255/60 R17 instead of stock 235/65 R17s?
 

I searched the forum but couldn't find an exact match for this question. I have a 2003 3.0i with the stock Style 57 7.5x17 wheels. I am thinking of replacing the 235/65-17s with 255/60-17s at all four corners on the stock wheels (same rolling diameter as original size). Will there be any clearance issues from suspension or steering components with the wider tire? True, it's only an extra 10mm inboard from stock, but I want to make sure. Thanks in advance for any help!

The tire comparo shows that the two sizes are nearly dead nuts on/equal...
The question of fitting/clearing: I don't know answer, but my bet is yes.
GL,mD

Tire calculator site:
Tire size calculator

This won't be a problem. Other members have fitted 265/70 and even 275/55 on the 17s.

tire calculator
 

Here's another nice tire size calculator:
Car / SUV / Van / Light Truck Tire Calculations

No problems with the suspension clearance .It will just cause a bit more body roll as the wheel is only 7.5" and really more suitable for a 235 tyre!

255/60-17 is fine on a 7.5-inch rim. In fact Michelin claim that 7.5 is the optimal rim size for its 255/60-17 Diamaris.

@Fraser or anyone who may know, hi fella, did the evil deed and downgraded to 18" 8.5J all round as opposed to my 19" staggered setup, did search everywhere for used 17" alloys but they are not easy to come by out here, out of curiosity i know stock size is 255/55 but is there any other tire size i can used all round?

If you want a slightly narrower/taller tyre (better for off-road and bad roads) your could fit a 245/60 instead of the standard 255/55. The 245/60 is okay for a 8.5 rim but will make the speedo read a bit slow.

Thanks Fraser for the reply, will bear this in mind, at the moment one of my front tires seems to be losing air about 0.2bar per week (dropped from 2.2 bar to 2.0bar) just hoping not a cracked alloy will ask tire place to dunk it in water rather than use a soapy water spray only to find leak...just wondering if it is an alloy leak whether the leak could manifest itself only when car is in motion and alloy is under stress?

Sorry,I am bit late to this ,but just noticed it!Plus its also an ongoing thread!
If you say that Michelin claim that 255 is ok on a 7.5" rim,then they must have said it!I am sure BMW disagree ,otherwise they wouldnt fit a 255 on 8.5" and 9" rims ?
A 235 on a 7.5"(190.5) rim already sticks 2.2 cms on either side of the rim,a 255 on the same rim will increase that to 3.75 cms,creating even mode body roll.Ok for off road ,basically.I wouldnt want to drive it on the road going round curves with it,as it would also put too much strain on the tyre wall...eventually cutting it!