nardeezy

I know this subject may have been hammered tons of times. Most car enthusiasts will say that you should not use a staggered setup on an AWD because it will damage the differentials. I have a few comments and questions about this:

- I am looking at www.bmwusa.com and how is it that some of their awd vehicles (X5, X6, 535xi) have staggered wheel/tire applications as an option. Whereas other awd vehicles (335xi, 528xi) don't have staggered wheel options. Why is that? Based on the BMW options it seems like it's okay to use a staggered setup on a regular awd vehicle, not a Porsche Carrera 4S, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, Skyline GT-R, etc. in which these awd supercars are exceptions?

- When I got to www.tirerack.com and research the replacement tire options for BMW awd vehicles some staggered tire options have rolling diameters that are as much as .3" off from front to rear. The typical rule of thumb is to use the exact same diameter.

- How much different is the BMW xDrive awd system than the Lexus IS/GS awd system?

I have been using a staggered setup on my awd for a while (2.5 years/8500 miles) and I am concerned about the long term effects. I need to replace my tires and I am contemplating using a lower profile tire (35/30 to 30/25 series) to get the rolling diameters closer to stock (25.9").

Feedback please...

Also reference http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir...w/.ef3fcce/708

Electric

You can run and some companies like you mentioned do so. You just have to make sure the rolling diameter of the tire is the same, so if you are running 235s in front, and 275s in back, the sidewalls should be 35 and 30, instead of being the same.

Most companies dont run staggered on AWD because its nicer to be able to rotate tires and such.

Evil Teo

iTrader: (13)

electric u runnin stagger? post some pics if u do. im rim and tire shoppin this week but can't decide stagger or non stagger

Electric

I dont have aftermarket wheels, just stockers. But if I was going for aftermarkets, I would definitely get the staggered setup. The IS looks phenomenal with big fat tires/wheels in the back.

If you run 19" wheels, and go with 235/35/19 up front and 275/30/19, you will have the same diameter of 25.5inches. Thats what I would do.

Tangerine

Depends on the AWD system, some are more front bias while some are more rear.

nardeezy

Can you elaborate some more?

I have the GS300 awd and I've read somewhere that it's mainly 70% rear power and when the snow button is pressed it is 50/50.

crazybuggy

whot do u mean by staggered wheels?

nardeezy

Front and rear wheels/tires that have different widths and sometimes different diameters.

Tangerine

The 70% rear bias would be for comfort/handling while the 50/50 for slippery condition where traction is needed.

Mercedes has 40% front and 60% rear, same as BMW's X-Drive. Acura's SH-AWD is 70% front bias. Those figures are all under light throttle and normal driving of course.

Depending on your driving habits and road conditions you will be fine with the staggered setup.