[White435]

Hi, I'm in the process of buying my new set of wheels for summer. I did my homework and from all of the available options for F3x platform I decided to go staggered to maintain OEM handling characteristics and to upsize the tires. I'll be going with 19x8.5 fronts and 19x9.5 rears as this seems to be one of the most popular setups on the forum. I will be using Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. For the tires I must say that I hate the look of stretched sidewalls so this narrows the search down to two very popular configurations: 235/265 and 245/275.

Which configuration will work best for me?

235/40/19 265/35/19 vs 245/40/19 275/35/19

Keep in mind that because of X-Drive I cannot use 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 due to 1.2% diameter difference. Both mentioned configurations are taller than OEM 225/255 setup with 235/265 being just .4 of an inch taller in diameter and 245/275 being .7 of an inch taller in diameter than OEM rubber. 245/275 look in my opinion better on 8.5/9.5 rims than 235/265 but both of these combos don't look stretched to me so huge plus. My concern is the increased diameter of 245/275 tires. After reading many threads I need to thank alohasurftoad for providing A LOT of useful information. There is just one thing that I dont think I understand. You claim that 235/265 look better on stock suspension and if the car is lowered (mine is) the 245/275 is a better choice. My guess is that more squared sidewall of 275 look better when wheels are naturally cambered from lowering, is that correct? Also, 245/275 fill the X-Drive gap better and since my only goal in lowering on coilovers was to give the car a better look with wheel arches slightly above tires I can raise my car which will lower the stress on suspension components - still a WIN for me. Please enlighten me on which tire combo I should use and what offsets to look for. I want to have a nice flush look without poke and to clear the struts (2 mm clearance is a little too tight for my sanity ) Is there an offset range for front and rear that will make both configurations look equally good on the car or do I have to make up my mind between these two configs before I pull the trigger on some rims? Important thing to notice: I don't want to mess with camber out of BMW spec and to cut fender liners or alter other suspension components! Most importantly, no-rub guarantee please (including sharp turns, turning on inclines and 4 people in the car).

[johnung]

I am also looking for new wheels in the Spring since I finally wore out my summer MPS4S tires and sold the wheels. I have most of the same issues/concerns as you. XDrive compatibility, hate the stretched look and the poke out look, etc. Alohasurftoad has helped me mightily as well.

However I can’t give up the many advantages of a square setup. Ability to rotate them front to back means that they wear absolutely even throughout their useable life. So I get longest life and optimal performance throughout. Also means that I can carry one spare on trips and use it on any corner. No XDrive compatibility concerns at all. Wheels and tires for a square setup are less expensive than staggered setups too.

I’m going with an 18” size for maximum comfort for my daily driver. I’ll get great handling from 255/40-18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Best tire that I’ve ever had! Our cars are lowered not raked up. Tires widths aren’t that discernible as long as they are wider than stock 225’s. Squared 255’s look awesome all the way around.

The wheels will be 18x8.5” ET35/40. No stretched or poked look, and tires provide rim protection. I’m considering APEX wheels. Can’t wait to mount them in the Spring!

Good luck with your setup!

[White435]

Originally Posted by johnung

However I can’t give up the many advantages of a square setup.

I'm familiar with the advantages of square setup and I'll go with a square 18" in the future for a 3rd set of track wheels. I have been on the track only once during my 4 years of owning the car. For street racing, cruising and every day driving staggered 19s will do just fine. If I were aiming for the most neutral handling (as desired during track racing) I would choose square 18s too.

[alohasurftoad]

i meant 245/35/19(25.8")-275/30/19(25.5") looks better if your car is lowered due to the shorter sidewalls.
235/40/19(26.4")-265/35/19(26.3") is the best staggered combo to run if mildly lowered or stock. 245/40/19(26.7")-275/35/19(26.6") will reduce wheel gaps moreso than 235/40-265/35, however things start to looking beefier and you're actually raising the total vehicle height. tall front tire shoulders can get close to rubbing the fenderwell liner or tab, while turning full lock with low offsets, ET30 or less.

fwiw, i have seen members here with 245/35/19-275/30/19, 1.2%, and no problems on their x-drives, however 245/35/19(25.8")-285/30/19(25.7") combo would be more ideal and look more evenly profiled.

[StealthF32]

The below Apex fitment helped me, when I recently got my Arc8's for my staggered setup, which I'll be mounting in the spring/summer , so feel free to take into consideration when choosing your preferred setup....

https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc...-Fitment-Guide

[White435]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

fwiw, i have seen members here with 245/35/19-275/30/19, 1.2%, and no problems on their x-drives, however 245/35/19(25.8")-285/30/19(25.7") combo would be more ideal and look more evenly profiled.

I guess 285 will require 10" rear rims, aren't they too wide for F3x? I mean, despite the fact that with proper offsets they will fit I think that rolling resistances of 285 are the reason not many people here running this combo.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by White435

I guess 285 will require 10" rear rims, aren't they too wide for F3x? I mean, despite the fact that with proper offsets they will fit I think that rolling resistances of 285 are the reason not many people here running this combo.

285/30/19 rear, widest practical for F3/4 series
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=290
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=321
285/35/18
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1991818

295/30/19 @ ET45 is the absolute widest F3/4 series
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1392811

275/35/19(26.7") will heighten your gearing at the pavement.

imo 235/40/19+265/35/19, best practical staggered combo for F3/4 series

[White435]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

imo 235/40/19+265/35/19, best practical staggered combo for F3/4 series

So exactly like this setup:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1514688

What range of wheel offset is the absolute best to have flush OEM+ look without rub while lowered if the wheels I find are not available in +35/+45 offset?

[alohasurftoad]

Here is 245/40/19+275/35/19 @ ET33+ET43, lowered F36
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1622695&page=2

ET30ish+ET40ish lowest practical

10mm(ish) f/r difference offset stagger helps lessen understeer of the tire width stagger, although its still "understeery", imo...

[roydonk]

alohasurftoad, what tire size would you recommend for running on 19x9 et30 front and 19x9.5 et35 rear? Running 245/40/19 and 275/35/19 now and am rubbing in the front. Stock suspension now, but would want to lower later

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by roydonk

alohasurftoad, what tire size would you recommend for running on 19x9 et30 front and 19x9.5 et35 rear? Running 245/40/19 and 275/35/19 now and am rubbing in the front. Stock suspension now, but would want to lower later

1)235/40/19+265/35/19, 0.37%
2)245/35/19+255/35/19, 1.06%
3)255/35/19+265/35/19, 1.05%
4)245/35/19+275/30/19, 1.00%
5)255/35/19 square

Eibach Pro-Kit E10-20-031-18-22 springs or KW coils

[roydonk]

Will 255/35/19, 285/30/19 run or cause any xdrive problems? Would come out to 1.15%

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by roydonk

Will 255/35/19, 285/30/19 run or cause any xdrive problems? Would come out to 1.15%

imo, 285 @ ET35 pokes too much, even 275. you also create more understeer with a wide tire and low offset at the rear. if that doesn't bother you, enjoy.

245/35+285/30 is better for x-drive

[StealthF32]

The below link will help out things into perspective

https://apexwheels.com/fitment-guide...guide#overview

Originally Posted by White435

Hi, I'm in the process of buying my new set of wheels for summer. I did my homework and from all of the available options for F3x platform I decided to go staggered to maintain OEM handling characteristics and to upsize the tires. I'll be going with 19x8.5 fronts and 19x9.5 rears as this seems to be one of the most popular setups on the forum. I will be using Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. For the tires I must say that I hate the look of stretched sidewalls so this narrows the search down to two very popular configurations: 235/265 and 245/275.

Which configuration will work best for me?

235/40/19 265/35/19 vs 245/40/19 275/35/19

Keep in mind that because of X-Drive I cannot use 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 due to 1.2% diameter difference. Both mentioned configurations are taller than OEM 225/255 setup with 235/265 being just .4 of an inch taller in diameter and 245/275 being .7 of an inch taller in diameter than OEM rubber. 245/275 look in my opinion better on 8.5/9.5 rims than 235/265 but both of these combos don't look stretched to me so huge plus. My concern is the increased diameter of 245/275 tires. After reading many threads I need to thank alohasurftoad for providing A LOT of useful information. There is just one thing that I dont think I understand. You claim that 235/265 look better on stock suspension and if the car is lowered (mine is) the 245/275 is a better choice. My guess is that more squared sidewall of 275 look better when wheels are naturally cambered from lowering, is that correct? Also, 245/275 fill the X-Drive gap better and since my only goal in lowering on coilovers was to give the car a better look with wheel arches slightly above tires I can raise my car which will lower the stress on suspension components - still a WIN for me. Please enlighten me on which tire combo I should use and what offsets to look for. I want to have a nice flush look without poke and to clear the struts (2 mm clearance is a little too tight for my sanity ) Is there an offset range for front and rear that will make both configurations look equally good on the car or do I have to make up my mind between these two configs before I pull the trigger on some rims? Important thing to notice: I don't want to mess with camber out of BMW spec and to cut fender liners or alter other suspension components! Most importantly, no-rub guarantee please (including sharp turns, turning on inclines and 4 people in the car).