[d-burn]

I posted this in another thread, but my hijack attempt failed, so I thought I'd create it's own thread. I'm a newbie when it comes to the whole "tire/rim winter set-up" situation, and in the market for winters with the weather starting to change.

What's the recommended BMW set-up for winter for the 2011 335i coupe? I believe it's 225/40-R18 square set-up, correct?

If I want to run this square set-up, how do I ensure I have the same look/feel/handling/ride/etc. as my current staggered 225/40-R18 Front, 255/35-R18 Rear set-up (on style 193M rims 8x18 front; 8.5x18 rear)? If the offsets of the square set-up rims are different then my current rims (think right now with 193M's i'm 34 front offset and 37 rear offset) , then i'm off anyways right? Or is there are way to fix this...or does it matter really matter or make a noticable difference?

Help a newbie out!

[ludlow]

if you are going to be running 8x18 rims there is not going to be any noticable difference in terms of handling/ride. As far as look the rears are a 1/2" narrower (12mm) so the face will sit 6mm further in minus half the 3mm less offset, you are looking at 4.5mm, if my math is right.
If it is killing you, you can add some 5mm spacers (and 5mm longer lug bolts) to the rear wheels, depending on how much beveling is on the hub of the winter rims you might still have enough hub to catch the rim so they are still hubcentric.
I run 17x8 rims on my sedan with 35mm offset and 225/45-17s and 5mm spacers. This will give a little more rubber for curbs/potholls ect in the winter. I can post a pic if you want. Not all aftermarket 17's will fit the 335i's brakes but if you buy from a reputable place they will ensure fitment.

[MrPig]

Wait .. Staggered set up on an xdrive? I was under the impression that you're not supposed to run staggered set ups on AWD cars.

I run square 17s for my winter set up and I had no issues this past winter. My rims are M-reps; I just slap my centre caps on and they look like any other BMW wheels.

[Bladerunner]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=751200

[d-burn]

Thanks for all of your replies.

As for MrPig, not sure where you heard the xDrive should not have a staggered set-up? 225/40-R18 Front, 255/35-R18 Rear came on the car with Msport.

17's prob make more sense from a "not bending rim on a pothole or being able to go through slightly deeper snow" perspective...although the front bumper might have something to say about snow depth before sidewall height comes into play...just something about the asthetics of the 18inch vs. 17inch that I feel I wouldn't be happy with seeing my car with 17's on it for 4-5 months of the year. Maybe with an aggressive black rim like M310 or the motegi MR120's it wouldn't be as noticable...but i'm looking to hopefully find a used set of rims/tires, so odds of finding that 17inch set-up is prob rarer then in 18 inch set-up...decisions, decisions.

Would there be an harm in running a lower offset then 34 on the front? e.g. 32 offset on all 4 corners, so the fronts would stick out more than they currently do with the same tire size at a 34 offset, but the impact on the rears would be less noticable (without need for spacers).

[d-burn]

No rim/tire experts out there? Any help/comments on my last post appreciated. Also if anyone is selling a 225/40-18 set-up (or rarer stock staggered set-up) give me a shout.