trouble with potholes

ChazWald · 07-11-2014, 12:06 PM

This question is going to be a little different than the other "How big can my tire get" questions in than I am not interested in changing my wheels, adding spacers of changing my suspension.

I have a 2011 135i with the M-sport package, 18" wheels, Pirelli P-Zero RFT (thankfully have manufacturers Road hazard Warranty) and I have had 5 blowouts in the past 6 months due to potholes. Ironically, it's not the large craters that do it but the long, shallow creases which end in a 1-2" asphalt ledge.

Please do not reply with "slow down" or "try swerving" responses, I have a dream commute of 45 miles of winding country tree lined roads, which beg for 50-65MPH.

I will be switching to non-RFT at the next change and I want to get the biggest sidewall possible. I know I can go a little bigger, since the snow tires I run on my 17" steelies have a larger outer diameter than the summer tires. Has anyone else tried this? Does it work to reduced tire failures? How big can I go?

Any help would be appreciated, thank!

dcaron9999 · 07-11-2014, 12:17 PM

On my 135I MSport, I run 205/50R17 as a winter setup and my calipers fit fine. Just go on one of the several wheel diamter calculator web sites, and try different scenarios...

Gary@TireRack · 07-11-2014, 02:40 PM

Downsizing to 17" wheels would make the most difference in finding taller sidewall tires that would fit.

VMRWheels · 07-11-2014, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

Downsizing to 17" wheels would make the most difference in finding taller sidewall tires that would fit.

+1

07-11-2014, 12:06 PM	#1
ChazWald Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: LeMans Blue 135i 6speed man Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	trouble with potholes This question is going to be a little different than the other "How big can my tire get" questions in than I am not interested in changing my wheels, adding spacers of changing my suspension. I have a 2011 135i with the M-sport package, 18" wheels, Pirelli P-Zero RFT (thankfully have manufacturers Road hazard Warranty) and I have had 5 blowouts in the past 6 months due to potholes. Ironically, it's not the large craters that do it but the long, shallow creases which end in a 1-2" asphalt ledge. Please do not reply with "slow down" or "try swerving" responses, I have a dream commute of 45 miles of winding country tree lined roads, which beg for 50-65MPH. I will be switching to non-RFT at the next change and I want to get the biggest sidewall possible. I know I can go a little bigger, since the snow tires I run on my 17" steelies have a larger outer diameter than the summer tires. Has anyone else tried this? Does it work to reduced tire failures? How big can I go? Any help would be appreciated, thank!
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07-11-2014, 12:17 PM	#2
dcaron9999 Major 157 Rep 1,409 Posts Drives: 2011 135i M package Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mirabel, Quebec iTrader: (0)	On my 135I MSport, I run 205/50R17 as a winter setup and my calipers fit fine. Just go on one of the several wheel diamter calculator web sites, and try different scenarios...
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07-11-2014, 02:40 PM	#3
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	Downsizing to 17" wheels would make the most difference in finding taller sidewall tires that would fit. __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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