325is tire pressure

[000is]

hey guys...newbie here (even tho i've been registered for awhile)...

just had some new Hankook Ventus V4ES tires installed on my '94 325is...size 215/45zr17.

problem is i'm not too sure what the tire pressure should be.

inflation guide for the stock factory e36 15" rims was 36psi but since upgrading to a 17" rim,
should the tire pressure increase to at least 90% of the max psi???

ie: ventus max psi=50 so am i to inflate to 45psi cold???

thanx for the help.

pingace08 at yahoo dot com

 

[Detrich]

when in doubt, go with the manual based on tire size. that said, i think if u ask 10 ppl what's the ideal tire pressure, u'll get 10 different answers.

the general range is fairly wide- ie like u said anywhere from 35 to 50psi. so, how u inflate them really depends on (1) the type of roads u drive on and (2) how u like to drive.

i usually like to keep mine around 40 psi cold, because the ride seems firmer/ smoother, and i'm mostly driving on the freeway/ city streets. if u like to drive a lot of twisties, then u may want to go with slightly lower psi for better grip/ handling.

again, it's very subjective. if you're not sure- try out different settings and find one that you like.

 

[Big Daddy]

I concur with Detrich, depends on your driving type. I would ask the tire salesperson/shop where you purchased your tires for some input.

 

[000is]

thanx for the input...

i was going with the Hankooks website suggested psi of 90%/45psi which sounds a bit much.
i guess i'll try inflating at ~40-42psi which is about 80% and see how the ride feels.

any other opinions or experiences?

 

[frolf]

go with what it says on the inside of your drivers door. do you think hankook knows what kind of car you have? let alone the weight distribution?