GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 13

Thread: ::.. Tire Pressure

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    T·O·R·O·N·T·O
    Posts
    3,011

    Default ::.. Tire Pressure

    The stock suggestion of 29F/33R is too low for cars of this weight IMO. I'd run at least 32F/36R - maybe more. Just keep the 4PSI difference F/R. I run mine at 36F/40R and they are wearing squarely.
    So really, what should we be running then? I agree that 29/33 feels low.
    :: HIDCanada.com | Illuminating Your World


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    116

    Default

    I run the H&R sport springs, Bilstein Sports, and 18s wrapped with 235/40 Falkens, and have been very happy with 40f/42r. I have found that because of the wide, low profile tires, going any lower tends to make the car (particularly the front) "catch" on potholes and bumps, rather than ride (relatively) smoothly over them. I suspect that these pressures may lead to odd wear patterns as mileage builds though...

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    811

    Default

    The drivers door will ave a sticker that gives proper tires and tire inflation, you can start with that number and adjust it to meet your needs. the recomendation will be compromise between economy and comfort.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Calgary AB Canada
    Posts
    589

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Qube
    So really, what should we be running then? I agree that 29/33 feels low.
    Where did that quote originate? Sounds like something I would have written...
    Anthony
    03/64 production

    '91M5 - 11/90, was mine, it's Jim's now.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Jet City
    Posts
    275

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Qube
    So really, what should we be running then? I agree that 29/33 feels low.
    My 2500 lb Datsun 240Z runs 225/50-15's and my 3880 lb 530 Touring runs 225/60-15's

    To get the performance and steering definition I run 28 to 30 psi max on the Datsun and no less than 40 psi on the Touring.

    The Touring was vague and wallowed with 32 psi. The ride was smoother and road noise was quieter but the car handled like a drunken pig. 40 psi "almost" put it on par with my sedan.

    Suspension geometry wears out the shoulders of the tire first. Lower pressures will accelerate the process.

    Lower pressures allow the sidewalls to flex more (on a taller tire) generating excessive heat and premature failure. Google Firestone vs Ford and Explorer rollovers. The tires kept falling apart due to (as yet unknown) tires from a certain factory not being built to spec. Ford increased the frequency of failures by recommending a lower psi (why I'll never understand) which caused even more sidewall flexing and MORE HEAT and even more failures..

    Rule of thumb, the heavier the car, the more psi you need. Tire size also determines pressure. The bigger it is above stock size the chances are you'll need less pressure for average driving.

    Hope this helps.
    DJ

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    T·O·R·O·N·T·O
    Posts
    3,011

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Spasso
    My 2500 lb Datsun 240Z runs 225/50-15's and my 3880 lb 530 Touring runs 225/60-15's

    To get the performance and steering definition I run 28 to 30 psi max on the Datsun and no less than 40 psi on the Touring.

    The Touring was vague and wallowed with 32 psi. The ride was smoother and road noise was quieter but the car handled like a drunken pig. 40 psi "almost" put it on par with my sedan.

    Suspension geometry wears out the shoulders of the tire first. Lower pressures will accelerate the process.

    Lower pressures allow the sidewalls to flex more (on a taller tire) generating excessive heat and premature failure. Google Firestone vs Ford and Explorer rollovers. The tires kept falling apart due to (as yet unknown) tires from a certain factory not being built to spec. Ford increased the frequency of failures by recommending a lower psi (why I'll never understand) which caused even more sidewall flexing and MORE HEAT and even more failures..

    Rule of thumb, the heavier the car, the more psi you need. Tire size also determines pressure. The bigger it is above stock size the chances are you'll need less pressure for average driving.

    Hope this helps.
    DJ
    So in a nutshell, when I take these 235/45-17 on the track next week, I should stick to the labelled psi. MAYBE bump up one or two where a passenger is inside.
    :: HIDCanada.com | Illuminating Your World


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Wellington,New Zealand
    Posts
    3,868

    Default

    the factory pressure for 235/45/17 is 39f41r (or something very close to this)for the M5,its what i run on my 535 mtech suspension and 235 45 17
    Gone but not forgotten

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lexington, Kentucky
    Posts
    2,561

    Default

    Best pressure stock tires? I currently use 30/34 for normal driving with one person in the car. However, it seems to handle a bit better at higher pressure but rides much rougher. I see even wear on tires as I rotate/balance every 5,000 miles
    Thanks,

    1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Calgary AB Canada
    Posts
    589

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul in NZ
    the factory pressure for 235/45/17 is 39f41r (or something very close to this)for the M5,its what i run on my 535 mtech suspension and 235 45 17
    38F/41R IIRC. The 29F is only for the 15" tires - 29 in a 45 series tire is asking for rim damage with a great big PLEASE.
    Anthony
    03/64 production

    '91M5 - 11/90, was mine, it's Jim's now.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    So.Calif ( L.A. Beach Area)
    Posts
    499

    Default

    I am running 32 psi F & 35 psi R on 225/60 15" Traction TA's ( V rated) handles awesome and sticks like glue

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. What tire pressure do you run.....
    By bsell in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 03-23-2008, 04:37 PM
  2. Tire pressure
    By mitch2k in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 07-03-2006, 03:06 PM
  3. Tire Pressure?
    By liquidtiger720 in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-10-2005, 07:44 PM
  4. Tire Pressure help
    By kentish in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-17-2004, 09:19 PM
  5. Tire Pressure 101
    By Level8Drummer in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-31-2004, 11:22 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •