Wich tires for bmw e36?

[fastflyer]

Hello, I need to change tires on my bmw e36.
Oem has 205 60 15.
I think on 195 65 15 that is 1.18% taller.
Or 185 65 15 but it's 0.88% smaller.

Another option is with 17 wheels, OZ Breyton that they are very aerodynamic:
205 50 17 that is 1.53% taller.

[California98Civic]

You are in the EU, so you have a pretty good eco-tire rating system at your disposal. Michelin and Bridgestone each produce tires for the EU market that get "A" ratings in "low rolling resistance" and "wet traction." Grab one of them.

[CapriRacer]

First, you don't want to use a tire with a lower load carrying capacity - and depending on where you are, the laws may forbid it.

Besides, larger tires give better fuel economy - all other things being equal.

So that leaves the 185's out.

Further, the difference between makes and models of tires is much, much more important than tire size. Put another way, changing tire sizes yields only single digit improvements in RR, where change make and model of tire might give you double digits.

[Ecky]

If you choose to use a larger rim, lower profile tires typically have harsher ride quality but may have sharper steering response. The larger rim will have a much higher moment of inertia (feels much slower) since the mass is farther from the center of rotation, and they tend to be heavier on top of that. From a performance and efficiency standpoint you want the smallest rim possible that still gets the tires you need.

Going a bit narrower may be beneficial. I would keep approximately the same diameter, give or take a percent.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by fastflyer

Hello, I need to change tires on my bmw e36.
Oem has 205 60 15.
I think on 195 65 15 that is 1.18% taller.
Or 185 65 15 but it's 0.88% smaller.

Lots of A rated tyres in your original size
If you go to B rating, they get a LOT cheaper

I'm running these (in another size though) :
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 205/60 R16 92H

Wear well, drive well
Quiet
"only" B rated, but also only 50-70% of the price A rated tyres ...


Going taller requires other wheels - you'll never get that price back from the difference in fuel consumption ...

Another option is with 17 wheels, OZ Breyton that they are very aerodynamic:
205 50 17 that is 1.53% taller.

Looks very heavy
And heavy or heavier wheels are no good for FE

17" will be more expensive, killing any Fuel Economy gains (if there are any ...)

[dwtaylorpdx]

I run a Continental eco tire on my Honda Fit EV they roll easy,, gained about 4 miles of range with them vs the original Dunlops

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by dwtaylorpdx

I run a Continental eco tire on my Honda Fit EV they roll easy,, gained about 4 miles of range with them vs the original Dunlops

Also depends on which Ecocontact
They're up to version 6 now
Rolls 15% better than generation 5



Unfortunately, a brief spell with Conti's SportContact 3 have made me wary of the brand - expensive, excessive wear and poor wet performance.
Hope you'll get better experiences with their Eco's