Guys,

I've got an '05 with the sports suspension, so I have the 18" wheels. I have always loved the rims, so much so that I got them chromed.

It's time to replace the stock tires. As you know, stock size is 235-45 18, which, IMO, does not present the kind of width and profile that this car needs. I am thinking of replacing with 245-45 or 245-40.

Questions: will the stock rims handle these sizes? What have you guys with the sports rims done for wider tires? If u have pics, that would be even better.

I appreciate the help.

 

Yes 245/45/18 will fit your stock rims, I have given you a tire size calculator also.http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

 

245/45 is the biggest you can go. I'd say stick with the stock 235/45's and get some Kumho SPT's, awesome tire for the price. I had 245/40 S03's on my stock 18's and they increased the fender gap too much for my liking so i had to lower the car.
-GP-

 

The Kumho are currently on back order, in this size, nationwide. I had planned on getting a set to go on my track wheels. I think I may get a set of Fierce, made by Goodyear, tires instead. I have read several good reviews, and they are priced right.

 

Yeah, I was going to order the Kumho but ended up ordering the Yoko YK520 245/45 18in. because of the back order. The Yoko as I understand is more like a GT Touring sort of tire -- has good performance but offers some comfort. Will have them put on tomorrow.

 

Going with the stock set-up is not an option for me. It's just not a distinct look. Don't you agree? Will 245-40 fit?

 

I have 4 stock 18" Bridgestones with less than 5 k on them, id like to get $200 plus shipping if your interested.

I replaced them with Yokohama Advan S4's in 245/45-18. I need light snow traction being my daily driver in the DC area. Very awesome tires, much better than the stockers for ultimate grip, road feel, turn in etc. My only complaint which is not a big issue is that when its below freezing and I just start driving they rideo rough from cold flat spots, but this goes away after 10 miles or so on the highway, this is common for performance oriented tires, but is a bummer. I am considering putting Advan Sports on my GT7s for summer, if all season performance id not a concern look at the Advan Sports in 245/45-18.

 

Did u find the 245-45 enhanced the look sufficiently? Have any pics? I use Blizzaks in the winter, so looking for a summer set-up with the stock sports wheels that really present well. I can not stand the stock tire size (strictly from an esthetic pov).

What have u other guys done with the SS wheels?

 

Here are some pics of the Yoko YK520 245/45 18 I just had them put on.




Here the old stock tire:



I think you probably have to lower to improve the look. The 245/45 tires fill the gap a little but still not enough imho. I think there is still too much room between the tire and the fender even with the 245/45.

 

Here's a similar car with Dunlop Direzza D101 245/45-18's. I considered a 245/40-18 even though tirerack said it was not recommended for the car...something about load ratings. If you wanted to go with a lower profile, I think you'd want to have the car lowered.

 

Thanks for the pics. I do not see any real difference in appearance as compared to stock set-up. Too bad.

Did u consider 245-40s? Will the rims handle them? Anyone have pics?

Saw a new 3-series last night, and the sport rim set up on it was 255-35-18. Damn they looked tight.

 

What's your impression of the tires so far? I am also considering the 245/45 -18" for my car as they are on sale right now.

 

245/40-18 will also fit. I am going with 245/45-18 as the difference to stock is less. The 245/40 is 2.3% smaller diameter where the 245/45 is 1.3% larger diameter. I figure I would go with the closest size and I find our cars have a little too much wheel space so this should fill the well better. Plus going to a lower profile might make the ride stiffer and I don't want to sacrifice comfort.

 

Thanks for the info.

Anyone have pics of the ss rims on 245-40s?

 

What don't you like about the stock tire size, esthetically?