bmw tech says staggered wheel is okay on xi and has been running it on his.

Originally Posted by SharkmanBMW

If I was tracking the car I would care, but as a DD it makes no difference. I think we can all agree on that.
All I care about is not having mechanical problems, as I said, I already had these wheels, I would not have bought them on purpose, but the fact remains, NO damage will be done. None, zero, nada.

"Better" is a personal opinion. My rear wheels & tires are about 3 lbs heavier than the front, is that really an issue? I don't drive at the limit (does anyone?), so it just isn't an issue. Having a bigger engine will also make my car handle differently than yours, as I steer with the throttle as much as the steering wheel, any understeer is easily adjusted.

Better is not a personal opinion. It's a fact you are inducing more understeer with wider rear wheels. A balanced car is always better than one that understeers. Three pounds a wheel is actually quite substantial as well.

Everything makes a difference. Especially with wheels and tires. You are trying to justify a less than ideal setup. It's not ideal though, and is inherently flawed.

So is your argument about steering with the throttle: what do you do at WOT when your front end starts to lose grip? You're already screwed. It's easier to throttle steer with a square setup as well.

Kids read this stuff and make purchases based on what they read. Yes, a lot of people think staggered wheels look better. You are advising people that a staggered setup is good to go for an xi. That makes you part of the problem, not an asset to the forum.

And a staggered setup will eventually make a difference in a daily driver, most likely in an emergency situation. Many of us sometimes drive on the street like we drive at the track too, so setup does matter. I would think it matters to you too- especially while you're throttle steering your daily driver on the way to the grocery store . . . hehe.

I think I made it clear - I don't enter corners at WOT!
I also made it clear I do not suggest this setup, but it works.
All I wanted to make clear is it does not damage the diffs. Telling ppl they will damage the car is BS. Not ideal, yes, more expensive, yes... Break your car? No.

I have an 02 330xi and am running 18x8x8 in the front and 18x8x8.5 in the rear with 225/40/18's all around.....anyone see a problem with this setup?

Originally Posted by ega2081

I have an 02 330xi and am running 18x8x8 in the front and 18x8x8.5 in the rear with 225/40/18's all around.....anyone see a problem with this setup?

Yeah that's a good setup.

hey just wanted to show the new wheel..

hey every1 im a new user here! i gotta 2001 330xi 5 speed! runs great just started working on it! and i ordered BBS LM reps 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 and i was wondering if it will be ok to run with them? and they are staggered! and i really dont know what size tires to get so if i can get some help here that would be great! thanks! tuRk!

Originally Posted by ega2081

I have an 02 330xi and am running 18x8x8 in the front and 18x8x8.5 in the rear with 225/40/18's all around.....anyone see a problem with this setup?

i don't see a problem but I guess i don't really see the point of doing it either.

Originally Posted by turk|e46

hey every1 im a new user here! i gotta 2001 330xi 5 speed! runs great just started working on it! and i ordered BBS LM reps 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 and i was wondering if it will be ok to run with them? and they are staggered! and i really dont know what size tires to get so if i can get some help here that would be great! thanks! tuRk!

I am running 225/40 on 18X8.5 ET40 at the front and 255/35 on 18X9.5 ET46 at the rear.
BMW Europe approves 225/40 on 18X8 at the front and 255/35 on 18X8.5 at the rear.

This is the door frame sticker on my car:

Staggered setup on DD xi because not racecar