[YorkshireRick]

Hi all,

New boy here so thought I'd say hello. Just picked up a 520d touring in Carbon Black on a '15 plate. New to BMW ownership but loving it so far. It's on 18"s at the moment and looking at getting some 351's (either originals from fleabay or replicas) but believe the F11 is a square set up and everywhere seem to sell staggered set up...CMW for example. Apologies if the question is covered elsewhere on the forum but a) can I run a staggered (don really want to deviate from standard), or b) any advice on best places to find a square set up set of wheels?
Thanks in advance. Also, black grill? Bets place for one? Car is all black roof rails, no chrome around windows etc but does have the chrome grill and I want to replace so it all matches.
Cheers
YorkshireRick

[IanS100]

351 wheels come in a staggered setup because they're standard (or optional) fitment on the M Sport.

I doubt there's any reason you can't fit a staggered setup to your F11 but be aware that the wider rear tyres are a lot more expensive and check with your insurance company that they're ok with the change. They may well increase your premium as they'll doubtless consider it a modification.

If you value a comfortable ride I'd also stick to 18", that's what I'm on at the moment for my winters and I'm not looking forward to going back to my 19" 351 OE wheels.

I bought my black grill from the bay, I've no complaints and there will probably be a link on one of my old posts. I'll see if I can find it later.

[YorkshireRick]

Cheers Ian, appreciate the info. Reading through the various posts on here I'm more confused than ever with regards to the wheels. CMW came back to me and said all 5 series are staggered but that doesn't appear to be the case. I'll keep reading. Take your point on the ride quality but just think it looks a bit odd on 18's. When I se the 19's it just seems to suit the car more.

[morellomax]

I thought MSport F11s had a square setup from the factory, whether on 18s or 19s ? Thought it was only MSport F10s that had staggered setup ?

[Johnny Grabble]

Originally Posted by morellomax

I thought MSport F11s had a square setup from the factory, whether on 18s or 19s ? Thought it was only MSport F10s that had staggered setup ?

Correct - square set up was factory fit on F11s.

Staggered set up was also available on non-M Sport F10s depending upon wheel choice - 17 & 18" wheels were square set up on SE and Luxury, 19"s were staggered.

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by morellomax

I thought MSport F11s had a square setup from the factory, whether on 18s or 19s ? Thought it was only MSport F10s that had staggered setup ?

Yes my F11 (on 18's) has 245 front and rear

My F10 was 245 front and 275 rear

I understand the rear is restricted due to the air suspension but could be wrong.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Johnny Grabble

Correct - square set up was factory fit on F11s.

Staggered set up was also available on non-M Sport F10s depending upon wheel choice - 17 & 18" wheels were square set up on SE and Luxury, 19"s were staggered.

Adding to the above comments, a square setup has always been the way for 5-series tourings. The 18" are 8" rim width, the 19" follow the front pattern (on the staggered setup) with 8.5" rims on all corners.

Never got to the technical reasons, as staggered do fit. In fact I had a staggered set on my E39 touring, fitted before I bought the car. I questioned it at the time as BMW clearly stated for my rear 9" rims "not for the touring models". The dealer simply said "no problems".

What I do suggest, the bigger diameter and wider rims/weight do work the rear air suspension harder, more susceptible to 'crashing' over broken surfaces. Plus less wheel control and rear end twitchiness.

I've deliberately kept with 18" (and a square setup) on the F11, as 18" are the 'sweet spot' on F10/11.

If you go 19" you'll be going 8.5" rims anyway, so only 0.5" less width on the rear, but with a common tyre. Means you can rotate if you choose to do so.

[YorkshireRick]

Thanks guys, thought they were square setting. Really appreciate your replies to confirm. Maybe I do stick with the 18's and save the £'s. I'll just have fits of jealousy every time I see a 5 touring on 19's.

[Pottsy]

I have 18" staggered and I look at 18" square with fits of jealousy. The rears are such an odd size you can only get run flats from the premium tyre manufacturers, and all at a very special price. They are hugely heavy (I struggle to lift them) so affect the ride and grip etc.

The best compromise I think is 18" square - but my winters are 17" square and they are sublime! But look a little odd - if you are concerned about that kind of thing.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

The best compromise I think is 18" square - but my winters are 17" square and they are sublime! But look a little odd - if you are concerned about that kind of thing.

That is my conclusion for the F10/11.

I run the OEM Styling 327 17" in winter. Do the job well, easy and quick to clean the winter grime. Function over fashion for me.

[Martin2C]

For some reason, the 20" wheels available as an accessory are staggered, which is shown on the tyre pressure plate. I know someone with an F11 Alpina B5, which is the same.

[Johnny Grabble]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

That is my conclusion for the F10/11.

I run the OEM Styling 327 17" in winter. Do the job well, easy and quick to clean the winter grime. Function over fashion for me.

I also have Style 327 for winters on my F10. 17" definitely look a bit small but I'm not looking at them when I'm enjoying the ride...

I have square 18" for summers. Means I can swap them front to back to even out the wear and replace them as a set.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by Pottsy

.They are hugely heavy (I struggle to lift them) so affect the ride and grip etc.

I agree, the sum weight of 351 wheels and rft tyres is ridiculous, I finished up buying a wheel lifting dolly to take the pain out of swapping wheels, it's designed to lift the whole car to move it around a worship so lifting one wheel is a doddle. I highly recommend one for anyone who's got a bad back, or anyone that wants to avoid one.

[MrPogle]

Originally Posted by IanS100

.. to move it around a worship ....

We all like our cars but I think you are taking it a bit seriously.

[IanS100]

[MickyD'bo]

Originally Posted by YorkshireRick

Hi all,

New boy here so thought I'd say hello. Just picked up a 520d touring in Carbon Black on a '15 plate. New to BMW ownership but loving it so far. It's on 18"s at the moment and looking at getting some 351's (either originals from fleabay or replicas) but believe the F11 is a square set up and everywhere seem to sell staggered set up...CMW for example. Apologies if the question is covered elsewhere on the forum but a) can I run a staggered (don really want to deviate from standard), or b) any advice on best places to find a square set up set of wheels?
Thanks in advance. Also, black grill? Bets place for one? Car is all black roof rails, no chrome around windows etc but does have the chrome grill and I want to replace so it all matches.
Cheers
YorkshireRick

Still looking for a set of 19's for your 5?...

Now that I'm back in a 335d I have no need for the extra alloys I had on my F11.

Listed on eBay if anyone is interested. Happy to do a deal with someone direct on here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2528711663...84.m1555.l2649

Cheers, Michael.