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[cole328]

Gents new owner of a '11 e93 OEM 19's, on the contisport contact3's. Came out of a 2008 997S so am used to performance sports cars, and know how sensitive they are to subtle changes in tire pressure. On that car, after talking to various people, came to realize an "ideal" tire pressure for spirited driving around town was not at all what was indicated in the book (those pressures tend to be the "middle of the road" to balance tire life,comfort, etc. I simply want the best handling....tires are simply the cost of owning a sports car.

Was curious from those of you that have had your cars for a bit, with the stock 19's, what tire pressures you are running? I am not DE'ing the car at all, but do enjoy "driving" my car around town, so am looking for what people have found to be the ideal pressure.

Thanks much

[elh0102]

I think you will find something around 38, at operating temperature, should be about right all around. I have found those tires operate fine on track, in the general 37-39 range. So, if on track or driving hard, you will need to bleed off some air as the temp rises.

[Radiation Joe]

With 18s I've found 38 to be good.

[cole328]

got it...so you guys are not "staggering" the pressures front and rear as the book suggests? (I think my book said 36F/38R) you're shooting for a 38psi in all four at operating temperature, which may mean cold is like 34 or 35.....I'll try that and see if I like it better let me know if I am understanding you guys, and thanks

[elh0102]

Originally Posted by cole328

got it...so you guys are not "staggering" the pressures front and rear as the book suggests? (I think my book said 36F/38R) you're shooting for a 38psi in all four at operating temperature, which may mean cold is like 34 or 35.....I'll try that and see if I like it better let me know if I am understanding you guys, and thanks

Correct. You might find you want a bit more pressure in front, not the rear, but it just depends on driving style and personal preference.

[cole328]

OK..thanks man Also, I assume this would not change your answer, but I should have told you I have the Dinan Stage 2 suspension on there I called them earlier, and they indicated proposed 'cold' pressure of 35F/35R...sounds spot on with what you are saying (depending on how much my driving style heats them up). They also indicated I could try 35f/33R...so, once again, kudos to you I'll try both this weekend, with a goal of either 38 all around hot, or perhaps 40 F 38 R hot

[Radiation Joe]

Originally Posted by elh0102

Correct. You might find you want a bit more pressure in front, not the rear, but it just depends on driving style and personal preference.

+1

I'm currently 38 all around, but usually run one to two pounds less in the rear with my summer set-up. I'm also on a Dinan suspension. Rears are 275/40-18s on 18x10 and fronts are 255/40-18 on 18x9 (summer).

[klammer]

Running dinan as well and sounds about right to run things at 35 cold and have adjusted front to differ from back at the track to dial in or out over and understeer as appropriate, might just take some trial and error to find Your ideal pressure

[cole328]

Thanks for advice gents...just as with the Porsche, a pound or two one way or the other in these cars makes a noticable difference in the handling characteristics (that, and I am one anal retentive mo fo). With the Dinan set-up, with yoru advice, found that 35F/36R "cold" results in the best handling. EDC in normal mode ("sport" was just too damn tight, and did not allow the car to effectively absorb the steering input). Much appreciated

[kmarei]

how can you drive on 38?
i tired that once
the car felt like it was on 1st gen runflats
damn hard
i stick to stock pressure

[gthal]

I ran my tires at 37 F, 38 R last summer and found the tires wore down in the centre faster on the rears. This summer I will take them down a couple of pounds per corner to try to even out the tire wear across the whole tire.

[Mike V8]

If I'm not mistaken it depends on average speed. So if you drive mostly on freeways at high speeds (80mph) you need higher Psi? Correct me if I'm wrong!

[pride355]

I drive on 35F/34R since the rears can heat up easier than front.

[igom3]

I have mine at 36F?34R with pretty even wear on the street. JMO

[NRing]

Originally Posted by Mike V8

If I'm not mistaken it depends on average speed. So if you drive mostly on freeways at high speeds (80mph) you need higher Psi? Correct me if I'm wrong!

high speeds?? 80 mph??