Factory suspension, factory 17" wheels. Anyone know if 225/45-17 tires will fit without issue? I know 215/45-17 will, but 225/45-17 is a more common size, will fill out the wheel well more, and help "recalibrate" the optimistic speedometer.

 

I recently posted about only having 5mm clearance from the factory Pirelli run flat 205/45/17 to the flat spot on the JCW strut. I tried a 205/45/17 BF Goodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S and it just about contacted the strut. So I cant see how anything wider would fit.

 

I remember reading your comments about that. It's very strange, given the factory tire size. I know of several people who have installed 215/45-17 tires on factory 17" wheels without issue. Even some accounts of folks installing 225/40-18 tires on factory 18" wheels without any problems. Specifically, the Michelin PS4's and Falken ZE310's in 225/40-18 are reported to fit perfectly fine with a factory wheel/suspension setup.

 

Must be the variations with tire manufacturers. Some people might not even know their oversized tire rub's the strut.

 

I installed the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 215/45-17 on min with DCT and had a very slight touch. I installed ECS 10mm spacers, which were more than needed. So, the answer is that, depending on the tire 215s may/may not rub. I would think that 225's would definitely rub. Also, the factory 7" rim is pretty narrow for a 225.

I've since changed the wheels to NM RSe-05 17x7.5, 40 ET and those provide a lot of room for bigger tires. I'm still running 215s, but they could easily accomodate 225s.