will bigger wheels be harder to steer?

hdrewh · 12-08-2010, 12:32 PM

sort of a noob question, but bear with me....The largest available OEM wheels with my '09 E90 328i were staggered 17's - 8 front/8.5 rear. For other models, the coupes, for example, where 18's and 19's are available (even 18's are available this year for E90), is the steering calibrated any differently to account for the heavier wheels?

Just wondering as I consider upgrading to 18's if I should expect to feel a difference in how heavy the steering feels since the wheel/tire combo will be heavier (assuming same model tires)

Thanks,
Howard

Tee212 · 12-08-2010, 01:32 PM

size of wheel? hardly, caster would cause a harder/ligther steering feel in conjuction with your power steering setup.

GME92 · 12-08-2010, 01:37 PM

Not at all, but your ride will be bumpier.

VMRWheels · 12-08-2010, 04:31 PM

Suspension and alignment is still setup identical even if you are going from a 18 or 19" wheel.

If you were going from a Non-Sport to a Sports Package, shocks/springs are different and I would assume the alignment is slightly different as well.

-Charles@VMRWheels

12-08-2010, 12:32 PM	#1
hdrewh Lieutenant 70 Rep 441 Posts Drives: '09 E90 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	will bigger wheels be harder to steer? sort of a noob question, but bear with me....The largest available OEM wheels with my '09 E90 328i were staggered 17's - 8 front/8.5 rear. For other models, the coupes, for example, where 18's and 19's are available (even 18's are available this year for E90), is the steering calibrated any differently to account for the heavier wheels? Just wondering as I consider upgrading to 18's if I should expect to feel a difference in how heavy the steering feels since the wheel/tire combo will be heavier (assuming same model tires) Thanks, Howard __________________ 2009 E90 328i Montego Blue, Black Leather, 6MT, ZPP, Logic 7, HD radio, CA, fold-down seats, PDC. ED pickup 6/12/2009 mods: Koni FSDs, Eibach Pro's, Sport/Heated Seats, BMW Perf. short shifter, M-tech shift knob/e-brake handle/steering wheel, split armrest, black grilles, 50% tint, 3M clear bra.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-08-2010, 01:32 PM	#2
Tee212 Banned 81 Rep 4,541 Posts Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Riverside iTrader: (9) Garage List 2010 335 [8.00]	size of wheel? hardly, caster would cause a harder/ligther steering feel in conjuction with your power steering setup.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2010, 01:37 PM	#3
GME92 BMW Newbie 12 Rep 426 Posts Drives: X5 50i M Sport DHP Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	Not at all, but your ride will be bumpier.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-08-2010, 04:31 PM	#4
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2042 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	Suspension and alignment is still setup identical even if you are going from a 18 or 19" wheel. If you were going from a Non-Sport to a Sports Package, shocks/springs are different and I would assume the alignment is slightly different as well. -Charles@VMRWheels __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
	Appreciate 0 Quote