What E34 gets best gas mileage?

[jplacson]

Just wondering though, since this is the first car I've ever owned that needed low profile tires...

I asked a few people, and they said 225/45/18 should run about 36psi.

But when I brought my car in for an Insp. II at BMW, they filled the front to about 41psi, and the rear 36psi... does this sound right? Should I stick with this setup running my tires? Or go with 36psi all around?

[TheGeak]

depends on the time if year for me. if its winter i'll go with lower psi all around for better traction in snow. However if i'm going to do some spirited driving, i'll fill up to about 41-42psi front and 38-40psi rear. Thats just my preferance though. I was running 245/65/17 (i think thats what i had on)

[jplacson]

Ok... just wanted to verify, cuz I've never had tire pressure that high before... nor did I ever have higher psi in one set over the other. Just checking. Thanks!

[TheGeak]

low profile tires want high pressure since they have stiffer sidewalls and less "bounce room" than your average thick walled tire. I'm no expert on this, so definatly don't take my word for the gospel, but i've heard that higher psi in the front usually equates to better handling.

What 18" rim are you running?

[jplacson]

They came with the car. They are replica BMW style 95 wheels. Wheels are pretty expensive here in the Phil, so replica or not, I don't really plan to change them anytime soon. I'm using Dunlops though (also came with the car), and I've heard they aren't that great in handling or road noise... so once they've worn out (maybe in a year or two) I intend to switch to either Continentals or Michelins (I'm really eyeing their new ZP line found on the new 5-series)

Hmmm... I might go back to what BMW placed in my tires to begin with... 41 front, 36 rear. I mean, they should know better than me right? I just was a bit freaked since most NORMAL tires don't go over 36psi. Oh well... learn something new everyday! And with this being MY first Bimmer, I'm learning a lot of things that are done differently over Japanese cars.

[TheGeak]

i know some people that have run 48psi in their's all around (don't know WHY, but they did) and didn't have any problems.

I'd check tirewalls first and see what the TIRE recomends. Normally the tire company knows even better than a car manufacturer!

[jplacson]

well, it only says the max psi which is about 50++ psi.

[Warren N.CA]

just curious
-James
89 525i 285k miles

[TheGeak]

M5? 54ia?

huh?!

[Warren N.CA]

in Montgomery, AL, in 1968. I asked the salesman what the gas mileage was and he replied:

"If you have to ask, you cain't affohd it."

just curious
-James
89 525i 285k miles