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[RoundelM3]

I will need new tires in a couple months and am considering going up 1 size over the standard 18" sport-package specifications. I'd like to solicit comments or suggestions from others who have done this. Right now I'm looking at the Continental Extreme Contact DW tire with its 340 UTQG rating.

[Hooy]

Totally fine. I ran big Nitto NT05's in that size on my stocks, and they looked square. DW's run narrow, so you'll be fine.

[RoundelM3]

Great - thanks, Hooy. My wheels are 8" front, 9" rear - I was concerned whether the235 on the front would be too wide, but sounds like it'll fit just fine.

That said - does anyone out there have any experience with the Conti Extreme Contact DW tires yet?

[VMRWheels]

We recommend 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rear tires all the time with our wheels. Those tires are pretty popular tires with our wheels, along with DWSs and Ventus V12s.

Lots of people like them.

[335 oClock]

too thick, do 35 front 30 rear

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

We recommend 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rear tires all the time with our wheels. Those tires are pretty popular tires with our wheels, along with DWSs and Ventus V12s.

Lots of people like them.

Yes, but as I recall, all your wheel sets are 8.5" front and 9.5" rear...not quite the same thing as mine. But I'm glad to hear that the Conti DSs are recommended.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by 335 oClock

too thick, do 35 front 30 rear

Nope...that would reduce the diameter too much IMO. But thanks for the opinion.

[335 oClock]

of course it will reduce; it looks better imo

[RoundelM3]

True, but it also means a slightly harsher ride due to reduced sidewall height and more susceptible to damage from potholes, etc. Appreciate the suggestion, but I'll stick with the 40/35. Anyone else have any insights/experiences to share?

[mike-y]

DWs are soft tires, so keep that in mind. I didn't like them because of that, but with a 19" wheel, this may actually be desirable.

As far as width, you'll be perfectly fine. The stock tires are slightly undersized for the rim anyway, and you can go one size larger without any issue (at least up front).

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by 335 oClock

too thick, do 35 front 30 rear

If he had 19's you'd be right but OP has 18's

[flip4335]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Great - thanks, Hooy. My wheels are 8" front, 9" rear - I was concerned whether the235 on the front would be too wide, but sounds like it'll fit just fine.

That said - does anyone out there have any experience with the Conti Extreme Contact DW tires yet?

235/265 are fine with 8.0/9.0 rims. Check this site to see what fits which rims:

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

You will see that you are within specs.

Best bet is to keep OEM sizes or close to it. I run the same setup on my wheels, and am glad for the extra sidewall width. Not too much above standard OEM size.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by flip4335

235/265 are fine with 8.0/9.0 rims. Check this site to see what fits which rims:

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

You will see that you are within specs.

Best bet is to keep OEM sizes or close to it. I run the same setup on my wheels, and am glad for the extra sidewall width. Not too much above standard OEM size.

OK - sounds good. I'll order my tires soon, then.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by mike-y

DWs are soft tires, so keep that in mind. I didn't like them because of that, but with a 19" wheel, this may actually be desirable.

As far as width, you'll be perfectly fine. The stock tires are slightly undersized for the rim anyway, and you can go one size larger without any issue (at least up front).

All Z-rated tires are soft, but these DWs have a treadwear rating of 340 as opposed to the 240-280 most of the other Z-rated tires have. I've read good reviews of them and am going to see if they'll last longer than my GoodYear Eagle F1 Assymetrics.

Originally Posted by mike-y

DWs are soft tires, so keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by roundel335

All Z-rated tires are soft,

He was probably referring to the fact that the sidewall is soft, not necessarily the tread of the tire itself. Multiple reviews have pointed out that turn-in and responsiveness isn't as precise given that reason:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=148

[will.c]

I agree with 40 front 35 rear. I currently have 245/35/18 front 265/35/18 rear (Hankook V12) on stock 189's (8" and 8.5" wide), and front wheel gap is slightly too big if you're concerned about the looks, and hitting potholes is not fun with low profile despite slightly increased steering response, which is why I decided to try 35 front. Oh, and DC Tire somewhere in Jersey messed up one of the tires trying to fit the 245/35 onto 18x8, so I remember them throwing a fresh tire out, not to mention how long it took... However, moral of the story is that even 245's still look square on 8".

[fefo25]

Is 255/45/18 too big up front cause thats what im using with 18x9 M3 wheels. Would it mess with anything?

[will.c]

Waaaay too big..

[fefo25]

Originally Posted by wonho

Waaaay too big..

Why? Does it make the car run different?

[will.c]

Originally Posted by fefo25

Why? Does it make the car run different?

That size is about 2" larger in diameter. Unless I'm missing something, you won't even be able to turn the steering wheel. Not to mention other potential problems..

[pkirk]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I will need new tires in a couple months and am considering going up 1 size over the standard 18" sport-package specifications. I'd like to solicit comments or suggestions from others who have done this. Right now I'm looking at the Continental Extreme Contact DW tire with its 340 UTQG rating.

I just installed a set of this size of DWS on my e92 yesterday. Looks great!

[RoundelM3]

Thanks, pkirk. I'm going to order mine next week. Let us know how they handle and ride.