noob needs new tires to fit on stock e34 wheel

[BaltJack]

Hi guys -

I'm the proud owner of a new (to-me) 1989 525i. The previous owner left it sitting broken for quite a while, but it's running now. I hit highway speeds for the first time and got shakes >60mph. i suspect the tires, and after taking a look, it's about time to get new ones anyways.

BMWE34.NET says that a popular upgrade is to put 225/60-15 onto the stock wheels. The stock is 205/65-15.

knowing very little about tires, my question is : is it safe/ok to put wider tires onto a rim that was made to take thinner ones? How does this work? And can you guys recommend any tires for general driving? i'm looking for a good balance between performance and treadlife. it rarely snows here.

thanks a bunch. its awsome to find a group of enthusiasts for my car.

-balt

[Tiger]

Yes, it is fine to put on 225 but your problem is not the tire... it is the upper control arm bushing shot... aka thrust arm. Typical problem.

[western99]

They have about 60%-70% tread on them and are 225/60-15. Great ride. Let me know if you are interested. But it sounds like you have more of a thrust are problem.

Brian
95 525 ia

Hi guys -

I'm the proud owner of a new (to-me) 1989 525i. The previous owner left it sitting broken for quite a while, but it's running now. I hit highway speeds for the first time and got shakes >60mph. i suspect the tires, and after taking a look, it's about time to get new ones anyways.

BMWE34.NET says that a popular upgrade is to put 225/60-15 onto the stock wheels. The stock is 205/65-15.

knowing very little about tires, my question is : is it safe/ok to put wider tires onto a rim that was made to take thinner ones? How does this work? And can you guys recommend any tires for general driving? i'm looking for a good balance between performance and treadlife. it rarely snows here.

thanks a bunch. its awsome to find a group of enthusiasts for my car.

-balt

[bimmerd00d]

sitting broken would cause a tire to dry rot and flatspot, so it very well might be the tires, as well as a possibly bad bushing.

[Jon K]

sitting broken would cause a tire to dry rot and flatspot, so it very well might be the tires, as well as a possibly bad bushing.

But the German in me says replace both to cover your ass...

[rockyfeller]

What kind of michelins?? I'd be interested.

[BaltJack]

But the German in me says replace both to cover your ass...

yeah. i'm leaning towards doing both as well. The tires look like they've got about a 1/4 tread left, and from my understanding had been sitting (not moved) for over a year. the thought of the control arm/bushing hadn't even entered my mind until now. with a little help (from you guys), i'm gonna get this thing running good.

any tips/experiences on tires? ie. "i had XXXX on my car..." or "stay the hell away from XXXX" ?

-balt