Tyre pressure question for e36

[Just-ify]

Morning everyone (on this glorious braai day ),

Just a quick question regarding tyre pressure.

My 316i came with 195/65 R15 tyres, but the B-pillar reference chart only other sizes.

So I'm presuming its a non-standard fit, either way, my actual question is, is there a formula to determine what the correct pressure levels would be for different size tyres?

Since mine isnt listed I'm unsure what would be a correct pressure.

Thanks,
J

 

[moranor@axis]

what tire sizes are on the B pillar? normally similar sizes get the same pressure...

i dont think there is any formula there are too many variables...

 

[Imran]

It must be tires that were put on afterward, because as far as i know the correct tire size for that car is 205/60/15. I think the correct pressure is 1.8 bar at front and 2.0 bar at the rear.

Hope this helps :thumbs:

 

[Raybimmer]

The 316i came with 185/65x15 standard or 205/60x15 .318iS to 328i had 205 standard . I would use2.0 to 2.1 bar in front and 2.2 to 2.4 bar rear .You can check them cold and adjust to your needs , higher pressure will give harder ride , but better cornering .

 

[moranor@axis]

better cornering is a bit ambiguous...

hight pressure will give you more constant grip levels but less grip in total... also break away will be more sudden...

the e46 recommended pressure for the tires are 2.2 front and 2.6 back, but the e46 is heavier so the pressures Raybimmer suggest look good to me i would use 2.0F and 2.4R

another way is to look at your tire wear... if it wear along the centre on the tread then you need less pressure if it wears on the outsides then you need more pressure, but this only tells you when the tires have already been worn unevenly...

 

[Just-ify]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Just FYI, I had a look at the B-pillar and the two sizes mentioned are:

185/65 R15 and 235/40 ZR 17.

Should I be considering changing my wheels to 185s at some point?

 

[moranor@axis]

i would not change to that size i think they a funny size so they will probably be more expensive than the 195 65 15...in fact the 195 65 15 is the same price as the 205 60 15 so you may as well get those

 

[Raybimmer]

The best is 205/60 for various tyres availability and price .
I found on the 325i and 328i that tyre pressures can influence grip but the ride comfort ( ok if that is possible in a e36 ) does deteriorate as pressures are increased . 3 bar for drifting !!

 

[moranor@axis]

i quite like 2.6 on my car the break away is not too sudden and its easy to keep it smooth :rollsmile:

 

[Loom]

I'm in the same boat. The 195/65/R15 tyres are actually readily available and
cheaper than the 205/60/R15s. For me it's a choice between 195 Bridgestone Turanza ER300 (R920) and 205 Conti Premium Contact (R800). Decisions...