Which 16 in tyre for E36/E46?

[anxious]

Hi guys. I have just got myself a style 136 16 inch rims . The rims comes off a 2004 E46 325i. The seller has upgraded to 18 inch.

I am eagerly awaiting the shipment of the rims before I recondition the rims and get them on my E36.

My question relates to tyre choices. The manual says that the factory recommended tyre size is 225/50/16. However this size is not common and costs about RM600pp.

My old E46 brochures show that some of the AB E46 were fitted with 205/55/16.

My questions are:-

1) Based on your experience what is the difference b/w 225/50/16 and 205/55/16?

2) Which tyre would you guys recommend:-

1) Michelin MXV8
2)Michelin PP2
3)Conti CSC1/CSC2
4)Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE001
5) Bridgestone GR80
6) Falken FK452

My budget is about RM400 per tyre. I was quoted RM400 for MXV8 and RM430 for PP2 today and was told that prices are going up abt 18% soon.

So guys any advise, esp you E46ers who may have been through this road b4?

Thanks.

 

[anxious]

Re: Which 16 in tyre for E36/E46?

I went through some of my old magazines last night. It would seem that a lot of the E46 tested which had 16 inch rims(mostly SE models) had 205/55/16 tyres on them.

So I guess that since it was commonly fitted on this rim, then 205/55/16 should be fine on my E36 too. Anyway comments are still welcome on whether its worth spending RM200pp extra on 225/50/16?

As to choice of tyres, I am still undecided. Michelin PP2 seems to be ok. A balance b/w comfort and performance. Any suggestions?

Thanks