[spudslatte]

Hello all - I saw the recommended tire pressure is 34 psi, and I am diligent about checking them at least every two weeks - however, I recall a post on this forum that you could decrease the pressures in the front a few lbs and you get overall better handling - anyone test that theory? I am always hesitant to move from the recommendations on my vehicle - thank you

[andreigbs]

You don't get better handling; you might get a more compliant comfortable ride.

I run 34PSI all around, year-round.

Be mindful of the change in temps as we head towards winter; colder temps mean lower tire pressures.

[spudslatte]

Thank you for the reply - I was mistaken and you are right - think I will keep it there at 34 - the tires are probably due for replacement anyway in the spring and am looking at alternative run flats to the goodyear LSs

[pungo]

Originally Posted by spudslatte

Hello all - I saw the recommended tire pressure is 34 psi, and I am diligent about checking them at least every two weeks - however, I recall a post on this forum that you could decrease the pressures in the front a few lbs and you get overall better handling - anyone test that theory? I am always hesitant to move from the recommendations on my vehicle - thank you

Unless running something much different than stock, why not just go with what's printed on the door jamb? The engineers at BMW already figured the optimum pressure for us? Or sure, go by what you read on the internet, it has to be right

[spudslatte]

It was actually on the forum, and wasn't sure if the door jam, which reads 34 front and 38 rear was for the OEM tires, which I don't know if these are, given 70K on my car. If they last 70K, I'm buying them again

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

You don't get better handling; you might get a more compliant comfortable ride.

And likely more rapid shoulder wear, as you run more on the sidewalls.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by spudslatte

It was actually on the forum, and wasn't sure if the door jam, which reads 34 front and 38 rear was for the OEM tires, which I don't know if these are, given 70K on my car. If they last 70K, I'm buying them again

My door jamb reads 32F/35R, 245/50/18 square setup stock.

[andreigbs]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

And likely more rapid shoulder wear, as you run more on the sidewalls.

Yep; running too low or too high (for me that's -/+ 5psi) just accelerates tire wear.

[spudslatte]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

Yep; running too low or too high (for me that's -/+ 5psi) just accelerates tire wear.

Yep - and they aren't cheap - with the 19s they wanted 34 front and 38 rear, but 38 made me a bit nervous as the rears at 34 were hard. Didn't want to press it

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by spudslatte

Yep - and they aren't cheap - with the 19s they wanted 34 front and 38 rear, but 38 made me a bit nervous as the rears at 34 were hard. Didn't want to press it

34psi on the rear of most BMW models is low, watch for inner shoulder wear at that pressure. I'm at 38psi on the rear of my F11 5-series wagon for normal use.

One reason the rears feel hard on a BMW, is the rear spring rate. Run a loaded vehicle (even with higher pressures for load) and that feeling disappears.

[spudslatte]

I appreciate the advice there - think I will get the rears to 38

[n55david]

19s are 34/38 psi. run what it says to run.

my 335 with 18s is same.

[spudslatte]

Took everyone's advice and the car rides and handles much better now (at least to me) - the fronts were at 28psi before and the rears at 32 - I've only had the car a day over 2 mis and I am hoping the dealer neglected to check them vs me possibly losing air - thanks everyone

[andreigbs]

Anything below 30 psi is way low, IMO. This is the time of year when the season changes and the air gets colder, directly affecting tire pressures (ie, makes them lower).

I always check my pressures before a longer trip or when the temps change. It also helps to have an air compressor in the garage and be able to top up anytime. Also, an accurate gauge is a must.

One thing I really like was enabling the tire temp in the Vehicle Info display, using BimmerCode. I've seen the tire air temps affect pressure as much as 6-8 psi.

[spudslatte]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

Anything below 30 psi is way low, IMO. This is the time of year when the season changes and the air gets colder, directly affecting tire pressures (ie, makes them lower).

I always check my pressures before a longer trip or when the temps change. It also helps to have an air compressor in the garage and be able to top up anytime. Also, an accurate gauge is a must.

One thing I really like was enabling the tire temp in the Vehicle Info display, using BimmerCode. I've seen the tire air temps affect pressure as much as 6-8 psi.

Thank you - I was looking at My Carly or BimmerCode - I totally agree with you and have adjusted my PSI to proper specs - I will lean toward BimmerCode for the tire temp option

Thanks again

[vibexxx]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

Yep; running too low or too high (for me that's -/+ 5psi) just accelerates tire wear.

Yea i think its running on a low

[335idle]

Just bought a 17 x3 today, and noticed tites felt odd perel run flats ans psi is at 50 all around

[spudslatte]

Holy cow! I noticed a big difference taking everyone's advice and doing the proper inflation

[335idle]

Originally Posted by spudslatte

Holy cow! I noticed a big difference taking everyone's advice and doing the proper inflation

I plan to change mine tmrw, would the psi at 50 explain the horrible wobbly feelings when going around turns

[andreigbs]

Perhaps, but only indirectly. Too high or too low tire pressure affects tire wear, especially on the edges. If you have worn tire edges, they will feel more wobbly during turns.

Drop the pressure (only on cold tires) to about 34 PSI, maybe rotate front to back, and it should feel a lot better.

[dtox9]

My sticker in the door jamb

245/45/r19 xl = 32 front / 38 rear

2016 x3 xdrive28i xline
goodyear eagle ls-2 rof

[335idle]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

Perhaps, but only indirectly. Too high or too low tire pressure affects tire wear, especially on the edges. If you have worn tire edges, they will feel more wobbly during turns.

Drop the pressure (only on cold tires) to about 34 PSI, maybe rotate front to back, and it should feel a lot better.

adjusted mine today 100% better., not sure why the dealer had them at 50 psi