16 inch tire options for my 318ti

[rom24]

Hi Folks:
I have a 1996 318ti. The guy I bought it from had put 16 inch wheels on it with 225/50 Continental tires.
It's time for new tires (steering wheel vibrates on braking at about 40 mph) and I was looking up the manual. It seems that the OEM recommended wheels are only 15 inch; so the ones I have on are non-standard.
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I buy my tires from Costco. I get wheel rotation, balancing, flats fixed for free. But they have issues puttign on non-standard tires, unless you really convince them!
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My question is: Is there any harm in staying with the 16 inch wheels and getting similar tires (225/50) ? Are a lot of people using them without any side-effects?
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Or should I use the opportunity to get back to 15 inch wheels ? I kinda like my current rims!

TIA,
Rommel

[H3_2.1-ti]

Originally Posted by rom24

Hi Folks:
I have a 1996 318ti. The guy I bought it from had put 16 inch wheels on it with 225/50 Continental tires.
It's time for new tires (steering wheel vibrates on braking at about 40 mph) and I was looking up the manual. It seems that the OEM recommended wheels are only 15 inch; so the ones I have on are non-standard.
-=-=-
I buy my tires from Costco. I get wheel rotation, balancing, flats fixed for free. But they have issues puttign on non-standard tires, unless you really convince them!
-=-=-
My question is: Is there any harm in staying with the 16 inch wheels and getting similar tires (225/50) ? Are a lot of people using them without any side-effects?
-=-=-
Or should I use the opportunity to get back to 15 inch wheels ? I kinda like my current rims!

TIA,
Rommel

225/50/16 are actually the tire size that came with the sport model, so they are indeed an o.e. recommended size. I'm running 225/40/18 for the road and 225/45/17 for the track with no problems. It's not the tire size that's the cause of your problem. It's probably a tire balance issue, bent rim or warped rotor.

Cheers,

[aceyx]

i run 225/50R16. they're standard on the sport, and indeed, i have the factory rims (though a non-sport model).

the tag on the inside of the door should have a reference for this size, showing that it's permitted and accounted for in the design.


HOWEVER. i'm not sure it's the tires that are causing the vibration. take the car back to costco and have the front tires re-balanced. you may have thrown a wheel weight, which would cause such a symptom.

you may also have brake or front suspension issues that are the true root of the problem.

[pdxmotorhead]

Just something to think about....

If the wheel and tire guy was good would he be working at costco?

Ive seen them put weight on in the wrong spot more than once.

Good luck

Dave

[96cali]

I third the above opinions having upgraded my 15's to stock 16's with 225/50 rubber. If you feel vibration during braking not during cruising (at all) then likely a warped rotor is to blame.