In a message dated 7/21/99 9:03:55 AM EST, kennedy@i2.com writes:
> At 12:42 AM 7/21/99 , Dwwalker16@aol.com wrote:
>>Hi All -
>>
>>I need some current tire size info from those running an AS M3. As
>>my-codriver and I see it, there are several size choices available for a
'98
>>M3:
>>1. 235/40/17 all the way around.
>>2. 225's in front, 245's in rear (stock staggered set-up).
>>3. From some of the Nat. Tour results, it appears that there are some 255
>>set-ups being run.
>>
>>What does the conv. wisdom say these days?
>
> Conventional wisdom says that BMW went to the staggered sizes for two
> reasons: to increase understeer and to reduce tramlining.
> Thus, for autox, the staggered setup is not really desirable.
> And standard 245's will fit under the front just fine, so adding extra
> stick to the front is generally wise.
I'll disagree with Brian a little here, I don't think he'll mind. <g>
245/40-17 g-Forces will fit under the rear of a stock '96-'99 M3 with little
or no problem if you haven't lowered it and stay with the stock wheel
offset. If you run maximum negative camber in the rear you may get
some slight rubbing in the upper front corner of the inner fender under
full compression of the suspension, nothing serious.
In front, I've tried both the 235/40's and 245/40's. I didn't think the car
understeered any less with the 245's, and the 235's are definitely better
when it comes to transitional response, especially given the 7.5 rim width.
If you do run 245's up front, IMO you'll need a 1/4" spacer to comfortably
clear the strut/spring perch. I'd recommend the spacer even with the
235's, but you might be able to get by without it. If you go with other than
OEM wheels be careful about offset changes, especially in the rear where
the 245 g-Force is a tight fit on both sides.
GH Sharp
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