E39 M5 - LSD and tyre depths
E39 M5 - LSD and tyre depths
Author
Discussion

Hedgetrimmer

Original Poster:

570 posts

280 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
quotequote all
I need to replace one of my rear tyres (goodyear eagle f1) on the back of my E39 M5, yet the tyre on the opposite side will have 5mm left on it. The new tyre will have 8mm depth and therefore will roll slightly further. I know that audi four wheel drive systems need all tyres to be run at similar tyre depths and therefore it is important to replace the set.

Whats the opinion on running different tyre depths on the back of M5 especially given that it has an LSD?

I don't really what to replace both rear tyres as the fronts are running low and I want to leave the option open to change brands across all 4 wheels. However I don't want to place stress on the lsd.

belleair302

6,995 posts

230 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
quotequote all
I doubt you will notice any real difference whatsoever.

Seesure

1,212 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
quotequote all
My personal view is that on performance cars you should always change the axle pair, regardless of cost. It's your life at the end of the day though.

You'll also find the car will throw "Tyre Defect" through the OBD at every opportunity which will mean the bong going off virtually every time you go out.


Neil.D

2,878 posts

229 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
quotequote all
Cars with LSD's need to replaced in pairs, or at the very least with another tyre within 2mm of the other. Any more and you risk 'diff wind up'
Either get a new pair, I found some good deals on etyre, or find a part worn one on ebay.

Hedgetrimmer

Original Poster:

570 posts

280 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
quotequote all
Neil.D said:
Cars with LSD's need to replaced in pairs, or at the very least with another tyre within 2mm of the other. Any more and you risk 'diff wind up'
Either get a new pair, I found some good deals on etyre, or find a part worn one on ebay.
Thanks for the replies. They confirm my concerns and therefore I will try and get a second hand tyre off ebay with similar wear for now or buy two.

Cheers

Carl

Hedgetrimmer

Original Poster:

570 posts

280 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
quotequote all
Spoke to the workshop controller in the local BMW garage. He confirmed that the LSD is controlled by oil pressure and locks when high torque levels are transfered down it. Therefore under normal driving the diff will not wind up as it is open anyway. Under harder driving it will wind up, but given that the forces under harder driving will naturally be much more brutal that a 1% variance in rolling distance across the axle I think I can live with it!

TimR69

2,153 posts

250 months

Thursday 7th May 2009
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You shouldn't have any problems with OBC bonging at you either.
I had a puncture in one of my fronts last year and at short notice could only get 1 (it was a big gash that the tyre sealant couldn't deal with) and never got bonged at once despite the other front being down to about 3mm.

rswheelnut

244 posts

206 months

Friday 8th May 2009
quotequote all
If it's for the nearside rear - put a new one on, then do a couple of laps sideways around a roundabout - that'll even them out!

Or,
If you do get a pair, i picked up a couple of Falkens for 130 pounds each a couple of months back. spent ages reading reviews before and they were highly rated. I can confirm they perform well and seem to be lasting well despite some "enthusiastic" driving. go for 285 wide though, rather than the standard 275.

Edited by rswheelnut on Friday 8th May 23:46

Neil.D

2,878 posts

229 months

Saturday 9th May 2009
quotequote all
rswheelnut said:
If it's for the nearside rear - put a new one on, then do a couple of laps sideways around a roundabout - that'll even them out!

Or,
If you do get a pair, i picked up a couple of Falkens for 130 pounds each a couple of months back. spent ages reading reviews before and they were highly rated. I can confirm they perform well and seem to be lasting well despite some "enthusiastic" driving. go for 285 wide though, rather than the standard 275.

Edited by rswheelnut on Friday 8th May 23:46
Alright Rich?

What do you see the benfit of going 10mm wider? Trying to compete with Pete and his 315 section Viper tyres? clap

TimR69

2,153 posts

250 months

Saturday 9th May 2009
quotequote all
I'm surprised the 285s fit - my Goodyear F1s foul the wheelarch liner when the car's up on the jack.

rswheelnut

244 posts

206 months

Wednesday 13th May 2009
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Neil.D said:
rswheelnut said:
If it's for the nearside rear - put a new one on, then do a couple of laps sideways around a roundabout - that'll even them out!

Or,
If you do get a pair, i picked up a couple of Falkens for 130 pounds each a couple of months back. spent ages reading reviews before and they were highly rated. I can confirm they perform well and seem to be lasting well despite some "enthusiastic" driving. go for 285 wide though, rather than the standard 275.

Edited by rswheelnut on Friday 8th May 23:46
Alright Rich?

What do you see the benfit of going 10mm wider? Trying to compete with Pete and his 315 section Viper tyres? clap
Hi Neil, how you going?

After reading lots of reviews, it was recommended to do so for the Falkens due to their shape. Gives more protection to the rim. I guess they dont look as wide as they actually are, and I've had no problems in terms of fouling arches or anything. You'd never notice the difference to be honest over the normal 275's. They seem to offer good grip, look decent and are lasting pretty well too so I'm happy with them. A good tyre for budget tyre price.

Hope you're going ok. I've been a bit reclused with a hectic life at the moment. Have a baby due in a couple of weeks so lots of preparation for that.
You done anything with your exhaust yet? I'm going to get my done by the company at the end of my road who can fabricate one. Will let you know how i go...!

Edited by rswheelnut on Wednesday 13th May 17:29