How big can I go ?

It seems like a popular topic lately - Tires (not tyres).

I have a 1987 328 and while the tread is fine, I am seeing some cracking. So it's time to buy a new set of shoes for the old girl.

The question is - What is the largest size tires that I can put on stock wheels?


Thanks in advance.

 

Curious myself...

 

Don't know but why would you want to go larger?

 

The standard upgrade is from 225x50 on the back up to 245x40

& then 205x55 up to 225x50 on the front.

.....but honesty, I'd stick with the standard sizes because firstly the choice of tires in the larger size is pretty limited and unless you added about 75-100hp, the thing really doesn't need it (IMO)

If your car doesn't feel generally "planted" enough then start by getting a laser alignment done. Small corrrections made a huge difference to my car.

 

all very true from what I've done on mine, the normal sizes are fine, if you're having issues then get better tyres, like Toyo 888, brilliant tyre and you'll wonder why you were even thinking of a larger size when you can't reach the limits of these

 

The problem is that I feel the car is a bit loose cornering. I am surprised that my sedan can take some corners at a higher speed.

So I thought that wider tires would help. The alignment is dead center.

 

Is the sedan a 1987?

 

What do you mean by "the alignment is dead centre?" Have you had a proper 4 wheel laser alignment done with the suspension arms being shimmed as necessary both front & rear?

What tires are on the car now & how old are they?

 

It sounds like new rubber (soft) is what you need - in the standard size. You can't expect the handling to feel tight if the current rubber is old and hard (that being based on your "cracking" comment).

 

The tires are Michellin XGT Z4 from summer 1998.

 

I have an 87 328 and would not contemplate larger size tires. There are several threads on tire reommendations for the 328 here...Bridgestones seem to be a slight favorite. Any tire that is 7-8 years old needs to be replaced irrespective of tread wear...a 12 year old tire will have sidewall degradation. For safety, I'd encourage you to get those new boots on pronto.

 

Worn or shaved tires oughta have you feeling planted; if not, sumpin' else is probably not right(ala, alignment, as mentioned above). You might try shaving your current tires a bit, as you're gonna be getting rid of 'em anyways.