215/35r18 or 205/40r18
 

My car came with 18 inch superleggeras which I've finally installed. However, the tires are a bit worn from either poor alignment or prior aggressive driving. I'm noticing that the tire selection at 215/35 is pretty minimal but there are a few choices I would consider. I was thinking I was going to go for pilot sports but those are only available in 205/40.

What are most people running?

I'd say run 215/35 if you want the sporty look. They will be slimmer and look especially good with a generally low car like the JCW or GP. If you're going for the look, go with the /35 and run something like a Continental Extreme Contact DW or Bridgestone Potenza s04 Pole Pos. Both great tires and you'll get great performance out of them. However, pilot SS's are the Jesus of tires. If you're willing to spend the money, those are going to give you the ultimate best performance even tho they have a slightly smaller contact patch. The only thing that I would hope you consider is the price. Are you really driving that aggressively and need that performance out of the car? motor on

My R53 came with 18's and budget 215/35's which I left on while I had the OE 17's reconditioned. Later I changed the finish on the OE wheels and borrowed an OE set of JCW 18's with original P Zero's IN 205/40.


All I can say, is they are chalk and cheese, the budget 215/35 size is the handling option all day long, minor size difference, and with cheap tyres in worse condition, way better than the others. Now back on 17's, love them, still with a larger option 215/45's and won't be going back to 205's ever.