volcanoblack 0 Report post Posted February 22, 2009 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andre3000 55 Report post Posted February 22, 2009 David Snook Director Auto Tyre Limited 09 8372501 021642220 This guys been great in getting me a pair of r888's. Havnt enquired about anything but toyo. They also freight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CamB 48 Report post Posted February 22, 2009 I have Toyo T1R on the M3 in that size (on the front), and they weren't that expensive (less than $500 a pair), and they seem fine. I don't personally think I can tell the difference between performance tyres (I can tell the difference between good and crap though). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
volcanoblack 0 Report post Posted February 26, 2009 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
volcanoblack 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2009 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
volcanoblack 0 Report post Posted February 28, 2009 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
volcanoblack 0 Report post Posted March 3, 2009 The 18" wheels and Champiro's were on the car when I bought it and you are right, they did not work well at all. I believe the suspension is still stock although I have not had a chance to look closely. I have only had the car for a couple of months. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CamB 48 Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Also at my next tyre change on the 3 series I plan to go back to 235-40 on the front because the turn in on the 225-45's is too squishy for me. He he, you'll be back on same size front and rear in no time at this rate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
