4

http://paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

There is the link if you want to use it.

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/tiretech/sidewall_markings/construction_type_on.gif

Basically the sizes above shouldn't rub if your offset is proper. I would probably stay safe and do 225/45/17s all around.

It would make the car 1 inch taller (bigger in diameter) than it currently is (which is why it may rub).
Just FYI, if the wheel is 1" bigger in diameter, the car will be 0.5" higher, not 1" (the other 0.5" will make the tire be closer to the fender and not make the car higher).

CrazedBMW, I'll put it in very easy and short words for you, if you got 17x7.5 wheels on a 325, you want 225/45/17 tires. That's all. Simple as that.

CrazedBMW, I'll put it in very easy and short words for you, if you got 17x7.5 wheels on a 325, you want 225/45/17 tires. That's all. Simple as that.


hahah thanks. (says the tire idiot himself, :D )

lol, no problem. If you stick around this forum for a while, you'll learn a lot about wheels and tires.