[LMK5]

I've got the staggered set of 18" summer ContiSportContacts on my 2017 330i. Recently I had brought the pressure up to 35 from 32 on all 4 tires and noticed slightly sharper steering and much improved stability over ridged/cambered roads. I'm wondering if I should go even higher on the pressure, but I want to also get even wear on the tires. Anyone have an idea of the "sweet spot" for inflation pressure on these tires?

[CalCarNut]

I run about 37lbs on mine...a bit harsher ride but better mpg.

[LMK5]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

I run about 37lbs on mine...a bit harsher ride but better mpg.

What is the recommended PSI on the door frame? Is your wear pretty even across the tread?

[sspade]

I was running 35 psi cold. Which would warm up to 37 psi.

Recently had my car in for service and now pressures are set at 31 cold which warms to about 33.

Have been wondering if I should pump them back up to 35...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by LMK5

I've got the staggered set of 18" summer ContiSportContacts on my 2017 330i. Recently I had brought the pressure up to 35 from 32 on all 4 tires and noticed slightly sharper steering and much improved stability over ridged/cambered roads. I'm wondering if I should go even higher on the pressure, but I want to also get even wear on the tires. Anyone have an idea of the "sweet spot" for inflation pressure on these tires?

There is not one answer, when we want to balance wear and performance.

For example, if ambient temperatures are low, roads are often wet and you make lots of short trips, tires may hardly ever heat up and reach the optimum working pressure, from the recommended cold setting. So different, compared to someone in a warmer environment who drives decent mileage on the highway. May easily reach optimum working pressures.

I run higher than the door plate figures, to get best from my tires, as I'm in the colder climate band and many of my trips are only about 12 miles.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Door frame numbers are your friend. If you want to go higher check the manual for the high speed or full load recommended pressure.

They would be you upper & lower limits to work from. You can do a quick & dirty wear check with white shoe polish across the tread & up the sidewall.

Will show under inflated, over inflated & side wall roll under.


FRONT

REAR

[LMK5]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Door frame numbers are your friend. If you want to go higher check the manual for the high speed or full load recommended pressure.

They would be you upper & lower limits to work from. You can do a quick & dirty wear check with white shoe polish across the tread & up the sidewall.

Will show under inflated, over inflated & side wall roll under.


FRONT

REAR

How did you apply the shoe polish to ensure it was evenly applied?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Its liquid & has a self applying top. Just squeeze it against the tires. This is not rocket science level technology & you don't need a perfectly even film depth.

When it wears about, 1/2 hour back road running, you will have no doubt about where its worn off.

Center off over inflated. Sides off under inflated. Shoulders worn under inflated.