Tire questions (e46 M3)

[phat///M3]

Hi Guys,

Im thinking of going for CSL wheel set up but the question is what size tires and what brand do you all recommend.

Im currently on Conti's and am ok with them.

Seeing as the CSL rims are 8.5 in the front should I go for 235/35?

Also what is the trade off for the wider CSL set up 235/35 + 265/35?

I read something on speedo being off, etc but not sure.

[peppernick]

Also what is the trade off for the wider CSL set up 235/35 + 265/35?


That's the correct size tyres for OEM CSL rims, albeit you need 265/30 rears. No speedo problem.

[phat///M3]

Nick I thought OEM CSL was 265/35?

What size did you run before?

[phat///M3]

Just checked your right its a 30 profile

[phat///M3]

Also what brands are out there that offer this size?

So far Ive found Pirelli Pzero Neros and Michelin PS2s online.

[peppernick]

Nearly all makes offer this size. Depending on your supplier. They are the most common sized 19"s.

[phat///M3]

Anyone out there wanna chime in what brand to use?

Im thinking either Michelins or Contis, or any other major brand.

I just dont want tires that will be bald in no time.

[Chaos]

Steve, in your climate I'd be tempted to work the Contis. The FK452 is a decent tyre and I love the new Toyo T1, but they're both fairly soft as is the dry-compound section of the PS2, and that may wear quite quickly in the hot weather you'll start getting in a couple months. The Pzero Nero is an accomplished tyre too, but a little rich for the performance it delivers in my opinion - not excessively so though, I guess.

If you can find a distributor with Conti CS3s any time soon, I'd definitely try a pair of those on the back, I intend to do so the first chance I get myself.

[phat///M3]

Steve, in your climate I'd be tempted to work the Contis. The FK452 is a decent tyre and I love the new Toyo T1, but they're both fairly soft as is the dry-compound section of the PS2, and that may wear quite quickly in the hot weather you'll start getting in a couple months. The Pzero Nero is an accomplished tyre too, but a little rich for the performance it delivers in my opinion - not excessively so though, I guess.

If you can find a distributor with Conti CS3s any time soon, I'd definitely try a pair of those on the back, I intend to do so the first chance I get myself.


Cheers Dan, Im going to need front and rears.

The fronts are nearly gone, Im on Conti CS2s now, Im happy with them (considering the crap quality roads in south of Spain they stick pretty good) so I think I will try CS3s all round if they exist in CSL sizes.

Also might be moving back to south of France but the tires should still be ok.

Regarding Neros do you mean they are expensive for what they are, Ive only had them on a show car, that I never actually drove the way I drive the M3 so no clue on how good they are.

Now just need to make sure what wheels to go with.