Is it ok to run staggered wheels on an XI? help plz :)

Ok, so i've got a 01 330xi, and I wanna run either staggered 18s or 19s on it. I've gotten mixed opinions on bimmerforrums...So I wanted to ask you guys who currently run staggered setups on your XI or at least people who have knowledge of doing so. Will this hurt the parts and put more pressure on the XI system? Any difference in performance. Please let me know, as i'm looking to buy a set of wheels this week.

also the ideal size for both staggered 18 tire size and 19 tire size would be great. for a 8.5 front and 9.5 rear....ty...

Don't stagger on an XI, nothing good can come of it.

Originally Posted by ABOC

Don't stagger on an XI, nothing good can come of it.

A+1 Do Not do it. If you want to do anything, install maximum, 10mm to 12mm spacers with the correct lug bolts. That's about it. I run 12mm on my xi and have a very, very minor rear tire rub, but that's becuz I track my car & have H&R Sport lowering springs, but with stock suspension or stock rims or even different rims with the correct offset & back spacing, you should have absolutly no issues. Chas

For 18x8.5 rims, I'd go with a 225/40R18 tire. If you went up to 19x8.5 rims, look for a 235/35R19 tire. IMO, stick with a 18" square setup for the best look on an XI.

Third that from everything I have read. I think it will change the balance and handling of the car as you will bias the grip towards the back which is good for rear wheel drive but for 4wd the amount of power to each wheel has been carefully worked out by the factory so I wouldn't change it.

As far as optimum wheels 225/40/18 on 8 inch rims all round but also OK on 8.5" after much research this is what I will be running. For 19's 225/35/19.

The 9.5inch rims would need at least 235 but probably 245 or 255 would be better.

Play around with this calculator to find optimal tire size:
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp?

This one shows affect on clearance etc:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=708

Sorry didn't see littlechrists post before I started writing mine totally agree.

Hope this helps
Howie

I run 235/40/18s all around on my XI in the summer, and back to 205/50/17s in the winter, keep it square as to not mess with the all wheel drive set up.

you need to run 4 of the same size tires or you will blow the AWD system for sure.

check this thread out:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...918&highlight=

its perfectly fine to stagger on an XI only if you run the correct tire sizes to ensure the tire diameters are the same.
these are ideal setups for the xi with a difference of only .2% from fronts and rears.
225/40/18 and 255/35/18
225/35/19 and 255/30/19

Originally Posted by 330xie46

check this thread out:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...918&highlight=

and this one...http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=687918

OP, I know you are knew to this forum but searching before asking is always encouraged.

Stagger is NO PROBLEM on the XI, just run tires of similar diameter front and rear!

Sorry, but staggering on an xi is just asking for future repair issues, even if the tire circumference is close to being the same. Just my .02 from experience. Chas

DO NOT STAGGER AN XI.

If you do, that would make you a shallow punk with no clue about vehicle dynamics, in addition to someone who can't search.

Why spend extra to make your car crappier?

What is the reason you want to stagger your xi?

If it's for maximum performance, you shouldn't. It will create more understeer. But if you don't drive your car at the limit, you won't see any bad effect.

In the case of a daily driver, with occasionnal spirit driving, it won't make any difference. The sticker on the doorjamb of my 2002 325xiT shows a staggered setup with 225 and 245. I installed on mine 225 and 255, which has less diameter difference than what BMW suggests.

Look by yourself:

Next question... Would 19x9.5 fit all the way around on stock suspension?