Question about the diff between M's and Non-M's

SapphireBlackG01 · 07-13-2007, 01:01 PM

Okay.

I have a question that's kind of related to the information concerning wheel & tire sizes that's found in this thread:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70338

So I know that the MZ4 has a wider rear track, and as such, the wheels (aftermarket or otherwise) will have more aggressive offsets to compensate.

However, what I do NOT understand is why, given that both M's and Non-M's presumably have the same body/fenders/etc, and assuming that they are using identical wheels, the M's can fit fatter tires both front and rear?

Per Ron: "[For non-M's] it's 19 x 8.5 ET35 and 19x9.5 ET40 - tire size is a 235/35/19 and 265/30/19. For you M guys its going to be an ET20 rear, tires you'd go with 245/35/19 275/30/19."

I'm not at all questioning the validity of his information... he knows exactly what he's doing. I'm just curious as to reasons behind all of it.

Any thoughts?

ward · 07-13-2007, 01:05 PM

the M versions have slightly taller rear tires too

I have 255/35/18 on my Z, and the M's I looked at came with 255/40/18

my guess would be that by going slightly wider with the same aspect ratio, he's keeping the tire for the M slightly taller (larger diameter) than the non M version.

He is probably suggesting this because finding tires with lower aspect ratio than 30 is hard/impossible

SapphireBlackG01 · 07-13-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

the M versions have slightly taller rear tires too

I have 255/35/18 on my Z, and the M's I looked at came with 255/40/18

my guess would be that by going slightly wider with the same aspect ratio, he's keeping the tire for the M slightly taller (larger diameter) than the non M version.

He is probably suggesting this because finding tires with lower aspect ratio than 30 is hard/impossible

I'm wondering if it also has something to do with the stiffer/shorter-travel suspensions on the M's making rubbing less of an issue, with taller tires?

Dammmittt · 07-13-2007, 03:27 PM

I think the difference is due to the M3-like chassis on the ///M. The wheel fitment is either the same or very similar to the M3 and not the Z4.

It's like comparing the M3 to the 335i. The cars may look the same but they are very different in the "guts"

JC5 · 07-20-2007, 07:18 PM

The e39 m5 has a different fender liner to accomadate a lager tire. This maybe true for the MZ4 also

Check part number at http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do

inTgr8r · 07-20-2007, 07:39 PM

The M is a completely different suspension; part originates from E46M the other E36M.
The axle to axle dimension of the M is different then the normal Z4.
That's what creates the additional space.

JC5 · 07-20-2007, 09:06 PM

But if you wanted a little extra space for a feww mm of tire could it be possible to put in an M fender liner foa few $$$ as opposed to a high $$$ axle

07-13-2007, 01:01 PM	#1
SapphireBlackG01 Captain 17 Rep 821 Posts Drives: ‘18 X3, Formerly ‘06 Z4 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	Question about the diff between M's and Non-M's Okay. I have a question that's kind of related to the information concerning wheel & tire sizes that's found in this thread: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70338 So I know that the MZ4 has a wider rear track, and as such, the wheels (aftermarket or otherwise) will have more aggressive offsets to compensate. However, what I do NOT understand is why, given that both M's and Non-M's presumably have the same body/fenders/etc, and assuming that they are using identical wheels, the M's can fit fatter tires both front and rear? Per Ron: "[For non-M's] it's 19 x 8.5 ET35 and 19x9.5 ET40 - tire size is a 235/35/19 and 265/30/19. For you M guys its going to be an ET20 rear, tires you'd go with 245/35/19 275/30/19." I'm not at all questioning the validity of his information... he knows exactly what he's doing. I'm just curious as to reasons behind all of it. Any thoughts? __________________ Guy #1: "Hanz, I know zee window switches have always been next to zee shifter in zee 3er cars, but I think ve should move them to zee door!" Guy #2: "But zee doors are already designed and ve do not have time to re-design them!" Guy #1: "Just make it verk or you vill be verking over at VW!"
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07-13-2007, 01:05 PM	#2
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	the M versions have slightly taller rear tires too I have 255/35/18 on my Z, and the M's I looked at came with 255/40/18 my guess would be that by going slightly wider with the same aspect ratio, he's keeping the tire for the M slightly taller (larger diameter) than the non M version. He is probably suggesting this because finding tires with lower aspect ratio than 30 is hard/impossible
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07-13-2007, 03:27 PM	#4
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 167 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	I think the difference is due to the M3-like chassis on the ///M. The wheel fitment is either the same or very similar to the M3 and not the Z4. It's like comparing the M3 to the 335i. The cars may look the same but they are very different in the "guts" __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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07-20-2007, 07:18 PM	#5
JC5 Private 4 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0, 2003 VFE 530 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Baltimore / Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 z4 3.0 [0.00] 2003 z4 3.0 [0.00]	The e39 m5 has a different fender liner to accomadate a lager tire. This maybe true for the MZ4 also Check part number at http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do
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07-20-2007, 07:39 PM	#6
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	The M is a completely different suspension; part originates from E46M the other E36M. The axle to axle dimension of the M is different then the normal Z4. That's what creates the additional space. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold) Last edited by inTgr8r; 07-20-2007 at 09:13 PM..
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07-20-2007, 09:06 PM	#7
JC5 Private 4 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0, 2003 VFE 530 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Baltimore / Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 z4 3.0 [0.00] 2003 z4 3.0 [0.00]	But if you wanted a little extra space for a feww mm of tire could it be possible to put in an M fender liner foa few $$$ as opposed to a high $$$ axle
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