E30 M3 9Jx16 rims

UweM3 wrote: m3cecotto, no offence but I think you are getting a bit carried away on this subject.

Absolutely none taken, and I'm certainly not getting carried away, just making the point that because it's fitted by a tuner or even a manufacturer doesn't mean that it's correct.

I still haven't got round to checking, but I suspect that you are correct and the maximum approved rim width for 225 section tyres is 8.5J. I wouldn't like to be claiming a total loss from my insurance company with the wrong size of tyres fitted.

There is also more to matching a rim and tyre than size alone, bead type, size, shape and well size, type and shape are also relevant, though I accept that this applies more o commercial vehicles than passenger car.

I have already said that I'll bow to your knowledge and experience, just pointing out a possible technical problem.

UweM3 wrote: if Schitzer sold them on 8 and 9" rims I believe there can't be much wrong.

Probably, but not necessarily.  I can confirm from personal experience that one major car manufacturer was selling  at least one non-approved wheel and tyre combination on one of its highest selling ranges.  These are usually sales driven - nice looking wheel - good deal on the tyres - can they be physically fitted (forced) on to the wheel in testing? Excellent  - put them in the options list.   Fortunately it was detected at point of fit (where they are fitted in batches normally and problems become apparent fitting 75 not 2) and withdrawn before any got to market, but not without an awful lot of pressure from the vehicle manufacturer to fit them.

I have had dealings with seven separate vehicle manufacturers in the area of OE tyre fitment (3 passenger car and 4 commercial vehicle) and all bar one have had "issues" with inapproriate fitments - usually detected at point of fit and always sales driven.

I have seen a new tyre being forced on to a new wheel for a new commercial vehicle using the forks of a forklift to break the bead as there was no other way to do it.  This fitment (though not the method - they don't care how it is fitted but moan like hell if the rim or tyre is damaged)  was specified by the manufacturer and to say they were loathed to delist it is an understatement.   

The same manufacturer insisted that a previous OE tyre fitting contractor design, develop, commission and pay (£225,000)  for a machine specifically to fit a tyre wheel combo that was impossible to inflate. Again this fitment was not approved by tyre and wheel manufacturers and in this case all three fought like fury to retain the fitment even after the ETRA refused to sanction it, and four tyres came off the rims in PDI.

I have seen a vehicle manufacturer specify inner tubes for tubeless tyres to overcome problems caused by incorrect fitments.  Get the vehicle signed out to hell with the consequences is often the mantra.

I still think 225 is to narrow for a 9J rim.  :-)

My 2ps worth over.

HI Tim Car looks very good - seats do not look like anyone has sat in them. how many miles has it done?

Martin

(aka Caneswell on evo and s14.net forums)

You've found this forum now then tim! Car still looks good. My car has the same size wheels and came with 225 45s allround, which looked fine in my opinion. They are now bald and will be replaced with the same size. I don't think you want to upset the balance by having wider tyres on the back. No one likes understeer!