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[crowtrobot]

I have a 128i that is dual-duty DD and occasional trackday car (~10days/year). I currently have a spare set of 262s with 225/45/17s on them (wheels are staggered, but square tire setup), and was debating going with the Apex ARC8s in 17" fitment so I could get a truly square setup and move to 235/40/17 for some more traction up front at the track.

Any downsides to going this route aside from heavier steering and rubbing considerations? Will the wider/heavier tire slow the car more, or will the added grip and lighter wheels be enough to offset that? I'd like to stick with 17's just to keep the unsprung weight down. (FWIW, I have M3 control arms and Dinan camber plates installed, so should be good rub-wise as far as a 235 goes.)

Want to make sure I have as complete a picture as possible before ordering the new wheels/tires, so appreciate any input!

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by crowtrobot

I have a 128i that is dual-duty DD and occasional trackday car (~10days/year). I currently have a spare set of 262s with 225/45/17s on them (wheels are staggered, but square tire setup), and was debating going with the Apex ARC8s in 17" fitment so I could get a truly square setup and move to 235/40/17 for some more traction up front at the track.

Any downsides to going this route aside from heavier steering and rubbing considerations? Will the wider/heavier tire slow the car more, or will the added grip and lighter wheels be enough to offset that? I'd like to stick with 17's just to keep the unsprung weight down. (FWIW, I have M3 control arms and Dinan camber plates installed, so should be good rub-wise as far as a 235 goes.)

Want to make sure I have as complete a picture as possible before ordering the new wheels/tires, so appreciate any input!

235 square setup is a popular setup to go with for neutral handling and decent grip. No real downsides other than making sure you won't have fitment issues. Dinan plates at the front should help, and you should be fine in the rear. Only other thing to consider is it won't be easy to rotate your tires if you keep the stock wheels due to the stagger. The other big benefit to a square setup is the ability to rotate wheels if your rims are the same all around.

[crowtrobot]

Originally Posted by asbrr

235 square setup is a popular setup to go with for neutral handling and decent grip. No real downsides other than making sure you won't have fitment issues. Dinan plates at the front should help, and you should be fine in the rear. Only other thing to consider is it won't be easy to rotate your tires if you keep the stock wheels due to the stagger. The other big benefit to a square setup is the ability to rotate wheels if your rims are the same all around.

Thanks for the advice!

The fact that I can't rotate the tires was also a consideration, part of trying to justify the purchase with practical concerns

[zapatista]

Originally Posted by crowtrobot

Thanks for the advice!

The fact that I can't rotate the tires was also a consideration, part of trying to justify the purchase with practical concerns

I ran 18x8 et 40, 235/40/18's square (Goodyear Eagle F1 A2's Summer), no problems up front with M3 control arms and the Dinan fixed camber plates--look at the Kosei also for 17x8 or 17x9 track wheels--Arc 8's are really nice though.

After I wore down the 235/40/18's switched to Michelin PSS 225/45/17 setup with and Kosei 17x8 K5R's. You won't notice any huge difference in steering feel though the feedback will be better with the lighter (16lb) ARC 8's and (probably) lighter 235/40/17's compared to ~20lb Style 262's and 225/45/17.


Only issue you will really run up against with 235/40/17 is that tire selection sucks compared to 18's.