2006 M45 sport 19" tire size

[Mazeska]

Hey all,

It is time for me to get new tires. I currently have factory 245/40/19

I would like to have a slightly wider and lower profile tire. Have any of you done this, if so what size and do the rub, or ride much worse?

I have the Megan mid and exhaust, and I love it. I would just like to see it a touch lower, and have a little wider tires

Please post some pictures.

Thanks

[07sportm35]

You can go with 265/35/19's and be very close in terms of speedometer.

You'd have a wider tire and ever so slightly less sidewall. Handling will be a little improved and ride quality slightly degraded. She will look great tho. And rubbing won't be a issue at all in the rears. The fronts will be close but I think it will be ok.

The only thing is your wheel will be .5 inches out of the recommended wheel width. That's not much but none-the-less out of Spec.

[Mazeska]

I did some looking around, I might go with the Falken FK452 245/35/19 93y

They are 1 inch shorter, the tread width is .3 wider and the section width is.3 wider.

This will lower the car by 1/2" and be a bit wider....is this a bad idea?

I know the speedo will be a bit off, but hey it might slow me down a bit

Thanks for the input.

[EniGmA1987]

Maybe its just me, but I have some Hankook tires on that are 245/45/19 and when I am turning the tires have so little sidewall that I scrape my rims up. I cant see why anyone would want to go any smaller than 40 or 45.

[Mazeska]

That is why I want to go a little wider.

[cobblecanyon]

Tirerack has a recommended 245/45/19 front and 275/35/19 rear for something more aggressive, of course you will not be able to rotate your tires....just balance.

[Mazeska]

I like that idea, but I want to stick with the factory wheels, they are only 19x8.5" wide, so the width is my limitation.

But the 245/35/19 will be .3 wider, but 1" shorter, that would lower the car by 1/2" but it may leave a void in the wheel well?

[M45Runner]

I like that idea, but I want to stick with the factory wheels, they are only 19x8.5" wide, so the width is my limitation.

But the 245/35/19 will be .3 wider, but 1" shorter, that would lower the car by 1/2" but it may leave a void in the wheel well?

The stock tire are 245, so it would be the same width - not any wider. With 245/35, the sidewall will be shorter and make the car lower. If that is what you want to do, that is OK.

[Mazeska]

The stock tire are 245, so it would be the same width - not any wider. With 245/35, the sidewall will be shorter and make the car lower. If that is what you want to do, that is OK.

The Falken 245/35/19 93y is has .3 wider tread width and .3 wider sect width the the factory Potnza 050a

I would like a 255/35/19, but Falken does not seem to make that size.

[EcstaSPT]

There's no way I'd run a 275 on an 8.5" rim, or run a 35 height, that's just too short. I just got some Kuhmo Ecsta SPTs 255/40/19 and they look great. You're splitting hairs here if you really think a 1/4 of an inch wider would be noticeable.

[07sportm35]

Folks this has gotten a little out of control.

Let me point out some basics...

Stock 19's run 245/40/ wich equals a diameter of 26.7"

245/35 will equal only a diameter of 25.8" and speedo will be off by 3.6%and would look horrible because of the wheelwell gap.

275/35 waaaay to wide for a 8.5 inch wheel but sidewall would be exactly the same as stock (3.9 inches).

I suggested 265/35 wich would yield a diameter of 26.3"--speedo would be off by 1.5%. Sidewall would be .2 inches shorter.

That's your best bet for a slightly shorter sidewall while looking aggresive with a wide stance...PERIOD!

BTW The tirerack idea will yield a fair amount more sidewall. Speedo will be off by 3.6%.

The good idea of 255/40/19 will fill out your wheel wells a little better and give you a slightly more comfy ride. Speedo off by 1.2%.

Modified by 07sportm35 at 8:36 AM 6/24/2009
Modified by 07sportm35 at 8:41 AM 6/24/2009

[Mazeska]

Thanks for all of the input guys!

As for the 265, they will not work on 8.5 wheels

I am looking into 255 now; they are 1" wider I am a little concerned about the front rubbing.

[07sportm35]

Don't worry about 255/40/19's rubbing, they won't.

This I know.

[Mazeska]

Awesome, that is what I will get then

Any pictures?

[07sportm35]

Seriously, they are close enough in size that you won't be able to see the difference without being very, very close to the wheel. Look at a 245/40 and that is about how it will look.

[cobblecanyon]

I would also look at tire prices,,sometimes going 245 and 255 will be a difference of $50 per tire. I would check the prices of all the tire prices and compare them to your pocket book...and believe me, prices do matter when it comes to these Z rated tires. Just not too much to some ppl.

[Mazeska]

Thanks 07sportm35, I have the tires on now. Falken 255/40/19They look great, ride nicer and the car tracks better. They do not rub at all and now my wheel has a little protection from curbs.

Thanks again,

Maz

[07sportm35]

Thanks 07sportm35, I have the tires on now. Falken 255/40/19They look great, ride nicer and the car tracks better. They do not rub at all and now my wheel has a little protection from curbs.

Thanks again,

Maz

My pleasure bud. That's what we are here for, to help each other out. Your choice was the best one. Fill out the wheelwells a little bit better and enjoy slightly better ride quality and slightly lower noise. Remember, less sidewall = more noise.

A lot of people feel you have to spend a bunch of money for a good tire but the falkens are a very good choice-and are in the "best-bang-for-the-buck" category.

[svard75]

Staying with the same concept larger sidewalls = less noise can you recommend a tire size for the stock 18" wheels? Also will the larger sidewall create a notable difference in cornering and handling of the car?

[07sportm35]

Staying with the same concept larger sidewalls = less noise can you recommend a tire size for the stock 18" wheels? Also will the larger sidewall create a notable difference in cornering and handling of the car?

255/45/18

This size will fill the wheelwell a little more with slightly less noise, slightly better comfort, and a slight degradation in handling.

More Sidewall = Better Comfort (same kind of tire)More Sidewall = Less Noise (same kind of tire) More Sidewall = Less Performance (same kind of tire)

The bottom line is the kind of tire will have the biggest effect of all in terms of handling, ride quality, noise, ect... up to a certain point. Choose your kind of tires wisely...because this is the most important factor in the overall enjoyment of your car!

[M45Owner]

I have the Megan mid and exhaust, and I love it.

I know this is off the original topic, but I'm interested in the same exhaust setup. Do you have a video? If not how loud is the mid and axel back together? Is it very loud inside the car while driving, say like on a highway? I still won't to keep it quite during highway driving as its still a luxury car. Thanks

[tigerclaws1318]

I know this is off the original topic, but I'm interested in the same exhaust setup. Do you have a video? If not how loud is the mid and axel back together? Is it very loud inside the car while driving, say like on a highway? I still won't to keep it quite during highway driving as its still a luxury car. Thanks

I have the full megan racing exhaust set up on my m45. If you search it you'll find it and theres also a quick video.

[szh]

The bottom line is the kind of tire will have the biggest effect of all in terms of handling, ride quality, noise, ect... up to a certain point. Choose your kind of tires wisely...because this is the most important factor in the overall enjoyment of your car!

Exactly right!

[NBP45]

You can do a lot better than Falken tires...these cars deserve better

[mcrews]

255/45/18

This size will fill the wheelwell a little more with slightly less noise, slightly better comfort, and a slight degradation in handling.

More Sidewall = Better Comfort (same kind of tire)More Sidewall = Less Noise (same kind of tire) More Sidewall = Less Performance (same kind of tire)

The bottom line is the kind of tire will have the biggest effect of all in terms of handling, ride quality, noise, ect... up to a certain point. Choose your kind of tires wisely...because this is the most important factor in the overall enjoyment of your car!

Just some extra input.02 F50 Q45 Sport factory rims 18 245/45/18 stcok size tire.since about 60k I have run the 255/45/18 size Kuhmo ecsta.At 171k I just boughtr my 4th set. The size is 3% more so yes the speedo is slightly off. BUT since I grive a lot of highway miles my mpg is in the high 24s consistanly on the road. THe tire is almost 10 inches wide and does look better. I am emensly pleased w/ the performance and wear. I have NEVER had a balance issue.clearance is almost an issue with the front strut base

[Mazeska]

"You can do a lot better than Falken tires...these cars deserve better"

Read the reviews on Falken before you waste your money. My mechanic was very impressed with how balanced the tires were.

I will bring the post, back from the dead 2-4 years from now and tell you how the tires did.

So far the are not as loud, look better, ride better, and the funky steering on country roads is gone. So far 10/10 is my score. So go ahead and waste your money, it is your bank acc.

[svard75]

255/45/18

This size will fill the wheelwell a little more with slightly less noise, slightly better comfort, and a slight degradation in handling.

More Sidewall = Better Comfort (same kind of tire)More Sidewall = Less Noise (same kind of tire) More Sidewall = Less Performance (same kind of tire)

The bottom line is the kind of tire will have the biggest effect of all in terms of handling, ride quality, noise, ect... up to a certain point. Choose your kind of tires wisely...because this is the most important factor in the overall enjoyment of your car!

Thanks 07sportm35 much appreciated. I have two options in terms of brand. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and Bridgestone Pole Position A/S. I heard good things about the Bridgestone Pole Position tires. Really I'm looking for less noise than current (LOL that's not hard to beat they're COOPER ZEON SPORT A/S).

Between those two brands which would you choose?

[07sportm35]

Thanks 07sportm35 much appreciated. I have two options in terms of brand. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and Bridgestone Pole Position A/S. I heard good things about the Bridgestone Pole Position tires. Really I'm looking for less noise than current (LOL that's not hard to beat they're COOPER ZEON SPORT A/S).

Between those two brands which would you choose?

Depends. If road noise is your priority then the Bridgestones. I have ridden on them and their ride quality is very good as well. If handling is your priority along with grip then the Michelins.

I like both tires.

[NBP45]

"You can do a lot better than Falken tires...these cars deserve better"

Read the reviews on Falken before you waste your money. My mechanic was very impressed with how balanced the tires were.

I will bring the post, back from the dead 2-4 years from now and tell you how the tires did.

So far the are not as loud, look better, ride better, and the funky steering on country roads is gone. So far 10/10 is my score. So go ahead and waste your money, it is your bank acc.

I really dont care what the reviews say about falken tires because I know from experience they are not as good. And I dont have to check my bank account because I know what I purchased are well worth the investment. You on the other hand should be checking your bank account more often it seems...but i guess you can just wait and see how they do...

[07sportm35]

Clearly as we speak he is happy with his purchase. Here are some more long term reviews...

BMW 328 23,000 miles I'm currently on my second set of 452's. Compared to the OE Brigdestone Runflats, My 20 inch staggard setup runs softer, smoother, and quiter than than the original tires. I'm sure there are grippier tires out there, but if your looking for a luxury performance tire that does what it is suppose to do for an affordable price, this is the tire to go with.

BMW 740I 20,000 miles Spirited Driving. I had these mounted shortly after purchasing my 7 series. They're mounted in staggered fitment on 18" wheels. I noticed an immediate difference over the Conti Extremes that were mounted at delivery. These tires provide great grip. On the continentals my ASC would go nuts every now and again with just a little bit of precipitation, not so with the 452's. They provide very good feedback and are extremely predictable adding greatly to driver confidence(see +100 mph around sweepers). They are also very comfortable, dead quiet. I've seen a few respond to a somewhat "floaty" nature, I believe it works very well with my kind of car (highway cruiser) and they gobble the miles. My only complaint is tread life, being staggered I couldn't rotate them and am coming up on 20k. While I can squeeze maybe another 5k out the front the rears need replacement asap. Looking to get my next set in Spring. Given the performance and bargain price (1/2 of pilot sports), I can't recommend these any more highly! Great Buy!

Acura TL 22,000 miles I've had these on my 2004 Acura TL for a little more than 22,000 at this point. I drive a mix of highway and city but mostly highway. I only put about 12K/year on a car so this is nearly two years into this set. So far, these handle better than MANY other higher priced tires I have had on cars in the past. Better then Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli, etc. They appear to last a LONG time too because I figure I have about 50% of the tread left at this point (22K into them). I will buy these again when the time comes.

Q45 600 miles This is an excellent tire, and their price just makes it that much more of a wonderful buy. I took my time and did extensive research to find a tire that I'd be happy with - eventually choosing this tire. I can even say these are the best tires that I've have ever had. They are very quiet, smooth and responsive. I've had Dunlops, Michelins, and Continentals, which are all more expensive, and these Falkens are far better.

I can go on and on. He bought his tires already. What is the point of down talking his tires at this point. Many people say many things, but when you get a consensus of hundreds of reviewers, who have tried far more expensive tires, and speak highly of Falken 452's, I think it makes a tough argument to say he wasted his money. I guess you know more than the 1/2 million miles others have put on these tires.

Furthermore, I have had a couple of sets of Bridgestone OEM tires. They start out great with fantastic handling, then get noisy beyond belief and ride quality goes to hell within 15K. Of course by then there's hardly any tread left anyway. Time to spend another $1300...