Real world grip difference for spirited road driving, stagger vs square...

Aashenfox · 02-02-2015, 07:50 AM

People seem to generally try to fit as wide tires as they can, especially in the back, I can understand that, more rubber on road=more grip, but to what extent?

Particularly for us xi owners, would I be able to really 'feel' the difference, driving spiritedly on normal roads between a correct staggered set, say 235/275 or 225/255, and a square setup, 225/225 or 235/235?

Aashenfox · 02-05-2015, 08:58 AM

No comments on running slimmer rears with a square setup and how handling may or may not be affected?

335imobbin · 02-05-2015, 10:36 AM

Square is fine since you have xi you will have plenty traction

LaserPower · 02-05-2015, 10:53 AM

rear end will be slightly looser on a 225 square setup than a 225-255 staggered. However, you have to go dangerously fast on a public road to feel the difference. Unless you will be travelling at 3 times of the posted speed limit or faster on a back road in corners, it is unlikely for you to feel the difference of a staggered setup.

Aashenfox · 02-06-2015, 02:53 AM

Thanks for thoughts guys, I may try a 245/245 setup just to be sure.

asus389 · 02-06-2015, 03:04 AM

Staggered setup induces more understeer.

Aashenfox · 02-06-2015, 05:09 AM

Sounds fine, I'm used to oversteer (previous to last car was an original S2000 with no electronic assistance, arse was out everywhere), definitely prefer it to understeer....

Having said that on a cold road with cold tires this morning, I managed to get the back out with the 275s, wasn't a problem, but I wasn't expecting it. Electronics kicked in and did their thing, which was also a surprise, I've never had a car with traction control before. Still trying to decide what to do, but at least I know if I do go square, it won't be an issue. Cheers.

spxxx · 02-10-2015, 11:27 AM

If I'm not mistaken, xdrive biases toward the rear so you might want to go slightly staggered.

02-10-2015, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spxxx

If I'm not mistaken, xdrive biases toward the rear so you might want to go slightly staggered.

What does that have to do with anything?

029s · 02-10-2015, 01:31 PM

If you go staggered on awd make absolutely sure the front and rears are the same diameter. You probably already knew that. Also, awd tends to suffer from under steer by default. From what i have read doing research on tire setups, staggered set ups have more under steer than square. So, you will possibly have compounded under steer issues. That may not bother you but it is something to consider.

rcl · 02-10-2015, 01:35 PM

If you want a batter handling car for this chassis, stick with a square setup.

02-02-2015, 07:50 AM	#1
Aashenfox Captain 128 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335xi 6AT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Brit in Greece iTrader: (0)	Real world grip difference for spirited road driving, stagger vs square... People seem to generally try to fit as wide tires as they can, especially in the back, I can understand that, more rubber on road=more grip, but to what extent? Particularly for us xi owners, would I be able to really 'feel' the difference, driving spiritedly on normal roads between a correct staggered set, say 235/275 or 225/255, and a square setup, 225/225 or 235/235?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-05-2015, 08:58 AM	#2
Aashenfox Captain 128 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335xi 6AT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Brit in Greece iTrader: (0)	No comments on running slimmer rears with a square setup and how handling may or may not be affected?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2015, 10:36 AM	#3
335imobbin Enlisted Member 4 Rep 30 Posts Drives: Still looking Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Square is fine since you have xi you will have plenty traction
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2015, 10:53 AM	#4
LaserPower Private First Class 22 Rep 175 Posts Drives: E90 330xi -> E90 N55 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	rear end will be slightly looser on a 225 square setup than a 225-255 staggered. However, you have to go dangerously fast on a public road to feel the difference. Unless you will be travelling at 3 times of the posted speed limit or faster on a back road in corners, it is unlikely for you to feel the difference of a staggered setup.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2015, 02:53 AM	#5
Aashenfox Captain 128 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335xi 6AT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Brit in Greece iTrader: (0)	Thanks for thoughts guys, I may try a 245/245 setup just to be sure.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2015, 03:04 AM	#6
asus389 Captain 72 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 11 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	Staggered setup induces more understeer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2015, 05:09 AM	#7
Aashenfox Captain 128 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335xi 6AT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Brit in Greece iTrader: (0)	Sounds fine, I'm used to oversteer (previous to last car was an original S2000 with no electronic assistance, arse was out everywhere), definitely prefer it to understeer.... Having said that on a cold road with cold tires this morning, I managed to get the back out with the 275s, wasn't a problem, but I wasn't expecting it. Electronics kicked in and did their thing, which was also a surprise, I've never had a car with traction control before. Still trying to decide what to do, but at least I know if I do go square, it won't be an issue. Cheers.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-10-2015, 11:27 AM	#8
spxxx Boost 1376 Rep 3,704 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Valley of Silicon, CA - United States iTrader: (9)	If I'm not mistaken, xdrive biases toward the rear so you might want to go slightly staggered.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-10-2015, 01:31 PM	#10
029s Enlisted Member 3 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Missouri iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i E90 [0.00]	If you go staggered on awd make absolutely sure the front and rears are the same diameter. You probably already knew that. Also, awd tends to suffer from under steer by default. From what i have read doing research on tire setups, staggered set ups have more under steer than square. So, you will possibly have compounded under steer issues. That may not bother you but it is something to consider.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-10-2015, 01:35 PM	#11
rcl First Lieutenant 118 Rep 380 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: atlanta, ga iTrader: (1)	If you want a batter handling car for this chassis, stick with a square setup.
	Appreciate 0 Quote