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What size performance tires for 18" Panamera rims?
My 18" 5 spoke Panamera rims arrived for my 1988 S4 and I am looking to put some good extreme performance tires on them. I have read through a few different threads about tire size and it appears most people are suggesting 235/40/18 for the front and 265/35/18 for the rears. However, there were several posts where people have put as large as 295/35/18s on the rear and 265/35/18s on the front. I am considering a set of Bridgestone Potenzas in 245/35/18 fronts and 275/35/18 rears or going the safe route and getting Dunlop Direzzas in 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rears.
My car is almost daily driven, but I am more interested in performance over ride comfort. I may autocross my car in the near future as well. Suspension wise, I have Konis with coilovers with the 600/400 spring rates and find them to be quite comfortable. Ride height is very close to stock, maybe lowered less than a half inch front and rear.
So my question is, are the 245/35/18s going to rub up front or the 275/35s in the rear? Anyone else use this combination size tire on an S4? Any other suggestions for performance tire sizes or brands?
Optimal sizes to get as close to original circumference on Panamera 18" diameter 8" front & 9" rear wheels:
235/40 front
265/35 rear
Going beyond those sizes may fit without rubbing, but the speedometer error will increase. There are wheel and tire size comparetors available online - do a search. Of course, they won't tell you if a certain size will rub.
The Bridgestones are fine, but they tend to get pretty "square" if you don't drive on them every day. IMO, the best "bang for the buck" tire available today is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport - and, you can order them through Costco.
My car is almost daily driven, but I am more interested in performance over ride comfort. I may autocross my car in the near future as well. Suspension wise, I have Konis with coilovers with the 600/400 spring rates and find them to be quite comfortable. ........
The loss of 1 inch of rubber in the sidewall ( if you are on stock 16s ) between the rim and the road will clearly change the above......... it will FEEL very sporty !!!! very !!
Optimal sizes to get as close to original circumference on Panamera 18" diameter 8" front & 9" rear wheels:
235/40 front
265/35 rear
Going beyond those sizes may fit without rubbing, but the speedometer error will increase. There are wheel and tire size comparetors available online - do a search. Of course, they won't tell you if a certain size will rub.
The Bridgestones are fine, but they tend to get pretty "square" if you don't drive on them every day. IMO, the best "bang for the buck" tire available today is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport - and, you can order them through Costco.
This. And your car will feel much stiffer, as Jim pointed out.
I got a set of cup 4 tires with tire rack recommended sizing of
Front 235/40ZR18
Rear 295/30ZR18
My speedo was accurate based on my phones GPS but I was not a fan of the ride quality. Last year I switched to Panamera wheels that came with the same size fronts but the rears are 265/35. The ride quality improved and the car just didn't feel as heavy anymore, the wheels no doubt helped... My speedo is not quite as accurate with the larger 35s but its slight. I will be replacing with the same size when I need them.
Ended up getting Michelin Pilot Super sports in 235/40/18 and 265/35/18. I am glad I got this size as they fit perfect. They are very close, but don't rub at all. Rims and Tires really make a difference. Just need to modify my front bearing dust caps so I can put the center caps on the front wheels.
Ended up getting Michelin Pilot Super sports in 235/40/18 and 265/35/18. I am glad I got this size as they fit perfect. They are very close, but don't rub at all. Rims and Tires really make a difference. Just need to modify my front bearing dust caps so I can put the center caps on the front wheels.
Have those exact same wheels on the GT. Just take a hammer to the bearing caps to reduce the height. I used an extra hub i had around to do it. I then took a small skim cut across the face as I have a Lathe at home.
The loss of 1 inch of rubber in the sidewall ( if you are on stock 16s ) between the rim and the road will clearly change the above......... it will FEEL very sporty !!!! very !!
i think the term is "more sporty" .... as the stock suspension gives the cushie feel that doesnt really change dramatically with just a stiffer side wall tire.
I think the tire combo that was selected is perfect for a near stock 928. i would voted for a slightly larger front and rear, (245 275) but the final sizes he ended up with look nice and are much better than the stock sizes for sure!!!
i think the term is "more sporty" .... as the stock suspension gives the cushie feel that doesnt really change dramatically with just a stiffer side wall tire.
I think the tire combo that was selected is perfect for a near stock 928. i would voted for a slightly larger front and rear, (245 275) but the final sizes he ended up with look nice and are much better than the stock sizes for sure!!!
Mark he is NOT running "stock suspension" he has Konis and 600/400 aftermarket springs.....If you feel you must post please at least read the thread !! And it is not so much a stiffer sidewall as it is so much LESS sidewall. Yet the OP may be quite happy with the look and the ride Others may find it very stiff.
03-11-2016, 03:35 AM
What size performance tires for 18" Panamera rims?
.... as the stock suspension gives the cushie feel that doesnt really change dramatically with just a stiffer side wall tire. 
Others may find it very stiff.
