Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[BMerDRMer]

2 weeks to wait for 330Xi. After reading R&T's shootout for AWD vehicles, it is clear tires are a big deal. Test of 325Xi w All Season Turanza EL42's (combined with lesser HP) left BMW at severe disadvantage in test.

I solved the HP problem with 330 decision ...... but am very curious as to what rubber they ship with sport package on Xi. ( I know 330 Xi precludes sport suspension tuning, but does include 162's .......)

Anyone ordered this config, or would hazard a guess on what "shoes" they will send me? Hoping Bridgestone RE50A DSST?

[BMerDRMer]

Anyone with first hand experience???

[txusa03]

I have no clue...I guess we will just have to wait another 2 weeks to find out.

[BMerDRMer]

You know how to hurt a guy txusa ....... you remember what waiting was like! You wouldn't be a "yankie transplant" hangin out in Plano would ya? (Was one of those once!)

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by BMerDRMer

...( I know 330 Xi precludes sport suspension tuning, but does include 162's .......)

ZSP Sport Package
Includes 8-way power front sport seats with adjustable backrest width and thigh support, 3-spoke sport steering wheel with audio and accessory phone controls, 17" x 8" Star Spoke (style 158) alloy wheels with P225/45R17 run-flat all season tires.

2AB 18" Star Spoke Wheels
Includes 18" x 8.0" front and 18" x 8.5" rear Star Spoke (style 162) alloy wheels with P225/40R18 front and P255/35R18 rear run-flat performance tires and 149 mph top speed limiter. REQUIRES ZSP.

You have to order the 162's seperately.

[RGRAY]

The suspension is actually firmer than the standard and not as firm as the sports suspension.

[BMerDRMer]

THanks RGRAY.....Very interesting ........ different suspension components? I guess you would expect that with power to the fronts?

I am still trying to get an answer to what kind of rubber (Brand, Model) of tire is typically shipping with this combo (Sport and 162's on an XI) ...... what did they ship you?

[3s-a-charm]

The xi suspension on the sport package is NO different than without sport package.

[BMerDRMer]

Thats what I had heard initially. I am sure the 18's with Perf Tires feel differently than the Xi standard setup with 17 all seasons, although the suspension components are supposedly the same.

[3s-a-charm]

Actually, BMWNA cars that are XI all come with 17" wheels standard with sport package. The 18" wheels are an option above the sport package.

So 325xi = 16" standard, 17" sport
and 330xi = 17" standard (same as 17" sport on 325xi) and 17" sport.

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by 3s-a-charm

The xi suspension on the sport package is NO different than without sport package.

I believe you are wrong.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11900

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by 3s-a-charm

Actually, BMWNA cars that are XI all come with 17" wheels standard with sport package. The 18" wheels are an option above the sport package...

I think I said that.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by RGRAY

I believe you are wrong.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11900

Sport package on an xi does not include anything related to suspension. It is all cosmetic. He is right.

[BMerDRMer]

You are correct ........ I did order the 18's as a separate add on above the Xi sport option .......

[BMerDRMer]

And I had forgotten that I ordered these (18's) separately ... this may explain why few can answer tire specifics on Xi w sport......... most of the members I have queried probably have 330Xi with Sport Package as their profile indicates, but stopped short of ordering the 18's........anybody out there?

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by BMerDRMer

You are correct ........ I did order the 18's as a separate add on above the Xi sport option .......

I read here that the 18s with performance tires are bad in the snow so you may want to get snow tires.

That's why I didn't get them, but they sure look good.

[BMerDRMer]

I know ....especially if you are driving the car home in mid February through the mountains of West Virginia ........ swapping em off in Spartanburg for a winter set of tires/wheels and shipping the 162's back ......... how many I ship depends on what I can stuff in the trunk and back seat. Shall we start a pool on how many wheels we can stuff in a 330?

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by BMerDRMer

... how many I ship depends on what I can stuff in the trunk and back seat. Shall we start a pool on how many wheels we can stuff in a 330?

2 in the trunk and 2 on the leather back seats.

[BMerDRMer]

That would be optimal ....... and coming from a guy that has the pleasure of driving one......I'll take that answer to the bank and save $75 a wheel. Thanks!

[CALIF65GM]

Originally Posted by BMerDRMer

And I had forgotten that I ordered these (18's) separately ... this may explain why few can answer tire specifics on Xi w sport......... most of the members I have queried probably have 330Xi with Sport Package as their profile indicates, but stopped short of ordering the 18's........anybody out there?

Try pming Jspira, he got the upgraded 162 performance wheels/tires on his 330xi w/SP.

I only got the 17" all-seasons, but did get Bridgestones.