E90Post
 


Extreme Powerhouse
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > All-Wheel-Drive (Xi / xDrive) Talk > XI tire size - room for error?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-17-2008, 09:58 PM   #1
Save Bluth
Private First Class
United_States
24
Rep
128
Posts

Drives: non-Beemer (for now)
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

XI tire size - room for error?

I'm a new owner of an XI coupe. Browsing this forum, I seem to recall a discussion about staying dead on the overall wheel/tire size for the XI. I am generally aware that a car (speedo) is calibrated to the wheel/tire size. But, is there a reason that the XI would be more sensitive to this?

Here's why I ask: I have the stock 17's and am looking to go to 18's. I'm not a huge fan of super thin/low profile rubber. I've seen pictures of cars that have a different look - a more "bulbous" tire, if that makes sense. Obviously, I'm not talking about SUV size - hopefully someone will know what I'm talking about. I'll try to find a picture a post a link.

It just seems like I'd have to go to a larger overall diameter to get the look I want with an 18. Thoughts? Thanks.
__________________
'13 335i M-Sport l Glacier Silver l Black l AlumHex l 8AT
retired: '08 335 xi l Silver/Black/Gray Pop l KW v3 l 6AT
retired: '01 Z3 2.5i l Silver l Black l 5MT
retired: '94 325is l Black l Black l 5MT
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2008, 02:05 PM   #2
Firefly6
Lieutenant
United_States
12
Rep
412
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i Xdrive
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (2)

The difference in the diameter F-R needs to be close for the X-drive to properly control the wheels. You should search the wheel/tire forums for details. Posting there will probably get a better response.
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2008, 02:08 PM   #3
uhaulball
Brigadier General
195
Rep
4,163
Posts

Drives: e90 330xi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (11)

ive used 235/35/19 front and 265/30/19 rear for 10,000 miles with no issue.

i'm also currently using 245/40/18 front and 275/35/18 rear with no issues.
__________________
'06 bsm e90 330xi : 18" VMR CSL : KW V3 : GruppeM Rep Intake : UUC/Corsa Catback : Hartge Lip : ACS Roof Spoiler
OEM CF Trunk Spoiler : CF Emblems. Pillars. Mirror. Grille : LUXER12 led plate : V1 Hardwired : OG.longtran e90post sticker! circa 2005
Appreciate 0
      09-18-2008, 03:05 PM   #4
Ph0zenstone
Major General
Ph0zenstone's Avatar
322
Rep
5,370
Posts

Drives: 2018 530e X-Drive
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NY

iTrader: (74)

i'm running 235/35/19's all around to be safe...many people have no problems going staggered but i rather not take a chance on a $40K car...i wouldn've give a shit if it was my old car lol
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2008, 10:05 PM   #5
ERSTD
Private
9
Rep
95
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 335i
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Boston Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by phozenstone View Post
i'm running 235/35/19's all around to be safe...
same here, running 235/35/19's all around, but i'm thinking next set i'm going to go with 245/40/19s...
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2008, 12:39 AM   #6
UdubBadger
Banned
No_Country
631
Rep
24,685
Posts

Drives: '04 330i ZHP
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Chicago Burbs

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW 330i ZHP  [9.50]
2011 135i  [7.46]
2008 328xi  [8.76]
Quote:
Originally Posted by uhaulball View Post
ive used 235/35/19 front and 265/30/19 rear for 10,000 miles with no issue.
me 2


use this tool and it'll help you a lot... i hear youre not supposed to go over a 2% difference either up or down.

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2008, 02:24 AM   #7
nicknaz
Lieutenant General
nicknaz's Avatar
3183
Rep
10,509
Posts

Drives: C6Z
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Save Bluth View Post
staying dead on the overall wheel/tire size for the XI. I am generally aware that a car (speedo) is calibrated to the wheel/tire size. But, is there a reason that the XI would be more sensitive to this?.
This isn't just for a Xi BMW. it is for all AWD cars. you must stay within the same circumference/rotating diameter so the differentials do not suffer premature wear and failure.

The spec is different for each manufacturer. For Subaru (one of the tighter specs I believe) all four tires have to be within 2/32" circumference

IMHO, it is safest to use the OE size. If you want to switch size, stick to the same size for all (ie don't stagger) and also use the same brand for all tires. The reason for this is that tires of different brand may have different physical dimensions even if they have the same stated size, or a mathematically equivalent size
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2008, 11:21 AM   #8
UdubBadger
Banned
No_Country
631
Rep
24,685
Posts

Drives: '04 330i ZHP
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Chicago Burbs

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW 330i ZHP  [9.50]
2011 135i  [7.46]
2008 328xi  [8.76]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Nazareno View Post
This isn't just for a Xi BMW. it is for all AWD cars. you must stay within the same circumference/rotating diameter so the differentials do not suffer premature wear and failure.

The spec is different for each manufacturer. For Subaru (one of the tighter specs I believe) all four tires have to be within 2/32" circumference

IMHO, it is safest to use the OE size. If you want to switch size, stick to the same size for all (ie don't stagger) and also use the same brand for all tires. The reason for this is that tires of different brand may have different physical dimensions even if they have the same stated size, or a mathematically equivalent size
staggering has nothing to do with it...

if it did do you think BMW would sell xi's with ZSP wheels?
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2008, 03:04 PM   #9
THR4OSU
Private
6
Rep
58
Posts

Drives: 2006 330XI
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern California

iTrader: (0)

XI tire size

I'm running 245 35 19's at all 4 corners with H&R coilovers with a significant drop. I have had no issues the past six months since the install.
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2008, 06:34 PM   #10
Lassaxi
Major
Lassaxi's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
1,035
Posts

Drives: April ED - E90 328xi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Nazareno View Post
This isn't just for a Xi BMW. it is for all AWD cars. you must stay within the same circumference/rotating diameter so the differentials do not suffer premature wear and failure.
This is wrong, as I've told you before. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending on the AWD system used.
__________________
May 3, '07European Delivery, Redelivered on 6/11/07 - Monaco Blue/Beige, Steptronic, ZPP, ZCW, PDC, iDrive/Navi with RTTI, Logic 7, Xenons, HD Radio
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2008, 09:19 PM   #11
UdubBadger
Banned
No_Country
631
Rep
24,685
Posts

Drives: '04 330i ZHP
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Chicago Burbs

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW 330i ZHP  [9.50]
2011 135i  [7.46]
2008 328xi  [8.76]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lassaxi View Post
This is wrong, as I've told you before. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending on the AWD system used.
exactly... like i said. if it made a difference, bmw wouldn't stagger the zsp wheel set up on xi's
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2008, 09:49 PM   #12
Nikolas
Colonel
313
Rep
2,576
Posts

Drives: 996 TT
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sierra Mountains

iTrader: (0)

The only key thing that all AWD systems require are matching the outside diameter between front and rear wheels unless that system is calibrated for different diamters. Staggering affects only the width which has nothing to do with the how the differentials and or clutch systems work. Porsche & BMW AWD systems come from the factory with staggered sets. The key is closely matching the outside diamter only. My porsche has 225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear. My 335Xi has 235/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear. Both sets are near identical in outside diameter.
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2008, 12:55 AM   #13
nicknaz
Lieutenant General
nicknaz's Avatar
3183
Rep
10,509
Posts

Drives: C6Z
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
exactly... like i said. if it made a difference, bmw wouldn't stagger the zsp wheel set up on xi's
stagger is fine if the overall diameters are the same. 225/45/17 and 255/40/17 is an example of stagger that maintains the overall diameter. some of the staggers people discuss do not have matching overall diameter

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lassaxi View Post
This is wrong, as I've told you before. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending on the AWD system used.
Yes, I recall you posting that but I never saw the tech to back up your claim that E90 AWD doesn't require matched overall diameter of the tires.
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2008, 01:54 PM   #14
FastLane
Live life in this lane....
FastLane's Avatar
13
Rep
327
Posts

Drives: E92 335xi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Chi-Town, USA

iTrader: (0)

Why would anyone want to stagger their tires with an AWD setup unless they want to purposely, degrade the driving quality of their BMW????

Stupid.
__________________
'08 E92 335xi: the girlfriend
'04 Yamaha R6: the mistress
'99 Mustang Cobra: the wife
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2008, 03:23 PM   #15
kel3
Second Lieutenant
15
Rep
296
Posts

Drives: 2011 f10 528i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boston Ma

iTrader: (0)

umm bmw staggers it on the zzp package for the 335xi so i dont get your point
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2008, 04:41 PM   #16
sparkyg
Brigadier General
sparkyg's Avatar
Canada
142
Rep
3,522
Posts

Drives: work truck
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oil Country

iTrader: (5)

wtf, BMW staggers all their M cars. Are we all on the same page here.

Stagger will still help an AWD car. But it also depends how the car is setup, ie tending to understeer of oversteer
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2008, 09:18 PM   #17
Nikolas
Colonel
313
Rep
2,576
Posts

Drives: 996 TT
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sierra Mountains

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FastLane View Post
Why would anyone want to stagger their tires with an AWD setup unless they want to purposely, degrade the driving quality of their BMW????

Stupid.
It didn't degrade mine and it is the way BMW delivers the car with the sports package.
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2008, 09:20 PM   #18
Nikolas
Colonel
313
Rep
2,576
Posts

Drives: 996 TT
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sierra Mountains

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lassaxi View Post
This is wrong, as I've told you before. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending on the AWD system used.
I don't know of any AWD car that doesn't do this. Which one's are you referring to? Porsche as an example matches rotating diameter - at least mine does.
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2008, 03:01 PM   #19
neejkoob
Enlisted Member
neejkoob's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nikolas View Post
The only key thing that all AWD systems require are matching the outside diameter between front and rear wheels unless that system is calibrated for different diamters. Staggering affects only the width which has nothing to do with the how the differentials and or clutch systems work. Porsche & BMW AWD systems come from the factory with staggered sets. The key is closely matching the outside diamter only. My porsche has 225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear. My 335Xi has 235/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear. Both sets are near identical in outside diameter.
I have a e90 335xi.

I am thinking about getting a set of rims and tires with that same configuration .

What rims do you have? What are your offsets?

Any clearance / rubbing issues?

Thanks
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2008, 04:29 PM   #20
Nikolas
Colonel
313
Rep
2,576
Posts

Drives: 996 TT
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sierra Mountains

iTrader: (0)

I have Miro M6 et 35 rear & 33 front. They fit fine with no rubbing.
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2008, 12:36 PM   #21
neejkoob
Enlisted Member
neejkoob's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nikolas View Post
I have Miro M6 et 35 rear & 33 front. They fit fine with no rubbing.
Thanks for the response.

Are you sure it is not et 33 rear and 35 front. This seems to be the most popular offset.

I assume you also have the sedan? I heard that some coupes were having rubbing issues with 275 and 33 offset in the back.

Last edited by neejkoob; 10-08-2008 at 02:54 PM..
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2008, 01:00 PM   #22
halB
Colonel
halB's Avatar
Canada
53
Rep
2,384
Posts

Drives: W211 E350 4M MkV GTI 987.2 S
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Just north of Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Don't run a staggered set in an Xi unless you can make the F/R tire circumference within 1% of each other. Failing that you risk burning out your transfer case clutch pack becasue of the F/R axle speed difference.

See this one:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...42#post3248942

Also see this one, pay attention to posting #20 and 22:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=differential
__________________
07 E93 335i - Returned at lease end
09 W211 E350 4Matic Avant Garde - Blk/Blk, AMG pkg w/18". Sport Susp. F1 Asym. Debadged.
09 MkV GTI w/Leather & 18" Huffs. F1 Asym

10 987.2 S w/Leather sport seat, Sport Chrono, 19" Carrera S II wheels
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:58 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST