volcanoblack

No doubt the 40 series tyre will have a quicker response. All I can say is the 225/40-18 tyres that are on the car now I do not like. And my previous car, an Alfa had 40 series tyres on 17" wheels and I had many flat tyres - with no punctures or anything wrong with the tyres. So all I can assume is the bead was getting broken because the sidewall was too small. Our driveways here have quite a sharp edge. Who knows, I may switch to the 235's next time.

Yes, E30-323ti is correct, I am thinking about using the E46 328 carrier and discs. with the stock E36 caliper. I checked at the dealer and the caliper for the E46 328 and E36 are the same part number so the only extra thing I need to buy when I replace my discs is the carriers. Seems like a really cheap way to gain a bit of brake cooling and stopping power.

Thanks 3pedals, The size you mention is 7.2mm (.283") smaller in diameter than the stock 205/60-15 and has a sidewall height of only about 94mm. The 225/45-17 is 7.3mm (.287") larger in diameter and has a sidewall of approximately 101mm. The stock 60 series sidewall is 123mm. I am trying to gain some sidewall height because I live in rural NZ with lots of rough roads and don't want a really harsh ride. I looked at the 40 series, as on the early M3's, but thought I would trade off the width for the ride comfort. Thanks.

Thanks for the replies, I have decided to go with a set of Kumho KU31's. Although a summer tyre, they are apparently pretty good in light snow too. I do occasionally drive the Takaka Hill in winter and run into snow. Cheers.

Thanks for the replies. I know the stock BMW brakes are good. I know I don't need a Brembo big brake kit. No it is not an automatic. Yes, I would be adding some weight and I understand about unsprung weight but it would be to the benefit of keeping the rotors (and everything else) cooler. I am not overheating the brakes now, and no I don't have the brake pedal going to the floor or anything else. I just know the brakes are hot. All I am wanting to do is reduce that heat some. Peace of mind is nice after a spirited 10km downhill drive (all within the speed limit, and not crossing the centre line). I am using the 17" Motorsport DS1 wheel which is light, and select tyres that are good and as light as possible. A pound lighter tyre would offset the pound heavier disc and the whole brake setup would stay cooler. As stated in my original post, this setup supposedly uses the stock caliper and pads. I thought if all I had to do was buy a set of carriers, then it might be worth doing when I replace my discs next. Have any of you that have replied done this? Anyone out there who has done this and can tell me if in fact all I need to buy to fit the larger discs are the carriers (as well as the new bigger disc). And is this, in fact, a simple bolt on change. Thanks for your help.

Hi again, I drive over the Takaka Hill - which is very curvy and on the downhill side I work the brakes very hard. I was thinking that the extra disc diameter and mass would help keep them a bit cooler. Not mandatory, but a nice upgrade to dissipate a bit more heat. Also for the occasional day at the track with the club. My thinking was that if it was easy, and could use good BMW parts, and was not too much money (since it is only the extra cost of the carriers)- then why not. Cheers.

Has anyone done this swap? (posted in this forum a while back IIRC) Upgrade for the E36's, it involves swapping to E46 328/325 or Z3 3.0 brakes. You just need the carriers for the swap, keep your current caliper's and pad fitment with much bigger rotors. Since I will need a set of rotors for my '93 325i pretty soon, I thought this would be a great upgrade with only the additional cost of the carriers. I have 17" Motorsport Double Spoke 1 wheels. Cheers.

Hi All, I am having trouble finding tyres here in New Zealand as all the models are different than in the US. I have a '93 325i and just got a set of BMW Motorsport Double Spoke 1 wheels (17 x 7.5). Tyre size should be 225/45-17 as best as I can determine. (Car has 18" on it now.) Can Johnno help me? Or can anyone recommend a good place to buy tyres that have name brands and good prices. Will also need to ship to Golden Bay, South Island. Need a set of four. I do not want Champiro, Duran, or Nankang or other cheap Chinese tyres. It appears that all season tyres are not used here at all, so I want a good tyre in the wet (and dry of course). I occasionally need to drive across the Takaka Hill in light snow. Any suggestions? Thanks all.

Hi All, Been years since I had a 2002 and a Bavaria (in the US) and am now looking to buy a 1993 325i manual with the Vanos engine. Not being familiar with the vanos - is this a good engine? a bomb? - any advice is appreciated - car seems in very good shape 170,000 km shiny and good leather interior. Had about 6 owners, one for 9 years. Cheers, and wish me luck when I pick it up in a week. VB