235/40 Worth the Extra $$?

Kief · 09-20-2011, 06:41 AM

From an aesthetics perspective, do you think spending the extra money for 235/40/18 on all four corners (my "winter" setup) is worth it compared to running 225/40/18 on all four corners? These would be on 18x8 rims front and back.

Running the calculator indicates neither tire would change the sunken in appearance (ET32, 5mm retracted), but there would a negligible .5" height and rear increase. So is it worth it?
Thanks!

IllLojik · 09-20-2011, 10:04 AM

I'm not sure myself. What I do know is that some of us run as thin a winter tire as possible because a thinner tire cuts through snow easier. If you live in an area that isn't that snow heavy then it's left to aesthetic choices.

On a 8in rim, I'd stick with 225 honestly.

flip4335 · 09-20-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IllLojik

I'm not sure myself. What I do know is that some of us run as thin a winter tire as possible because a thinner tire cuts through snow easier. If you live in an area that isn't that snow heavy then it's left to aesthetic choices.

On a 8in rim, I'd stick with 225 honestly.

+1

Besides, how often will you be running your ride through its performance paces in wet, slushy, cold weather?

The point of winter tires is more functional than aesthetic, moving from point A to point B....safely!

I run 225/40/18 on 8x18 rims all around for my area...I might need better snows soon.

E30M3Driver · 09-20-2011, 10:20 AM

From an aesthetics stand point, no.

A practical advantage with a 235 tire is you get more rim protection - for example, I have 225/40 on 8.5" wheels and they are stretched such that the rim is exposed. However on your 8" wheel, you may not have much problem in that area but it is tire dependent.

My next set will be 235 - mainly for the rim protection and also because for all but 7-10 days of the year I am not driving in snow and most of the time it is dry. A more performance oriented snow tire is perfect for this.

Kief · 09-20-2011, 10:48 AM

Not to turn this into a dedicated winter tire vs. A/S tire debate, but for my winter season needs, an A/S tire works best. That's why I put the word winter in quotes above. Chances of these tires ever touching light snow or ice are slim to none. That's why my question was focused on the looks and whether the 235 would fill-in better.

mike-y · 09-20-2011, 11:33 AM

if that is the case, a 235 will fill the rim better and not looked stretched. My friend with a 128i runs 225/40/18s on 7.5" rims, and the tire fills the rim perfectly and doesn't bulge at all. So if you have an 8" rim, a 235 should fit perfectly.

VMRWheels · 09-20-2011, 12:11 PM

225/40 is actually more optimal size to run on a 8" wheel for winter.

-Charles@VMRWheels

Brian@bavarianx · 09-20-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

225/40 is actually more optimal size to run on a 8" wheel for winter.

-Charles@VMRWheels

THIS.

Freelo · 09-20-2011, 03:19 PM

If you don't have a lot of snow and want a bit more performance in the winter, I think a square setup with 235s works great. For winter in Connecticut, I have 235/45/17 Continental DWS on all four corners. Much, much better handling and performance than a fully dedicated winter tire.

I think having the 235s in back is helpful in getting more traction under hard acceleration with the 335. I was pleased that the loss in traction relative to the 255 summer tires was not that bad.

bmw325i · 09-20-2011, 05:04 PM

225 won't be stretched at all on a 8 inch rim. I would go with that especially if it's cheaper.

mike-y · 09-20-2011, 05:36 PM

225s are a little stretched on an 8" rim.. you can see the edge of the rim sticking out more than the tire.

deanmc · 09-20-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-y

225s are a little stretched on an 8" rim.. you can see the edge of the rim sticking out more than the tire.

No, they're not. My (and all other OEM BMW) 18x8 stock fronts run 225/40/18, and the tires are not stretched at all, and I definitely can't see the edge of the rim.

mike-y · 09-20-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanmc

No, they're not. My (and all other OEM BMW) 18x8 stock fronts run 225/40/18, and the tires are not stretched at all, and I definitely can't see the edge of the rim.

I def could see the edge of the rim when I had 225s on 8" wide rims. I actually returned a set of tires because of this. If you dropped the rim on it's face it would scratch the lip of the rim because there was little/no tire protection. Other cars run 235s on 8" wide rims and they fit perfectly.

IllLojik · 09-20-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-y

I def could see the edge of the rim when I had 225s on 8" wide rims. I actually returned a set of tires because of this. If you dropped the rim on it's face it would scratch the lip of the rim because there was little/no tire protection. Other cars run 235s on 8" wide rims and they fit perfectly.

It depends on the tire brand. Michelin's will cover more width than say Hankook or General Gmax's

Sam335ix · 09-20-2011, 10:49 PM

I have a 2011 335 ix Msports package staggered set up (oem stock) does this mean I can run a square set up with 225 40 18s all around? What is the handling like? Does it look retarded?

deanmc · 09-21-2011, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike-y

I def could see the edge of the rim when I had 225s on 8" wide rims. I actually returned a set of tires because of this. If you dropped the rim on it's face it would scratch the lip of the rim because there was little/no tire protection. Other cars run 235s on 8" wide rims and they fit perfectly.

Hmmm maybe the discrepancy is in tire brand then. Here's what OEM 225 Bridgestone Potenzas looks like on stock 18x8 OEM wheels, there's definitely a edge on the tires that protects the wheel lip. Now, 225 on a 8.5" aftermarket wheel will definitely look a little bit stretched.

Kief · 09-21-2011, 07:47 AM

Here are some pics of 225/40/18 (Contis DWS--which is the tire I'm considering) on an 18x8 rim on all four corners. The guy who posted these was unhappy about the look. He felt the tires looked "stretched." But I think he meant he didn't like the rounded shoulder look. He thought he should have gone 235/40/18.

When people say Contis run narrow, are they referring to the rear view of the tire (too skinny) or is it the profile (too rounded)? How would these pics look different had he gone with 235/40/18 on all four corners? Better yet, does anyone have pics of 235/40/18 on all four corners?
Thanks again!

IllLojik · 09-21-2011, 09:00 AM

You're right. He might not have like the rounded look and mistook that for being stretched. Those tires are by no means stretched, as the cover the edge of the rim.

When people refer to narrow tires they mean the, as you put it, the view from the rear. Or how much the rubber covers the tire edge to edge, or from lip to lip (front to rear).

A 235 on that rim would come out slightly more and create a tiny bulge if anything.

VMRWheels · 09-21-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kief

Here are some pics of 225/40/18 (Contis DWS--which is the tire I'm considering) on an 18x8 rim on all four corners. The guy who posted these was unhappy about the look. He felt the tires looked "stretched." But I think he meant he didn't like the rounded shoulder look. He thought he should have gone 235/40/18. !

I would definitely consider the Continental DWS's to have tapered shoulders, but not stretched in this case.

-Charles@VMRWheels

mike-y · 09-21-2011, 12:23 PM

ah, perhaps it is the brand of tire.. some look like they have a little bit of a "rim protector" too. Those bridgestones have a lip that helps cover the edge of the rim. But you can still see the sidewall tapers in a little toward the top of the tire.

Put it this way, BMW uses a 255 size tire on an 8.5" rim in the rear. Most people that run aftermarket wheels run 8.5" wide up front with 235s. So that would be a little stretched, since bmw uses a tire that is 20mm wider on the rear with the same width rim. since 235s are a bit stretched on an 8.5" rim, wouldn't they fit better on an 8.0" rim?

Another way to look at it - if 255s fit well on an 8.5" rim, an 8" rim is 1/2" narrower, which is about 13mm. 255 -13 = 242. Which suggests a 245 tire would fit on an 8" wide rim just fine. So a 235 would fit with a bit of room to spare, and a 225 is still 20mm narrower than a 245, which is what I'm getting at as a "little bit stretched".

it still may look fine though, and widths will vary a bit with brands, but I'm still saying it's a bit stretched

09-20-2011, 06:41 AM	#1
Kief Major General 4439 Rep 5,731 Posts Drives: '24 iX50; '23 i4 M50 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika iTrader: (26)	235/40 Worth the Extra $$? From an aesthetics perspective, do you think spending the extra money for 235/40/18 on all four corners (my "winter" setup) is worth it compared to running 225/40/18 on all four corners? These would be on 18x8 rims front and back. Running the calculator indicates neither tire would change the sunken in appearance (ET32, 5mm retracted), but there would a negligible .5" height and rear increase. So is it worth it? Thanks! __________________ __________________ '24-I20 iX 50; '23-G26 i4 M50; '22-G82 M4Cx;20-G05 M50i; '20-F82 M4CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F85 X5M; '18-G01 X3M40i; '18-F80 M3ZCP; '17-F80 M3ZCP; '15-F15 X5; '15-F82 M4; '12-E92 335is; '11-E70 X5d; '11-E89 Z435is;'09-E89 Z435i; '08-E92 335i; '06-E90 330i; '05-E83 X3; '04-E83 X3; '03-E46 325Ci* *retired
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09-20-2011, 10:04 AM	#2
IllLojik Lieutenant 51 Rep 473 Posts Drives: //'12 F30 328i\\ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (2)	I'm not sure myself. What I do know is that some of us run as thin a winter tire as possible because a thinner tire cuts through snow easier. If you live in an area that isn't that snow heavy then it's left to aesthetic choices. On a 8in rim, I'd stick with 225 honestly.
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09-20-2011, 10:20 AM	#4
E30M3Driver Captain 37 Rep 794 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C, 97 M3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Here, there iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [8.00] 1989 BMW M3 [8.20]	From an aesthetics stand point, no. A practical advantage with a 235 tire is you get more rim protection - for example, I have 225/40 on 8.5" wheels and they are stretched such that the rim is exposed. However on your 8" wheel, you may not have much problem in that area but it is tire dependent. My next set will be 235 - mainly for the rim protection and also because for all but 7-10 days of the year I am not driving in snow and most of the time it is dry. A more performance oriented snow tire is perfect for this. __________________ Performance Center Delivery, June 21, 2013: 2013 E92 335is \| Le Mans Blue \| Gray Leather with Black \| 6MT \| 19" Style 313's \| Michelin Pilot Super Sports \| BMW Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler \|
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09-20-2011, 10:48 AM	#5
Kief Major General 4439 Rep 5,731 Posts Drives: '24 iX50; '23 i4 M50 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika iTrader: (26)	Not to turn this into a dedicated winter tire vs. A/S tire debate, but for my winter season needs, an A/S tire works best. That's why I put the word winter in quotes above. Chances of these tires ever touching light snow or ice are slim to none. That's why my question was focused on the looks and whether the 235 would fill-in better. __________________ __________________ '24-I20 iX 50; '23-G26 i4 M50; '22-G82 M4Cx;20-G05 M50i; '20-F82 M4CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F85 X5M; '18-G01 X3M40i; '18-F80 M3ZCP; '17-F80 M3ZCP; '15-F15 X5; '15-F82 M4; '12-E92 335is; '11-E70 X5d; '11-E89 Z435is;'09-E89 Z435i; '08-E92 335i; '06-E90 330i; '05-E83 X3; '04-E83 X3; '03-E46 325Ci* *retired
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09-20-2011, 11:33 AM	#6
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	if that is the case, a 235 will fill the rim better and not looked stretched. My friend with a 128i runs 225/40/18s on 7.5" rims, and the tire fills the rim perfectly and doesn't bulge at all. So if you have an 8" rim, a 235 should fit perfectly.
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09-20-2011, 12:11 PM	#7
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2040 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	225/40 is actually more optimal size to run on a 8" wheel for winter. -Charles@VMRWheels __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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09-20-2011, 03:19 PM	#9
Freelo Private First Class 10 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 2014 328i (sold) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (5)	tires If you don't have a lot of snow and want a bit more performance in the winter, I think a square setup with 235s works great. For winter in Connecticut, I have 235/45/17 Continental DWS on all four corners. Much, much better handling and performance than a fully dedicated winter tire. I think having the 235s in back is helpful in getting more traction under hard acceleration with the 335. I was pleased that the loss in traction relative to the 255 summer tires was not that bad. __________________ Koni sport shocks, BMW performance springs, M3 arms and sways front and rear, M3 subframe bushings, Velocity toe arms, M3 front strut bar, Cobb, ETS FMIC, Vishnu charge pipe, RPI scoops, M3 steering wheel, M3 carbon leather interior trim, Advan RS 18 inch wheels, Pilot sport tires
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09-20-2011, 05:04 PM	#10
bmw325i Major General 223 Rep 5,120 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (8)	225 won't be stretched at all on a 8 inch rim. I would go with that especially if it's cheaper.
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09-20-2011, 05:36 PM	#11
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	225s are a little stretched on an 8" rim.. you can see the edge of the rim sticking out more than the tire.
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09-20-2011, 10:49 PM	#15
Sam335ix Major 65 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: 335 ix performance edition Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Redskin Country iTrader: (0)	I have a 2011 335 ix Msports package staggered set up (oem stock) does this mean I can run a square set up with 225 40 18s all around? What is the handling like? Does it look retarded?
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09-21-2011, 07:47 AM	#17
Kief Major General 4439 Rep 5,731 Posts Drives: '24 iX50; '23 i4 M50 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika iTrader: (26)	Here are some pics of 225/40/18 (Contis DWS--which is the tire I'm considering) on an 18x8 rim on all four corners. The guy who posted these was unhappy about the look. He felt the tires looked "stretched." But I think he meant he didn't like the rounded shoulder look. He thought he should have gone 235/40/18. When people say Contis run narrow, are they referring to the rear view of the tire (too skinny) or is it the profile (too rounded)? How would these pics look different had he gone with 235/40/18 on all four corners? Better yet, does anyone have pics of 235/40/18 on all four corners? Thanks again! Attached Images __________________ __________________ '24-I20 iX 50; '23-G26 i4 M50; '22-G82 M4Cx;20-G05 M50i; '20-F82 M4CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F80 M3CS; '18-F85 X5M; '18-G01 X3M40i; '18-F80 M3ZCP; '17-F80 M3ZCP; '15-F15 X5; '15-F82 M4; '12-E92 335is; '11-E70 X5d; '11-E89 Z435is;'09-E89 Z435i; '08-E92 335i; '06-E90 330i; '05-E83 X3; '04-E83 X3; '03-E46 325Ci* *retired
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09-21-2011, 09:00 AM	#18
IllLojik Lieutenant 51 Rep 473 Posts Drives: //'12 F30 328i\\ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (2)	You're right. He might not have like the rounded look and mistook that for being stretched. Those tires are by no means stretched, as the cover the edge of the rim. When people refer to narrow tires they mean the, as you put it, the view from the rear. Or how much the rubber covers the tire edge to edge, or from lip to lip (front to rear). A 235 on that rim would come out slightly more and create a tiny bulge if anything.
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09-21-2011, 12:23 PM	#20
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	ah, perhaps it is the brand of tire.. some look like they have a little bit of a "rim protector" too. Those bridgestones have a lip that helps cover the edge of the rim. But you can still see the sidewall tapers in a little toward the top of the tire. Put it this way, BMW uses a 255 size tire on an 8.5" rim in the rear. Most people that run aftermarket wheels run 8.5" wide up front with 235s. So that would be a little stretched, since bmw uses a tire that is 20mm wider on the rear with the same width rim. since 235s are a bit stretched on an 8.5" rim, wouldn't they fit better on an 8.0" rim? Another way to look at it - if 255s fit well on an 8.5" rim, an 8" rim is 1/2" narrower, which is about 13mm. 255 -13 = 242. Which suggests a 245 tire would fit on an 8" wide rim just fine. So a 235 would fit with a bit of room to spare, and a 225 is still 20mm narrower than a 245, which is what I'm getting at as a "little bit stretched". it still may look fine though, and widths will vary a bit with brands, but I'm still saying it's a bit stretched
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