Unmatched rear and front tyres

garysargent · 10-19-2011, 06:53 AM

I have some winter tyres I've used for the last two winter seasons in sizes 225/35R19 front and 255/30R19 rear on a 335i.

The fronts have plenty of tread left in them, but the rears don't so need replacing.

I can no longer buy the same Dunlop tyres - they don't do 255/30R19 anymore!

Can I safely move to 265/30R19 Vredestein's on the rear, and still keep the existing Dunlops on the front? Or in moving to 265 width at the rear do I need to change to 235/35R19 at the front as well?

Falmouthboy · 10-19-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garysargent

I have some winter tyres I've used for the last two winter seasons in sizes 225/35R19 front and 255/30R19 rear on a 335i.

The fronts have plenty of tread left in them, but the rears don't so need replacing.

I can no longer buy the same Dunlop tyres - they don't do 255/30R19 anymore!

Can I safely move to 265/30R19 Vredestein's on the rear, and still keep the existing Dunlops on the front? Or in moving to 265 width at the rear do I need to change to 235/35R19 at the front as well?

I would say that going to 265s will need to be cleared with your insurer as it is different to the standard fitment. If I were you, if 255s are not available, I would be looking to drop a size at the rear for winter if anything.

garysargent · 10-19-2011, 08:03 AM

I doubt they could claim that adding 10mm to the width of the rear tyres increases the performance or attractiveness to thieves. The description of "modification" in the terms and conditions of my insurance says:

"Any alteration to the manufacturers' standard specification for your car, including optional extras fitted to the car when new by the vehicle manufacturer or dealer, which improves its value, performance, appearance or attractiveness to thieves. This includes, but is not restricted to, changes to the engine, engine management or exhaust system, changes to the wheels or suspension system, changes to the bodywork, such as spoilers or body kits or changes to the windows, such as tinting. This
includes any modifications or changes made by previous owners."

gIzzE · 10-19-2011, 11:05 AM

You need to tell them, if you crashed they would use it not to pay out.

Having said all that I would consider going narrower anyway, 245/30/19 would be better for winter rear tyres, or even 235/35/19.

Mike323 · 10-19-2011, 01:37 PM

The guys are giving good advice. I used to work for one of the major insurance companies & whilst it would probably pass unnoticed for minor claims; if you had a major prang, it would be just the excuse needed to avoid paying out. Much better to clear it first, I doubt it will make any difference to your policy or premium & if the worse should happen - your covered!

garysargent · 10-20-2011, 04:10 AM

Ok but insurance aside - am I ok with 265 rear and 225 front as per the original question?

chris_s1 · 10-20-2011, 04:18 AM

Yes, many people run these sizes all the time, myself included. Mostly because Falken don't make a FK452 tyre in the 255 size.

gIzzE · 10-20-2011, 04:45 AM

With a winter you want as narrow as possible, BMW recommends going down a profile and up on the ratio.

So instead of 255.30 you would go 235.35, 235 may however be a little bit narrow for the rim, a 9" will take a 225, but maybe go 245.30 or 245.35 even?

Wide tyres in snow are crap, 245 is already on the limit, going to 265 is going to take away from the overall winter performance slightly and cost you more no doubt.

chris_s1 · 10-20-2011, 04:55 AM

Narrow tyres as better in the snow yes, but for the 99.99% of the time the tyres are on the car and its not like Greenland outside, you are better off with the wider tyre.
Winter tyres are not just about snow you know.

gIzzE · 10-20-2011, 05:44 AM

I have been using winter tyres for the last 10 years, they go on first week of November and come off mid March, I do know what they do.

My point is, if he can get the 245 rears alot cheaper than 265 I would do that.

Also, the 3 series is a lot more fun and BMW like with rears that match the fronts, so going wider for me is the last thing I would want.

Falmouthboy · 10-20-2011, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

I have been using winter tyres for the last 10 years, they go on first week of November and come off mid March, I do know what they do.

My point is, if he can get the 245 rears alot cheaper than 265 I would do that.

Also, the 3 series is a lot more fun and BMW like with rears that match the fronts, so going wider for me is the last thing I would want.

+1 If you can't get 255s you need to down size rather than up size - simple as - unless of course you are just in it for the 'Carlos Fandango' wide wheels look

.

HighlandPete · 10-20-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_s1

Narrow tyres as better in the snow yes, but for the 99.99% of the time the tyres are on the car and its not like Greenland outside, you are better off with the wider tyre.
Winter tyres are not just about snow you know.

Also remember we typically get more wet roads and standing water wintertime, so narrow is still the better choice. One of the worst conditions in winter is potential to aquaplane, water or slush.

I'd say the best balance for winter driving is a 'square' setup, BMW's typical 225 sections on a 3-series.

HighlandPete

10-19-2011, 06:53 AM	#1
garysargent Private 1 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Unmatched rear and front tyres I have some winter tyres I've used for the last two winter seasons in sizes 225/35R19 front and 255/30R19 rear on a 335i. The fronts have plenty of tread left in them, but the rears don't so need replacing. I can no longer buy the same Dunlop tyres - they don't do 255/30R19 anymore! Can I safely move to 265/30R19 Vredestein's on the rear, and still keep the existing Dunlops on the front? Or in moving to 265 width at the rear do I need to change to 235/35R19 at the front as well?
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10-19-2011, 08:03 AM	#3
garysargent Private 1 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I doubt they could claim that adding 10mm to the width of the rear tyres increases the performance or attractiveness to thieves. The description of "modification" in the terms and conditions of my insurance says: "Any alteration to the manufacturers' standard specification for your car, including optional extras fitted to the car when new by the vehicle manufacturer or dealer, which improves its value, performance, appearance or attractiveness to thieves. This includes, but is not restricted to, changes to the engine, engine management or exhaust system, changes to the wheels or suspension system, changes to the bodywork, such as spoilers or body kits or changes to the windows, such as tinting. This includes any modifications or changes made by previous owners."
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10-19-2011, 11:05 AM	#4
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	You need to tell them, if you crashed they would use it not to pay out. Having said all that I would consider going narrower anyway, 245/30/19 would be better for winter rear tyres, or even 235/35/19.
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10-19-2011, 01:37 PM	#5
Mike323 New Member 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 320d SE E90 Manual Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: South Wales iTrader: (0)	tyre mods The guys are giving good advice. I used to work for one of the major insurance companies & whilst it would probably pass unnoticed for minor claims; if you had a major prang, it would be just the excuse needed to avoid paying out. Much better to clear it first, I doubt it will make any difference to your policy or premium & if the worse should happen - your covered!
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10-20-2011, 04:10 AM	#6
garysargent Private 1 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Ok but insurance aside - am I ok with 265 rear and 225 front as per the original question?
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10-20-2011, 04:18 AM	#7
chris_s1 Major 36 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 E92 335d [8.66]	Yes, many people run these sizes all the time, myself included. Mostly because Falken don't make a FK452 tyre in the 255 size.
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10-20-2011, 04:45 AM	#8
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	With a winter you want as narrow as possible, BMW recommends going down a profile and up on the ratio. So instead of 255.30 you would go 235.35, 235 may however be a little bit narrow for the rim, a 9" will take a 225, but maybe go 245.30 or 245.35 even? Wide tyres in snow are crap, 245 is already on the limit, going to 265 is going to take away from the overall winter performance slightly and cost you more no doubt.
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10-20-2011, 04:55 AM	#9
chris_s1 Major 36 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 E92 335d [8.66]	Narrow tyres as better in the snow yes, but for the 99.99% of the time the tyres are on the car and its not like Greenland outside, you are better off with the wider tyre. Winter tyres are not just about snow you know.
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10-20-2011, 05:44 AM	#10
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	I have been using winter tyres for the last 10 years, they go on first week of November and come off mid March, I do know what they do. My point is, if he can get the 245 rears alot cheaper than 265 I would do that. Also, the 3 series is a lot more fun and BMW like with rears that match the fronts, so going wider for me is the last thing I would want.
	Appreciate 0 Quote