36lb Tire Pressure too high? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Mr. Vroom · 21st November 2006, 16:33

The tire pressure recomendation of 36lbs seems high to me. My thought is that this pressure is cya, worst case setting meant for high speed driving(when travelling at 150+ mph higher pressure is needed to prevent tire failure) not everyday use. Anyone running in the low 30's?

canysmc · 21st November 2006, 16:47

Owner's Manual says 37 PSI front and rear.

Full load or (sustained) speeds over 100mph, 41 PSI front, 47 PSI rear.

Read what others are doing here.

Mods: Maybe these threads can be merged?

Mr. Vroom · 21st November 2006, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by canysmc

Owner's Manual says 37 PSI front and rear.

Full load or (sustained) speeds over 100mph, 41 PSI front, 47 PSI rear.

Read what others are doing here.

Mods: Maybe these threads can be merged?

Thanks canysmc! It looks like everyone is running by the book. I think I might give low 30s a try and see what happens. Handling should be a little more responsive no?

Bucking · 21st November 2006, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Vroom

Thanks canysmc! It looks like everyone is running by the book. I think I might give low 30s a try and see what happens. Handling should be a little more responsive no?

Lower pressures will reduce responsiveness. I would go by the book; however, as indicated in the owners manual, for higher speed use I would certainly increase the tire pressure. I find the car is "lighter on its feet" with tire pressures set 1-2 pounds over the base levels stated in the owners manual.

WilliamCheung · 22nd November 2006, 04:04

Not only that, but slight over-inflation is the best defense against hydro-platting, where water is trapped between under-inflated tires and the road and causes very dangerous loss of traction.

Wolverine · 22nd November 2006, 04:13

It's pretty tough to be over-inflated. Much better than under-inflated in terms of safety and responsiveness. Just a slight tradeoff in ride quality.

mcvaughan · 22nd November 2006, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine

It's pretty tough to be over-inflated. Much better than under-inflated in terms of safety and responsiveness. Just a slight tradeoff in ride quality.

Not to mention wheel protection from potholes...