[AKF12]

Well, it's really a debate!!

1. Is square setup is recommended for XI-s? It appears many owners are getting this advice from dealers!

2. 18" wheels are offered as an upgrade from dealers, but what about 19"? Some are getting mix opinions when upgrading to 19" regarding performance, balance, fuel efficiency and odometer reading.

3. It's recommended to stay within 1% of the overall wheel/tire diameter. Well many are upgrading from 17" to 19":
Front: 225/45/17 ET34 to 235/235/19 ET35
Rear: 225/45/17 ET34 to 265/30/10 ET35
Use the wheel offset calculator and tell me what you get (close to 2%???)!!

Please voice your humble opinions.

Cheers!!

[514Bimmer]

im runnin 235 and 265

[fdriller9]

Using a staggered setup can cause the rotating diameters of the front and rear wheels to be different. This difference can cause the transfer case to lock up. If you keep thin tires on the back, you can overcome this issue.

Also with an AWD system all 4 wheels have power. If the rears have more grip (which is the case with a staggered setup), the AWD system reacts differently.

[joed1]

My 335 came stock with a staggered set up.

[AKF12]

That's what I meant by debating issue!

*********, can you explain more with tire sizes example (for thin).
you got a good point in your reply.

If xi owners have now 235/265 setup without any problems, how long did they have this setup? that doesn't guarantee a problem free AWD in the near future. It's just a matter of time, as one mechanic technician told me not long time ago!!!

[4corners]

Originally Posted by joed1

My 335 came stock with a staggered set up.

Perhaps the word staggered has to be defined. Does 'staggered' for a 2wd car mean different diameters or just the widths?

For the 4wd cars, staggered refers to tire/wheel widths. Not diameter. Is this where the confusion is coming into play?

[JaysBlueE92]

runnin 235/35 and 265/30 for over 30K miles no issues. and my stock 18s are staggered too, with 225/40 up front and 255/35 in the rear. I know people have differing views on this but i honestly think if you stay within these parameters theirs not much to debate

[MassBimmer]

The thought that a staggered setup is bad for BMW's xDrive AWD system is ridiculous.

BMW's come with staggered 17" and 18" applications from the factory with options such as sport and M-Sport packages. The tire widths are 225 up front and 255 in the rear.

[BAMxi]

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

The thought that a staggered setup is bad for BMW's xDrive AWD system is ridiculous.

BMW's come with staggered 17" and 18" applications from the factory with options such as sport and M-Sport packages. The tire widths are 225 up front and 255 in the rear.

Agreed.

I've been running 235/35 and 265/30 for only a few months now, but I've got no complaints. However, I had my transfer case motor replaced about 3 months after purchasing my car (used with 25k) before I upgraded to 19s, and was running the stock 16s square setup. So, I think these things just fail sometimes. Some people blame it on their wheels. My car was bone stock when I got it, so I didn't really have anything to blame a failed transfer case motor on other than a faulty part.

[Fozzy]

The concept that tires wear perfectly evenly is false. SO that being said you will have differences in your rollilng diameter regardless if you're running even a square set up. There are other factors like alignment and camber that can affect it too.

It doesn't have to be exact, so if you go staggered, then keep the diameter as close as possible and you'll be fine.

I run a square winter and staggered summer.

[fdriller9]

The fact that people (mainly dealers) tell you, that you cannot run a staggerard setup is simply to prevent headaches down the road.

If you get a staggard setup and know nothing about tire sizes, you can potentially order an inncorrect tire size and that difference can cause damage to your differentials.....over a longer period of time.

I also think, and I may not be right, that in an awd system the front end is heavier due to the front diff and axle setup. Coupled with a higher ride height, the center of gravity of the whole car is higher, and when taking turns understeer is induced. Having wider rear tires increases understeer.

So overall, you have a car that understeers like crazy.....

[AKF12]

*********, we have same car 06 330xi.
What are you running as far as tires/wheels setup?

From your replies, I'm guessing it's a square setup
Any mods you applied to your 330xi that you can share too?

thx

[514Bimmer]

Im running 235/35/19 And 265/30/19

[G-Man2011]

I'm running staggered 19 on my 328xi and rides great. I also lowered it with H&R springs!! As I was shopping for wheels, I was told by several vendors and confirmed by BMW tech that the transfer case lock up is true for 2006 and under AWD cars. So no staggered wheels are recommended. The AWD and case/ tranny was redesigned after 2007 which explains why now it is offered as a factory set up direct from BMW. So YES you can without issues depending on your model year.

[BMCoupe_782]

I have stag 19's with 235f/265r Conti DW's for 5k+ miles with no issues.

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by AKF12

*********, we have same car 06 330xi.
What are you running as far as tires/wheels setup?

From your replies, I'm guessing it's a square setup
Any mods you applied to your 330xi that you can share too?

thx

Yupp. I'm running 19x8.5 all around with an offset of 30, 235/35/19. However I have 15mm spacers in the back.

Look into the carbon filter/air silencer delete. I did this and swapped the stock filter out for a drop in aFe oiled filter. It gave the car a subtle growl....nothing too loud like an aftermarket intake.

That's really all I did for engine performance. I'm planning on dropping the car a bit on ZSP springs and taking the 1/4" reinforcement plate off the front strut tower to get rid of the front rake.

Most of my mods are cosmetic and audio related.

[MusclezMarinara]

+10

235 265

[BigBambu]

Originally Posted by *********

...I'm planning on dropping the car a bit on ZSP springs and taking the 1/4" reinforcement plate off the front strut tower to get rid of the front rake.

Most of my mods are cosmetic and audio related.

I've been searching around for the front rake issue and now I've finally found it. Thanks bud. Hope you get a chance to take some pictures while you do this. I'm really interested in getting the cleanest drop possible.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by BMCoupe_782

I have stag 19's with 235f/265r Conti DW's for 5k+ miles with no issues.

Rishi, where did you get that setup for 19s?? We need to talk, these RFTs suck bro

[RonnyBze]

Oh shit son I am putting 245x35 19s on the front and 275x30 19s on the rear.... Wish me luck next week.

[seis-speed]

Staggered summer
Square Winter

Staggered looks so much better, also gives a different feel, while driving, just keep the set up light IMO.

[grannydriver]

Originally Posted by JaysBlueE92

runnin 235/35 and 265/30 for over 30K miles no issues. and my stock 18s are staggered too, with 225/40 up front and 255/35 in the rear. I know people have differing views on this but i honestly think if you stay within these parameters theirs not much to debate

Gonna agree with you !!!