Quick help needed! Is it safe to put 2 different sized tires on the rear of your M3?

[01 Trans-Am WS6]

Here is the situation, I need tires for the rear of my M3 pretty badly. I have been calling around all morning looking for the best deal and here is 1 deal I have a question about.

Tire place says they have 2 used 19'' tires in stock. One is a 275/35/19 and the other is 285/35/19. Since these are a mismatched set I can pick them up for a pretty good deal, but I want to make sure I will not run into any issues if I do go ahead and do this. Please if anyone has any knowledge on this I am asking for your input.

Again tires are 275/35/19 and 285/35/19. Both 35 series, just 1 is SLIGHTLY wider than the other. Looking for immediate assistance as I am possibly purchasing today!!

[ThePrimerSuspect]

Will fail inspection and most likely have issues with abs and traction control since the wheels will be moving at different speeds.

[jpalamar]

You can afford an M3 but not tires? Maybe time to sell the M3...

The profile isn't measure in MM like width, its a %. Example. 245/45/17 would be about as tall as a 275/40/17. Granted I'm just estimating but you see my point?

You could always have them put the tires on and them tell them you didn't authorize the repair.

[EklipzGSXkid]

I would not buy two different sized tires, And especially not for a m3...... It's very weird hearing ''buying used tires'', From someone with an m3! I would think that if you can afford the car, You can afford the tires and repairs without a problem.

I'm sure that sounds rude, I just never understood why people with more expensive cars, Cheap out on everything else for the car itself or always complain about not having enough to fix things correctly.

[Subie_sleeper]

BAD idea.
Pony up and spend the money for the same size rubber..... Or eventually crash.


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[01 Trans-Am WS6]

I see what you guys are saying about buying an M3 but cant get tires, but I need them now and cant swing the extra cash to get other matching sets I called on. Next week I will be able to afford them, but as of this min no...

These tires would only be run for a few weeks till car goes away for winter..

[EklipzGSXkid]

Had you posted this a week ago, I gave two brand new 19's away for free, And two used (all four matching size and brand). They were toyo proxes I believe. I had no use for them and they were taking up space in the basement at my garage.

[sean3]

You can't wait a week for tires, even though you won't be driving it anymore in a few weeks?

Buying used tires for an e46 m3 is pretty absurd. Buying mismatched height tires is also an awful idea.

[accordguy04]

Yeah, I have to agree with everyone else. I'm no mechanic... but that just SOUNDS like a bad idea. Then again I'm also the guy that can't stand to have more than two diff brand tires on the car, let alone diff sizes.

[Scapegoat]

sounds like a great idea, you should do it. probably help with drifting too

[evomike]

Wow is all I have to say you clearly shouldn't have bought this car if you cant afford tires I'd hate to see what you'll try to do come maintenance time, if I remember were t you just at the track maybe you shouldn't be going to the track if you cant afford tires.

[accordguy04]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

sounds like a great idea, you should do it. probably help with drifting too

Yeah, but only in one direction. haha

[marshallpre1]

I'll trade you my 240 for your M3. My car's got great tires!

[Scapegoat]

you're all doing the internet wrong... you're supposed to tell him yes so that we can get an update in a couple weeks about how he wrecked the car in the rain

[accordguy04]

/\ LOLz

[Subie_sleeper]

Just pull the old rubber of & ride on the rims until you get the coin for new ones !

JK JK , It's getting a little harsh in here... but I think you get the general idea.

DON'T DO IT !!!

[01 Trans-Am WS6]

Alright nope not doin it. Too much of a risk, just gotta keep looking around for another set.

[420sx]

You guys are a bunch of pussies. Lol. Its not gonna DESTROY the car at all.

When I first got my wheels/tires for my 240, I got two new fronts, and two used rears. Somehow my buddy mounted 3 225/40/18's and one 255/40/18. I drove with 1 225 and 1 255 on the back for about 2 months. If youre only looking to do it for a few weeks, and the difference is only 10mm... Do it. Its not like youre running a welded dif...

[gtsiawd96]

There is very good chance you will run into issues with the traction control/ABS system on the BMW. They are sensitve. In my experience on some of are Audi's if you run a different load rating let alone 2 different sized tires. The ABS module goes retarded, setting off the traction control light.

[420sx]

I find it hard to beleive that running two different sized tires for a short period of time will mess anything up that an ECU reset wont fix. Why is it ok to run a donut on a car, but a different sized tire is blasphemy? I think you guys are over-thinking things.

"ohh its a bmw, its clearly different from every other car on the road. it uses gold plated oil and runs on unicorns tears." Yes, BMW even figured out how to GOLD PLATE a liquid.