Staggered wheels...do they help understeer ??

[flashinthepan]

Newbie style question here,

One that has been discussed, but not clearly pointed out imo...(did a search already)

It is well known by all of us
BMW staggers wheel widths commonly (ZHP, SP, M3 etc..)

I assume when BMW offers a sport version including staggered wheel widths, that it "improves" understeer ??? so does this mean the vehicles coming with wider back tires have less understeer & improvement over 4 equal width tires ??

If this is true, would it help to have 8" wide fronts and 10" wide rear ??

What is the relationship here ?? normally speaking BMW has a 1" width difference.

Any help and clarifications would be extremely helpful !!! as you can tell I am not a tire pro :dunno:

[Plaz]

Newbie style question here,

One that has been discussed, but not clearly pointed out imo...(did a search already)

It is well known by all of us
BMW staggers wheel widths commonly (ZHP, SP, M3 etc..)

I assume when BMW offers a sport version including staggered wheel widths, that it "improves" understeer ??? so does this mean the vehicles coming with wider back tires have less understeer & improvement over 4 equal width tires ??

If this is true, would it help to have 8" wide fronts and 10" wide rear ??

What is the relationship here ?? normally speaking BMW has a 1" width difference.

Any help and clarifications would be extremely helpful !!! as you can tell I am not a tire pro :dunno:
Wider wheels in back = more grip in back.

More grip in back = less tendency to oversteer when reaching the limit.

Less tendency to oversteer = more tendency to understeer.

Suspension mods can help balance things out a bit though... adjustible sways and coilovers, particularly.

(DISCLAIMER: I'm no expert, but this is my understanding and experience)

[Mr. The Edge]

I assume when BMW offers a sport version including staggered wheel widths, that it "improves" understeer ??? so does this mean the vehicles coming with wider back tires have less understeer & improvement over 4 equal width tires ??


nope, just the opposite.

[flashinthepan]

nope, just the opposite.

So does BMW do this for looks primarily ? why make understeer even worse ??

[doeboy]

So does BMW do this for looks primarily ? why make understeer even worse ??

Because their corporate lawyers want the cars to be "safer" for those who have less talent in an oversteer type situation.

[flashinthepan]

Because their corporate lawyers want the cars to be "safer" for those who have less talent in an oversteer type situation.

That makes some sense, so I assume there is not a big advantage or maybe no advantage to staggering wheels ?? I liked the cornering on my 330 with all 4 matched ?? but again I am not a serious track type driver.

I do realize perhaps a little more rear width could enhance grip off the line, is that about the sum of it ?

[doeboy]

That makes some sense, so I assume there is not a big advantage or maybe no advantage to staggering wheels ?? I liked the cornering on my 330 with all 4 matched ?? but again I am not a serious track type driver.

I do realize perhaps a little more rear width could enhance grip off the line, is that about the sum of it ?

Pretty much... and wider in the back looks "sportier".

You can "tune" out understeer by tweaking the tire pressures to an extent.... after that you have to tune suspension...

I plan on staying with the staggered setup. After I got my coilovers, the car is more neutral leaning towards slight oversteer so I don't want to lessen rear traction even more.

[flashinthepan]

Pretty much... and wider in the back looks "sportier".

You can "tune" out understeer by tweaking the tire pressures to an extent.... after that you have to tune suspension...

I plan on staying with the staggered setup. After I got my coilovers, the car is more neutral leaning towards slight oversteer so I don't want to lessen rear traction even more.

Nice,

Sounds like you have her dialed in !!..I am pretty much still learning a few things & plan on just sticking with a stock set-up for awhile, but its interesting hearing likes/dislikes from other drivers. Knowledge is power !! ( A lil experience will help too !!)

[Chris330Ci]

Hey Flash - I highly recommend going to at least one driving school once you get your car. The amount of knowledge you'll pick up about car control in relation to YOUR car will be priceless. I hate seeing people buy new M3's and then a few weeks or months later, that once beautiful car is coming back in a ball on a flatbed... :cry:

[flashinthepan]

Hey Flash - I highly recommend going to at least one driving school once you get your car. The amount of knowledge you'll pick up about car control in relation to YOUR car will be priceless. I hate seeing people buy new M3's and then a few weeks or months later, that once beautiful car is coming back in a ball on a flatbed... :cry:

I am definately looking forward to it (Driving school) !!!! I am a BMWCCA memeber and have yet to go to any meetings...but I havent taken delivery yet ! its the Puget Sound chapter & I have been getting regular info, they are great !. From what I gather driving schools and track dates are a regular thing.

The M3 wont be on a flat-bed...I absolutely dont race around on the street, didnt in my 330 either, but I an eager to try the track on a every now & then basis.

BTW what kind of wheels are those on your siginture ? the car on the left...nice looking !

[Chris330Ci]

The M3 wont be on a flat-bed...I absolutely dont race around on the street, didnt in my 330 either, but I an eager to try the track on a every now & then basis.

Oh yea, you had a 330... :ouch:

BTW what kind of wheels are those on your siginture ? the car on the left...nice looking !

Thanks. They are ASA AR1's and I got them from Tirerack. They're a Korean company that's licensed by BBS. Lightweight and very similar to some of the BBS styles but for much less. Since these are my track wheels, didn't see the point of shelling out a whole lot of dough for really, really nice wheels.