[no subject]

I set out to fix this with coil-overs (Bilstein PSS-9) and camber plates.  I
finally got it setup right, adding an extra degree of caster and running out
the negative camber.  This has honestly been the first time in two years
that I have been happy with the way the car has handled again. Although it
is great now, it took a lot to get it to work right (both time and money).
In the end what helped me the most was finding a shop that was willing to
put the car up on the alignment rack several times so we could play around
with the settings to find what worked.

Bottom line, if you are going to put bigger tires on the car, prepare for an
investment in time and money to fix the tramlining issues.

Erik Logan
94 325is

> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 05:28:59 EDT
> From: Dreamsound@domain.elided
> Subject: E36: Maximum Tire Size
>
> As I recall, non-M3 E36's tend to tramline and follow road irregularities
> excessively when equipped with 17" wheels and factory suspensions.  The M3
> uses specific parts that allow for, among other things, the increased
caster
> and negative camber required to make the 17" wheels work correctly.
> (Anyone know the specific parts?  Are they limited to M3 strut mounts?)
>
> IIRC, those who have tried running 17's without the proper suspension
> upgrades have been *very* disappointed with the poor results.  Many wives
> have been upset by this - it isn't pretty.  <g>
>
> For maximum grip, the E36 M3 folks tend to prefer 245/40-17's on 17x8.5"
> wheels front and rear.  I believe these are stock rear sizes for '96 and
> later M3's, used at all 4 corners.  (They fit in the front w/o rubbing - I
> don't recall if spacers are required.)
>
> Best of luck with the car,
>
> Mike Crotty
> 1991 318is
>
>
> In a message dated 6/17/02 6:36:24 PM, owner-bmw-digest@domain.elided writes:
>
> << From: Serge Maillet [mailto:serge.maillet@domain.elided]
>
> > I'm thinking about upgrading my stock 16" alloys to
> > 17" rims but before I do, I would like to know what
> > is the maximum tire size I can put on front / rear
> > or what is the best combination? I'm looking for the
> > maximum rubber contact for the best traction. Also,
> > should I go 17" or 18" ??? Thanks to all replies!
>
> Here's my opinion...
>
> Is your suspension still stock?  If so, and if you are
> truly interested in maximum cornering traction above
> all else, you should simply stay with 16" and get the
> best tires you can afford in the widest size that fits
> (keeping overall diameter the same of course).  This
> also happens to be the cheapest solution and won't
> hurt your ride quality like short sidewall tires will.
> <snip>
>
> Regards,
> Mike Kohlbrenner >>
>
> ------------------------------

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