E38 M Par tire size on E34

[///Sniper535]

What do you guys think of this tire size set up on stock suspension?


FRONT: 245/40/18
REAR: 275/35/18

[BMWDriver]

Are you sure the 275's will fit ? Do you expect to run spacers ? M-Pars are pretty hot. You'll be getting one sexy ride.

[///Sniper535]

no spacers, i'm trying to see what will be best for the rear 9.5" wide wheels.

[BMWDriver]

The bmwe34.net website suggests 265 35 18 as the largest 18 inch wheel for the e34, and 275 30 19 for 19 inch. The offset of the e38 is 23mm, where the e34 is 20mm except for the M5. This means the wheels of the e38 would be about 1/8" farther in. And since the wheel is 9.5 inch wide, this brings it closer to the struts.

I have not test fitted any, so I'm no real help except for the theory. It would be ideal to have someone who has 'em to chime in, or for you to test fit the rim without rubber at least.

You might try this forum:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/index.php

There's a specific thread for wheels, and another for the e34 that is much more active.

[Maximabello]

I have 265/35 on my rear m parallels. I had to roll the rear fenders to avoid rubbing with weight in the car.

[///Sniper535]

Can someone tell me what would be better for the 8"/9.5" staggared set up.

245/40/18 all around
or
235/40/18(F) & 255/35/18(R)

Thanks, I cant make a decision, it seems though that the 245/40/18s are more common tires.

[Interceptor]

Can someone tell me what would be better for the 8"/9.5" staggared set up.

245/40/18 all around
or
235/40/18(F) & 255/35/18(R)

Thanks, I cant make a decision, it seems though that the 245/40/18s are more common tires.

Neither.

I have staggered E39 M-Pars (8"/9") and use 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18 rear. I suggest you use the same, since I don't experience any rubbing and 255/35 has smaller diameter than stock.

Here's how it looks like on my car:

[///Sniper535]

Isnt the offset different vs E38 and E39 M Parallels?

[Interceptor]

Isnt the offset different vs E38 and E39 M Parallels?

E39:
- front: 235/40-18 ET20
- rear: 265/35-18 ET24

E38:
- front: 235/50-18 ET13
- rear: 255/45-18 ET25

As you can see, in the front there is 7 mm difference, and in the rear only 1 mm. I'm not sure, but you might need spacers in the front. If there's rubbing in the rear, you can always roll the inside of your fenders.

[bubba966]

Factory tire size on E34 M-Pars (18x8et20 & 18x9et22) was 245/40/18 all around. Unless 245 is too narrow for the 9.5" width E38 rim I'd run 245/40/18 on all corners.