255/40/17 on a 8" rim?

[Jay530i]

Is it possible/ok to mount a 255/40/17 on a 8" rim? I have a set of staggered winter tires for my 2002 530i M-sport (235 front, 255 rear) that I'd like to mount on a set of used 17x8" rims that I have a line on. I've heard that it's possible, but I just want to know if it'll look odd or is dangergous.

Thanks.

[Tyrone]

I had 255/40-18 for a brief period on 8.5x18 wheels, and even that caused the sidewalls to balloon slightly along with a small degradation in handling. Though given tire sizes vary in actual dimensions depending on the manufacturer and model, I would not put that size on an 8" width wheel, and would be hesitant even on an 8.5"

[edjack]

wheels that have a width 90% of the cross-section width of the tire.

Ergo, a 9 inch wheel.
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[sktn77a]

My experience has been somewhat different. The 255 tires should fit fine on an 8" rim. I have 245/45R17s on 8" rims and they are almost flush with the rim so 5mm extra on each side should be fine for a rim fitting. The standard tire on the 525i/530i is a 225 on a 7" rim which baloons out more than a 255 would on an 8" rim.

Keith

Keith
2001 530i 5sp

[sktn77a]

Keith
2001 530i 5sp

[lezonebay]

I hate when the rice burners put a 215/40 tires on a 8" wheel. Nothing is more disgusting then a narrow tire on a wide wheel.

8.5" is what you would need but will not be an issue on the 8" rim at all. If anything you will protect the wheel as the sidewall will stick a little more out.

been there done it with yokohama tires. Some tires are wider then other, check the actual width on tirerack or manufacturer website.
But no issues whatsoever..

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[Jay530i]

Looking at the tire manufature's website (nokian), they say the 255's should be on a min rim width of 8.5"... I guess that rules out the idea of mounting them on 8" rims.

Does anyone know what other BMW models have rims compatible with the e39s? I can find lots of rims out there for other BMW models, but not so many for e39s...

[JimLev]

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