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[rlb]

Will 18x8.5 rims fit on the front of a 335 sedan? I would like to get aftermarket rims and use 255/35 tires in the front and back so I can rotate. The sport pkg. uses 255/35 8.5" rims in the rear but I have not been able to find out if that size rim and tire can also be used in the front. I do not want to use spacers. If I can use that combo in the front, what would be the best offset so not to get any rubbing?

[sg335]

Posted this fitment in last weeks thread on 18" track wheels. The stock rear 8.5 ET37 wheel with 255 35 18's fits fine with approximately 5-6mm clearance from the strut tube and the fender lip. It is my opinion that 9.0 or 9.5" wheels will not fit in any offset thus far in my fitment tests. 8.5" wheels will fit from about ET32 to ET42 at a maximum. Most wheel fitments for the E90 335i are 32,35, and 38mm offset.

[rlb]

sg335,
Thanks for the reply. I found your post from last week. Exactly what I was looking for. Do you run 18x8.5" rims at all 4 corners on your car? What size tires do you use?

[sg335]

Just fit my Enkei NT03+M's tonight. 18x8.5 ET38 with 245 40 18 Nitto NT-01. They fit with alot of room. Will post more info under new thread.

[rlb]

Just curious, why did you go with 245/40 instead of 255/35 all around?

[sg335]

There are no 255 35 18 R compounds until the Toyo R888 hits our shores soon. 245 35 or 40 series will both work fine for track work. The 255 should not offer much more in term of performance and may cause some clearance issues due to the increased width (see my post today in 18" track wheels). You add a little weight and drag with the larger size and I don't feel the car will need it. Running same size front and rears will offer much better handling that staggered fitment of 225/255, 235/265 or 245/275. And even if you could fit 275's at all four corners, I am not sure it would provide any additional benefit to the 245 or 255 tire in a track situation with stock power.

[e36jakeo]

Originally Posted by sg335

There are no 255 35 18 R compounds until the Toyo R888 hits our shores soon. 245 35 or 40 series will both work fine for track work. The 255 should not offer much more in term of performance and may cause some clearance issues due to the increased width (see my post today in 18" track wheels). You add a little weight and drag with the larger size and I don't feel the car will need it. Running same size front and rears will offer much better handling that staggered fitment of 225/255, 235/265 or 245/275. And even if you could fit 275's at all four corners, I am not sure it would provide any additional benefit to the 245 or 255 tire in a track situation with stock power.

I agree going with the same size tire all the way around is best for handling balance and rotate-ability. I do, however, think that, on the track, wider is better (as long as there is no rubbing).

I increased the size of my E36 M3's Toyo RA1s from 235/40/17 to 255/40/17 and, even though the bigger tire was somewhat taller, the extra grip allowed me more corner speed and more braking and led to 2 second drops per lap! The 335i has plenty of power and torque to push the extra rubber. I'd guess 275/18s all around (if they fit) will be fastest.

[sg335]

Maybe, but I can't see how to fit them without extensive fender modifications to the front.

[ADHD]

I rock 18x8.5 all around et 38 with 235's all around!! WORKS GREAT!!

Car handles like its on rails an i love it!!