Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[BigZ88]

Just bought a 2011 135i m sport. Has VMR 710’s with 245/35/18 all around I believe on 8.5” wide wheels. They rub going over bumps… this makes for a challenging drive… is it just the square setup? I want to remedy the situation… would love some help/suggestions. (Sorry I don’t know the back spacing, and I know that doesn’t help)

Edit: I’m stupid and they are 245/40/18 (still trying to decide the route I want to go)

[Goodmanfue]

It depends on what the offset is on the wheels, but its most likely front fronts rubbing.

245/35/18 is normal for what some people rock in the rear. Most people tend to go 225/40/18 on front and 255/35/18 on rear (this is my current setup with VMR V703 18x8 ET40 on front and 18x9 ET45 on rear).

[BigZ88]

Yea definitely the front rubbing, I’m trying to determine the easiest/least expensive path forward… wondering if I get 2 smaller front tires and it would solve my issue…

So most likely a width issue not a diameter issue?

[Goodmanfue]

Yeah, most likely width issue. 18” wheels and sidewall length pose no issue.

You might be able to look and see whether the current swtup would rub the fender by reaching under there with your hand.

[Eyeman]

Tons of options. First thing I'd do is try to figure out what size wheels I have. They are probably labeled inside the wheels. You could probably figure it out just by looking up what sizes that model wheel comes in.

Once you know the front offsets you'd have better idea what tire likely would fix your issues. Some tire brands run smaller and rounder and rub less. Keep the current front tires to use on the rear later.

Adding camber up front will also probably fix your rubbing. The cheapest way to add front camber is to "pull the pin".

[BigZ88]

I’ll look up what pull the pin means! They are VMR 710’s they come in a few different offsets.

[Eyeman]

Not many that would fit like that. I'd bet they are 18x8.5 et 45. If they are the wheel will be like 1mm from your strut. If it's got decent space they are et35.

[Eyeman]

Our front struts mounts have a pin at the top that helps put secure and put the top of the strut in the right place. If you loosen the bolts and take that pin out of the slot you can move the top of your struts in a few mms and gain a little camber/room away from the outer fender.

[BigZ88]

Originally Posted by Eyeman

Not many that would fit like that. I'd bet they are 18x8.5 et 45. If they are the wheel will be like 1mm from your strut. If it's got decent space they are et35.

I’ll check it out today!

Pulling the pin… interesting…

[BigZ88]

Ok well it’s definitely VERY close to the strut… I’m guessing 45 based on that… would the consensus be that a 225/40 would solve the issue?

[ShocknAwe]

225/40/18 is effectively stock sizing.

I'd look into pulling/knocking the alignment pins out, adding camber after with next alignment, and possibly rolling the fenders. Will allow you to stick with 245 square, since square setups are fun on these cars, or upgrading wheels and going bigger out back.

[BigZ88]

I honestly do not want to roll the fenders… I’m going to try pulling the pins and see if that helps, but it may be something going to the narrower tire that is the final solution.

[Eyeman]

It will depend somewhat on tires also. What brand tire do you plan. I prefer Michelin PSS or PS4S. For sure with that tired you better not go wider than 225. Actually I'd be very concerned that the way those tires are designed that the tire will rub your strut. I guess it would wear off quickly and be OK.

My fronts are 19x8.5 et 42, I ran one set of 235 smallish brand tires and it rubbed a little so I went back to 225 next set, but my car is around an inch lowered. I have 2 deg camber front and rear.