Wheel size and its fit are important considerations, whether you are making the choice to replace BMW wheels or another manufacturer’s wheel design. Indeed, wheel technology plays an important part in the tuning of the suspension and how a BMW handles when it is driven on the highway.
Making an Upgrade
That is why BMW wheels are at the top of the list of upgrades for BMW automobiles. Very few upgrades have more impact in terms of performance and aesthetics than a brand new set of BMW wheels. Wheel choice is dependent on primarily how the car will be used – on the highway, in city traffic, for racing or over snow-covered or rain-slick pavements.
Because of the variety of wheels for sale, the selection for the accessories can leave BMW owners scratching their heads. As a result, it is helpful to understand the terms that are related to installation as well as what you need to consider in order to optimize wheel performance and design.
Why BMW “Undersizes” the Front Wheels on its Cars
Along with other car manufacturers, BMW sets their default handling to understeer, thereby making their BMW model cars safer to steer and drive. If the front wheel and tire are undersized, then the front of the car will lose traction fist, which is simpler to detect and control. However, if the default is set to oversteer (which covers the rear end of the car), the driver is put at an increased risk of becoming involved in a mishap.
A Staggered Wheel Set-up
Therefore, when making a selection for wheels in the BMW line, you will find that the front wheels will be narrower than the back wheels for every day street or highway use. The wider rear wheels supply a look of power, which BMW designers like. Design team members call this kind of wheel placement a staggered wheel set-up.
A Square Wheel Set-up
While wheels are sized differently for daily travel and use, BMW utilizes same-sized wheels and tires for both the front and rear of its cars designed for the track. In this scenario, the front of the vehicle needs an extra amount of grip to lessen understeer. Therefore, designers try to include as much of the wheel and tire next to the front fenders as possible, all of which makes wheel rotation easier during speed contests. When used on the race course, this type of tire alignment and placement is known as a square wheel set-up.
A Safer Way to Travel
Unless you decide to join the racing circuit, you will discover that a staggered wheel set-up is the kind of wheel and tire set-up that is best for driving a BMW on the roadway. Although BMW owners frequently equate their automobiles with their everyday vehicle’s racing counterparts, safer handling is assured on the public roadways if wheel fitment is diversified.
