Tyre Upgrades

[keithcollins500]

Hi,
Is it o.k. to upgrade my e46 M3 rear tyres from 255/40 18 to 265/35 18?
I have been told this is a worth while upgrade that will enhance rear end grip.
Any advice greatly welcomed.
Cheers
Keith

[mmm-five]

A 265/35 is about 3% smaller in diameter so your speedo will be out even more than it probably already is - i.e. you'll be going slower than the speed is reading, although they all do that to some extent anyway.

While it will give you slightly more lateral grip, it will also slightly decrease the pressure on the road (i.e. same weight spread over a larger contact patch) which means aquaplaning will occur slightly earlier.

Your other option is to go to a softer tyre in the 255/40 size, which will mean they wear out more quickly but will provide you with more grip anyway and you'll then not have to pay any extra for a larger tyre.