I will be needing new tires in the spring and have been researching here on this thread. Now, I know very little about our BAS/ESP system but after doing some research on tire sizes I am questioning whether the differential between front/rear or stock to non-stock tire sizes would pose a problem and therefore affect the operation of the BAS/ESP system.

According to my online Tire Size comparison calculator (link below) our stock front tires (225/40/18) have a sidewall height of 3.5" and most members are replacing them with stock but some are replacing with 235/40/18 which have a sidewall height of 3.7". The stock rears are 255/35/19 which also have a sidewall height of 3.5" therefore matching the stock fronts. The two common replacement sizes being used here for the rear is 285/30/19 with a sidewall height of 3.4" and the 285/35/19 with a height of 3.9".

Having stated that, if one was to use the stock front at 3.5" sidewall and upgrade the rears to the larger 285/35/19 @ 3.9" sidewall, what effect would this have on the operation of the BAS/ESP.
I understand that several members have done this exact set-up without any issue but does anyone have a true understanding of our BAS/ESP systems and can explain what we really may be affecting?


Tire size calculator

 

Hey Valk,
do you know if your tire setup size will work on the 04 coupe/nonsrt version?
Nathan

 

can I go with the 285/35/19 tires in the rear with the intrax drop springs? 1.6" inches drop.

 

Yes my 2004 NA is all stock suspension and I have stock OEM rims and there is no problem with the clearance or fit with these tires.
They have worn very little with nearly 13000 miles now and I am very pleased with the tires and the performance they provide in dry and rain conditions.
They are summer tires so no driving in the snow with these.
My speedometer is off by only 1 mph but thats it.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for new tires and not driving in winter conditions.

Gary

 

Guys what do you think about my question? Also, Discount tire has the two rear tires for $238 each and $521 out the door. They instal for free localy. Should I get it?

 

I suspect you mean 285/35/19 right ??
I think they will still work but as I said mine is still stock height.
Anyone else here using this size with intrax drop springs? 1.6" inches drop ?

 

Gary, I was thinking of dropping the aspect ratio to 30 to make up for the increased tread width. I would appreciate your input.

 

Max,

I have been running these tires for almost a year with the 285/30/19 on the back. They are almost exactly the same height as the stock 255/35/19 so no real impact on the speedometer/odometer. I cannot feel any difference in ride comfort either probably because the sidewall is nearly identical.

Karl

 

Thanks Karl, Your C badges still look great on my car. I hope everything is going well with you. Maybe we can rally up to Idylwild, or Big Bear this summer. I ordered a Mr. Max license plate and only you guys have any idea what it signifies lol.

 

Thanks for the comments! The guy at Discount Tires said that if the tires don't fit he can other another set. Unless you guys don't think it will fit it might be worth a try.

 

I have these same tires with about 5000 miles on them. I drive back and forth to work with them rain or shine and have had no problems. Obvioulsy I am not working them very hard in these conditions but love them none the less. So far so good!

 

I;m running these tires also, All I can say is what a differance they have made. Much smoother ride and just huge the road. I went with stock size in front and 275/35/19 for the rears

 

I am also running stock on the front and 275/35 19" on the rear. Love the tires! I purchased mine at Discount Tire and they met the price on Tire Rack's web site. The current price for the 285,s on Tire Rack is $226 so it appears that Discount is giving you a reasonable price.

 

I have always wondered the same thing! I have stock on front an 275/35/19 on rear. I know that my b&e still functions with this setup, because it has saved my %ss a few times

 

I'd still like to know if we are causing our BAS/ESP to either kick in sooner or delaying it by having tires with a overall diameter differential from front and rear.

 

I think that since there is only a 2 mph difference, the computer might not have that tight of a tolerance. Given that, this may be why nobody has noticed any difference.

 

Is any one running the 285/30 or 285/35 - 19 rear tire with a lowered suspension and 15mm spacers? If so is there any rear tire rub? Thanks!

 

I've ordered new tires and rims. The Hankook Venus V12 evo K110 with 235x40X18 paired with 18X8 Touren TR6 Rims on the front and 285x30x19 paired with 19x9.5 Touren TR6 Rims on the back.

 

I have a set of these on order in my last set sizes...

Rear: 295/30R19
Front: 245/35R18

That being said, I have wider after market rims, so they still curl, but the bead doesn't break.

I'll give a review after the install and drive.

Now I gotta go burn off the last 1/16" on those old Yokohama Advans...

 

The longer I run these tires the less I am impressed with them. They are great tires for the money but they do not compare to the Yokohama Advans.