Tyre size

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Kevinuk
Joined: Wed 01 Aug, 2012 20:01
Posts: 27

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Tyre size

Post by Kevinuk »

Hi guys

My 2000 3.0 i has odd tyres 225 50 R16 on the fronts and 205 55 R16 on the backs

What should te correct size be? The door sticker shows 225 50 R16 so I assumes this is same front and back ?

Cheers

Kevin
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Tyre size

Post by Robert T »

The standard wheels for the original 1.9 were 205/60 R15 on "pepperpots" all round. The upgrade Z-Star wheels are 225/55 R16 all round. If I am reading the correct info, the pepperpots were 7Jx15 (though a 6.5Jx15 steel wheel is also listed) and the Z-Stars are 7Jx16. The owners manual also lists a 205/55 R16 tyre for a 7Jx16 rim. So both yours are listed as "approved" tyres sizes for a zed.

The normal strategy for a staggered setup is 225's on the front and 245's on a wider rim on the rear (the manual shows 225/45 R17 and 245/40 R17 on 7.5Jx17 and 9Jx17 rims for the ///M cars).

My suspicion is that someone has previously had problems with tramlining on your car and has fitted narrower fronts to try and counter this. I know that the guy at my local tyre place has done this to his zed for just that reason, though I think he fitted 205's all round.

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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Kevinuk
Joined: Wed 01 Aug, 2012 20:01
Posts: 27

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Tyre size

Post by Kevinuk »

Thanks Robert but mine is the 3.0 litre model and the wider tyres are on the front !
Phil
Joined: Sun 09 Mar, 2008 10:43
Posts: 2697

  M roadster S54
Location: Solihull

Re: Tyre size

Post by Phil »

Wider tyres on the front - most odd.
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Tyre size

Post by Robert T »

Kevinuk wrote:Thanks Robert but mine is the 3.0 litre model and the wider tyres are on the front !
:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Then somebody has really messed it up.

Engine size matters little to the standard wheels/tyres across the range - the staggered setup was an only option all all models except the narrow body 1.9s - the normal tyres were 225s all round. All I was saying is that 205s were fitted to some zeds and I know someone who went from 225s to 205s to reduce tramlining. I do not know of anyone who runs narrower rears than fronts - maybe the previous owner was into drifting? :lol:

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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