Wider front tyre

[Viren]

I need to replace my front tyres (18 inch wheels) and currently have the standard set up (255 40 18 rear and 225 45 18 front). I'd like to have a wider front tyre, maybe 235 45 18, if it would help reduce understeer, would appreciate anyone views whether this is worthwhile or should I just stick with 225.

Note I'm not changing the rears so they will remain at 255.

 

[WLH]

I run Michelin SS 235/45-18 front and 265/40-18 rear with no problem at all.

 

[Viren]

Thanks I should also mention my car is lowered on eibachs

 

[Bing]

Interesting that WLH has no issues, because I put 235s on the front of mine on stock suspension and I got rubbing on the edge of the wheel arch behind the bumper-wing join immediately. If I'd left them on they would have rubbed through. But it might be the brand of tyre, with a squarer shape, which I cannot remember right now

They are still in my garage though, so I can check the brand if you like.

 

[Viren]

I'm looking at goodyear as the tyre, although interested in which tyre you had

 

[WLH]

Interesting that WLH has no issues, because I put 235s on the front of mine on stock suspension and I got rubbing on the edge of the wheel arch behind the bumper-wing join immediately. If I'd left them on they would have rubbed through. But it might be the brand of tyre, with a squarer shape, which I cannot remember right now

They are still in my garage though, so I can check the brand if you like.

I'm on my 3rd set of Super Sports with stock suspension, stock rims and I have never had a rubbing issue...

 

[srhutch]

Interesting that WLH has no issues, because I put 235s on the front of mine on stock suspension and I got rubbing on the edge of the wheel arch behind the bumper-wing join immediately. If I'd left them on they would have rubbed through. But it might be the brand of tyre, with a squarer shape, which I cannot remember right now

They are still in my garage though, so I can check the brand if you like.

235s on mine to. Ok they are 19's and CSL's so maybe different offset overall than the 224's.

 

[Bing]

Must be the brand of tyre because they didn't work on mine

 

[mattfwalters]

I'm running 265/35 18" on all four corners (ET35 with 12mm spacers in the rear). I get the slightest rub at full lock. Offset is super-important with our cars.

 

[mc5]

235/45 18 supersports & eibachs on mine and no issues

 

[Viren]

Thanks all decided to stick with 225 45 18 goodyear f1 asymmetric 3, I've got asymmetric 2 on the rear but apparently this is the new version of the tyre, they do have quite a thick sidewall so I imagine I would have got some rub at 235.

 

[Yorkie Z]

Thanks all decided to stick with 225 45 18 goodyear f1 asymmetric 3, I've got asymmetric 2 on the rear but apparently this is the new version of the tyre, they do have quite a thick sidewall so I imagine I would have got some rub at 235.

The understeer on the M is horrendous as standard. Remove the Camber pins and get it set to 1.5-1.75- degrees. Makes a HUGE difference. Totally transformed my car, no understeer now

 

[TomK]

+1 Agreed. Playing with the toe settings on the rear also massively influences the front end I have found.

 

[mr wilks]

Interesting that WLH has no issues, because I put 235s on the front of mine on stock suspension and I got rubbing on the edge of the wheel arch behind the bumper-wing join immediately. If I'd left them on they would have rubbed through. But it might be the brand of tyre, with a squarer shape, which I cannot remember right now

They are still in my garage though, so I can check the brand if you like.

235s on mine to. Ok they are 19's and CSL's so maybe different offset overall than the 224's.

Totally different numbers as yours are 19s & 8.5j fronts / Bings are 18s & 8j fronts

 

[mr wilks]

I'm running 265/35 18" on all four corners (ET35 with 12mm spacers in the rear). I get the slightest rub at full lock. Offset is super-important with our cars.

265 front tyre :? not sure i like that idea & can't imagine any benefits :?

 

[Viren]

Camber pins pulled, running blistein b12 kit with Camber shims, 1.5 degrees at the front and 1.4 at the rear with minimal toe all round. All in has really helped with understeer and feel. Honestly it's a fantastic chassis, way too harsh, but a load of fun.

 

[mattfwalters]

I'm running 265/35 18" on all four corners (ET35 with 12mm spacers in the rear). I get the slightest rub at full lock. Offset is super-important with our cars.

265 front tyre :? not sure i like that idea & can't imagine any benefits :?

I can rotate my expensive rubber front-to-back after a track session. With -2.5* of camber, I get no understeer on the track unless I'm being incredibly cheeky. The car went from pushing like mad around every corner to being almost completely neutral. I can point the nose with the throttle rather than having the throttle push me wide of the apex, because the fronts have so much stick that I can rotate the car around them even at fairly high speeds. Even the traction control works better, it allows a lot more slip before intervening.

There are a lot of benefits. Why would you think there wouldn't be? BMW made our snap-oversteer-happy short wheelbase cars push under most circumstances from the factory. The chassis is extremely happy with a square tire setup.

 

[Beedub]

id love to go in a square setup z4m to feel the difference myself...

ill be honest with a R comp semi slick, my staggered setup offers so much front end bite it feel like its going to break something, i can nudge right upto the limit of where it breaks away and straddle that line very competently , the car and setup communicates very well. i run 235/40 265 35 18s

 

[mc5]

Camber pins pulled, running blistein b12 kit with Camber shims, 1.5 degrees at the front and 1.4 at the rear with minimal toe all round. All in has really helped with understeer and feel. Honestly it's a fantastic chassis, way too harsh, but a load of fun.

How does the b12 kit compare to OEM on bumpy b roads. Does it sit lower to OEM

 

[Viren]

Camber pins pulled, running blistein b12 kit with Camber shims, 1.5 degrees at the front and 1.4 at the rear with minimal toe all round. All in has really helped with understeer and feel. Honestly it's a fantastic chassis, way too harsh, but a load of fun.

How does the b12 kit compare to OEM on bumpy b roads. Does it sit lower to OEM

Handling is much more precise and confident, it is harsher over bumps and you get more nvh, it sits a little lower but not slammed and I manage to get over bumps fine. I would recommend it its perfect if u occasionally track your car.