[val3ncia]

Hi. I recently purchased a used 2014 335i xdrive that is outfitted with the 20inch 405M wheels (Front: 8"J x 20", Offset 36 H2/Rear: 8.5"J x 20", Offset 47 H2) and the Pirelli PZero run flats that came with the wheels.

I love the car, and the way it handles - but would love to get tires that are a little more forgiving when driving around town where the roads are not always so great - can anyone recommend tires to replace the Pirelli PZeros when the time comes to swap out for new ones? I have no intention of changing the wheels -just the tires. want more "comfort" without sacrificing too much in handling.

thank you for your advice.

[.BMW.]

With xDrive you only have two possibilities.

Either a square setup with 245/35-20 on the staggered wheels. That setup will look best if you also fit rear spacers to match the more aggressive front offsets.

Or you can fit staggered tires with higher profile front and rear, i.e. 225/40-20 and 255/35-20 (those sizes are 3.5% taller than OEM). The issue is that 225/40 is almost impossible to find!

[alohasurftoad]

you'll have to go non run-flat michelin pilot super sport

also get a mini portable compressor, tire plug kit, 17mm lug tool. and small scissor jack just in case...

[val3ncia]

Originally Posted by .BMW.

With xDrive you only have two possibilities.

Either a square setup with 245/35-20 on the staggered wheels. That setup will look best if you also fit rear spacers to match the more aggressive front offsets.

Or you can fit staggered tires with higher profile front and rear, i.e. 225/40-20 and 255/35-20 (those sizes are 3.5% taller than OEM). The issue is that 225/40 is almost impossible to find!

The current set up is: 225/35 front 255/30 rear

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by val3ncia

The current set up is: 225/35 front 255/30 rear

Yes I know the OEM 20" sizes.

But since you wan't better comfort, higher profile tires is a good start.

Non run-flats as mentioned above is also a good advice!

[val3ncia]

Today I had bought the Michelin pilot super sports in the oem setup for these wheels (225/35 front 255/30 rear). have only driven them about 40 miles so far, but already can tell the difference. less noise, more cushy but still razor sharp. so much better than the Pirellis. not sure if the difference is mostly because they are not run-flats, or if the difference is because these are just better tires. either way, i am smiling.

now i need to pick up a patch/inflation kit for my car....

[Jeff_335]

Michelin is such an improvement over the oem pirelli. I changed mine for michelin Ps4s in 235/35/20-265/30/20. The car is very confortable for 20" and still has that super sharp direction and handling. It feels like a different car now!

[cfm56d7b]

Tires with a higher profile (taller sidewall) play a big part in a more comfortable ride. In lieu of tires with a higher profile, non RFT tires is the next best option.

[goj]

Originally Posted by Jeff_335

Michelin is such an improvement over the oem pirelli. I changed mine for michelin Ps4s in 235/35/20-265/30/20. The car is very confortable for 20" and still has that super sharp direction and handling. It feels like a different car now!

Those 265s are not approved for use on less than 9 inch wide wheels interesting that you chose those

[Jeff_335]

I knew it but Michelin don't make the PS4S in 255, I had no choice but to go with the 265. I didn't want to have any other tires. I've driven almost 8000 km wihtout any single problem. I don't feel like it's sloppy or loose !

[ishowerinjager]

Originally Posted by goj

Those 265s are not approved for use on less than 9 inch wide wheels interesting that you chose those

What kind of issues would you be worried about?

[goj]

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

What kind of issues would you be worried about?

The fact that the manufacturer says that they are not approved for use on a wheel less than 9 inches wide. I wouldn't need more reason than that.

But if I were to guess it sounds like either the tire wouldn't mount perfectly or the sidewall would be angle in too much and it would compromise handling. The tread width of the 265 is 1 inch wider than the 8.5 wheel.

[mdai245]

If you are willing to sacrifice looks for comfort and performance I would recommend going with a square set with some lighter smaller wheels and selling the 20s. It dials out the understeer, especially since your car is xdrive and improves performance via less rolling weight.

[F30bih]

hi, I also have 20" OEM rims and was wondering if there's an alternative (with more sidewall) to the 225/35/R20 and 255/30/R20.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by EM_F30

hi, I also have 20" OEM rims and was wondering if there's an alternative (with more sidewall) to the 225/35/R20 and 255/30/R20.

on oem 20x8, 20x8.5,to increase sidewall, you could run 235/35/20(26.5") all around OR 235/35/20(26.5")front, 245/35/20 (26.8")rear. with 26.8" at the rear, you may notice an affect on acceleration since the tire is taller and often slightly heavier.

[.BMW.]

RWD or xDrive EM_F30?

In addition to alohasurftoad's recommendations 245/35-20 square or 245/35 front and 255/35 rear will also fit OEM 20" wheels. Will give you the maximum possible sidewall height!

[F30bih]

Originally Posted by .BMW.

RWD or xDrive EM_F30?

In addition to alohasurftoad's recommendations 245/35-20 square or 245/35 front and 255/35 rear will also fit OEM 20" wheels. Will give you the maximum possible sidewall height!

sorry forgot to mention. I have an xdrive.
245's in the front won't rub or cause any problems?

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by EM_F30

sorry forgot to mention. I have an xdrive.
245's in the front won't rub or cause any problems?

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...54&postcount=1

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...+black&page=10

do you have an F30, 32, 36? f36 x-drives seem to have the smallest fenderwell space and least tolerance to tall tires and or low offset.

in the links above both have not rubbed however it depends on the brand/model of tire and the fact that each car may have slight variances in build from the factory. when things are this tight, millimeters may make the difference between rubbing and not. i am surprised dst86 is not rubbing while turning full-lock, to be honest.

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by EM_F30

sorry forgot to mention. I have an xdrive.

Then I recommend 245/35-20 square, and rear spacers to complete the look.

[F30bih]

I have an F30. I'll probably put 245/35/R20 all around with 5mm spacers in the front and rear, is that good?

[.BMW.]

No need for front spacers with 245 tires.

12mm for the rear wheels would be a good match, but try with the spacers you already have first.

[F30bih]

Alright, thanks a lot!