Quote:
Originally Posted by BXL4
I've seen the "stretching" but that wasn't what I was referring to.
I believe that every tire/wheel combo from the BMW factory will scrape the wheel in almost any circumstance when the tire were to rub however gently against the curb.
On a 225 tire mounted on an 8" rim would seem to be 10mm narrower than the tire, but it is the "overall rim width" that is the important figure when it comes to curb contact and generally, overall rim width is an additional 30mm or 1.5" greater making the wheel, not the tire the "curb feeler."
I'd like a less costly solution.
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This could be considered a very minor stretch present. Of course all within manufacturer spec, so it wouldn't be a safety concern. You are correct about wheel width, however, as a wheel will typically be 1" wider than bead seat width ('advertised' width).
Generally, lower profile tires on larger wheels will increase the likliehood of wheel-curb contact. There is less sidewall bubble and the difference between wheel width and tire width has a greater width (length of sidewall) to distribute. For example, a 225/35/19 on 19x8.5 will not protect the wheel whereas a 225/50/16 on a 16x8.5 would likely protect the wheel.
As far as a 'solution' to this, the only real options would be A) Wider tires or smaller wheels w/higher profile tires or B) Be a bit more cautious when parking near curbs.
Long story short, the widespread use of 18", 19", and sometimes even 20" wheels on factory vehicles causes this problem. I know my 17" factory wheels & tires would have sufficient curb protection but they look a bit too small for the car's body size.