Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw_guy_2020
What is meant by a "square" wheel setup?
I've seen references to a "square" wheel setup on this forum but I'm not sure what this means.
Does this refer to using the same wheel size for all 4 wheels?
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Correct.
A square setup is the same wheel and tire size all around. Aggressive/race fitments will generally involve running a tire size on the front of the car that is as wide or wider than what originally came on the rear of the vehicle. In fitments where fender clearance up front is limited, a common ground is picked between the front and rear sizes (235/40/17 picked to be used all around on a car that originally came with 225/40/17's front and 245/40/17 rear).
It's usually the same offset wheel as well, thus allowing for easy rotating of tires. A spacer may be used in some cases to correct for offset (such as on the E46 M3, where an 18x9.5" et35 square setup is used, along with a pair of 10-12mm rear spacers).
The other option is a staggered setup, which is common to almost all BMW's including the E9X M3. This is any setup where the rear wheel and tire is wider than the front wheel and tire.
Square setups are commonly preferred for track use due to the increase in front grip they provide. Square setups bring the car back to a more neutral settings vs, the understeer caused by staggered setups. In heavier, high horsepower cars, a square setup can cause the feeling of oversteer. Some owners comment that square setups on the E9X M3 chassis feel like they oversteer. Driving at the limits of a car that oversteers easily/easier is generally more difficult, but the improved front grip is worth more to advanced drivers then the extra skill/attention required to control oversteer.