18” Staggered Track Setup Official Thread

[ineedae46m3]

Goal of this official thread will be for everyone with a Staggered 18” Track Setup to post exactly what they are using to guide others in the right direction as far as what fits, etc. Sorry for those with the CCB, you need your own thread

I am new to the F80 world, I coming from a M235i which I tracked for 15 days, roughly 60 sessions at Watkins Glen. Which I managed to run a 2:20 in an essentially stock M235i. Once I was better driver I opted for a Square Setup which worked well on THAT car. Now after reading for many hours on the forum “Square vs. Staggered” I am convinced Staggered will be the way to go for the F80, and most of my days will be at WGI. This thread will not be to discuss those benefits (since there is a thread for that), but just for everyone to post what they are running for a Staggered 18” Setup.

1.) Front Rim: Brand, Model, Price Each, Width, Offset, Spacer
2.) Rear Rim: Brand, Model, Price Each, Width, Offset, Spacer
3.) Front Tire: Brand, Model, Price Each, Width, Profile
4.) Rear Tire: Brand, Model, Price Each, Width, Profile
5.) Any thoughts and would you use this Setup again? If not what would you change?
6.) Any suspension mods, camber plates, etc.
7.) Pictures

Thanks everyone. I will be using this thread personally to pick out something prior to April

-Tony

[bracer]

There really are not a lot of options here. Front can be 10" pretty easily, and the rears are pretty much 11". A 10.5" will fit up front as well, depending on suspension. Aftermarket suspensions generally take up space on the inside and do not allow for as much backspace on the rims, so that is usually an issue for those tracking as we generally change off stock shocks. Anything up front with a helper spring or a spring longer than 6" will have less clearance. I've tried Dinan HAS kit, JRZ RS2, Ohlins R&T, and now the MCS. I'm a serial suspension guy

Right now
MCS Doubles with rear coilover conversion
GC camber plates set at 3 degrees (makes a difference in what you can run up front due to outer fender clearance)

18x10 ET25 front with 285/645/18 Pirelli DH slick
18x11 ET44 rear with 305/645/18 Pirelli DH slick

my next set of tires will probably be
18x10 ET25 front with 295/30/18 Hoosier R7
18x11 ET44 rear with 315/30/18 Hoosier R7

I believe most are running this (Which I think is too much stagger and is hard to get the push out of the car)
18x10 ET25 front with 275/35/18 R888, Nitto, etc...
18x11 ET44 rear with 315/30/18 R888, Nitto, etc....

[adc]

Apex EC7 wheels 18” with Nitto NT01
18x10.5 ET25 front with 275/35/18
18x11 ET44 rear with 305/30/18
No rubbing, no issues whatsoever with OEM EDC suspension. Non ZCP.
Just installed GC camber plates, 2.7 degrees, 1 event with them, very satisfied.
If I could add more front tire, I would. I just don’t see what tires can be used with a 295 front, and if there was a good option in 19” I’d switch to that. Heck, I’d switch to 20’s if that would give me options.

I’m jealous of the Camaro and GT350 folks who can run 305 at the front. Ideally if I could I’d run 305 square.

[bracer]

I’m jealous of the Camaro and GT350 folks who can run 305 at the front. Ideally if I could I’d run 305 square.

Ditto

[humpday]

Front: Apex EC-7, 18 x 9.5 ET22; NT01 275/35/18
Rear: Apex EC-7, 18 x 11 ET44; NT01 305/35/18

Great set up, but I haven't compared to a square set up in my F82.

If you're going to get these wheels and plan on coilovers, just be careful about what size wheel you put up front. Some popular sets like KW will interfere with your tire if they're 10" or bigger.

[ctgeorge]

Like others have mentioned, not many options in the 18" staggered setup sector. Apex Wheels and Nitto NT01s are the most popular.

My setup

Apex EC7 18x11 ET44 Rear 18x9.5 ET22 Front with Nitto NT01 275/35 Front 305/35 Rear.

[gsrbri]

I was very happy with this set up - especially the rear-end grip on corner exit. Custom- designed forged wheels by CCW in FL. My classified ad is below. I'll let them go for short money w/almost new NT01 tires.

Set of 4 18" CCW Forged Wheels (18 x 10, 275/35-18 Front; 18 x 11 305/35-18 Rear), designed specifically for the M3/M4 F80/F82 chassis. No modifications required except wheel studs. Very strong and lightweight (approx 20/21lbs F/R). I also had them powdercoated silver. Used for one track season (approx 10 events). NT-01 tires mounted and heat-cycled. Only used for one track day, so they are basically brand-new. Wheels are in excellent condition and ready for the track. Purchased a new M2 and they are just a bit too wide for the body of the M2. Original price $5,800 for the tires w/wheels mounted, before painting them. Plenty of photos and original receipt/invoice if desired. Shipping extra

[jacobe92]

Forgeline GS1R. 18x10 et 22 NT01 275/35/18
18x11 et 43 NT01 305/35/18 or
315/30/18
JRZ RS Pro with Eibach 450/550, Dinan Toe Link, Fall Line Mono Ball and rear end bushings, Brembo GT Type 3 front and rear 380mm, Endless ME20 and MSi Racing.

Just FYI, the JRZ RS Pro do not require front spacers unlike the KW Clubsport to clear the front wheels.

Forgeline GTD1 Square 18x10 et 27 NT01 275/35/18. I prefer the square set up over my staggered because tires are not cheap. Yes, I'm at the end of my front rotor life and I'm planning on giving the Brembo RE10 pads a try.

[DB323]

Originally Posted by ctgeorge

Like others have mentioned, not many options in the 18" staggered setup sector. Apex Wheels and Nitto NT01s are the most popular.

My setup

Apex EC7 18x11 ET44 Rear 18x9.5 ET22 Front with Nitto NT01 275/35 Front 305/35 Rear.

Are you on stock suspension? Do you have anymore pics from the side showing how flush or how far the tires stick out from the fender.

I'm looking to run a similar setup. Either 9.5 or 10 +25 in the front paired with 11 +44 in the back. I'm just afraid that the tires will stick out too much on stock height. I'm not planning on lowering since it will be my daily.

Anybody else have pics with a 9.5 or 10 +25 front paired with 11 +44 rear on stock suspension?

[CanAutM3]

1.) Front Rim: Apex EC-7 18X10ET25 no spacer
2.) Rear Rim: Apex EC-7 18X11ET44 no spacer
3.) Front Tire: Nitto NT01 275/35R18
4.) Rear Tire: Nitto NT01 305/35R18
5.) Loving this setup
6.) Eibach prokit, GC camber plates
7.) Pictures:

[MR_M2]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

1.) Front Rim: Apex EC-7 18X10ET25 no spacer
2.) Rear Rim: Apex EC-7 18X11ET44 no spacer
3.) Front Tire: Nitto NT01 275/35R18
4.) Rear Tire: Nitto NT01 305/35R18
5.) Loving this setup
6.) Eibach prokit, GC camber plates
7.) Pictures:

Did you lower the car on 18 or 19? I am assuming you go back to stock wheels on street.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by MR_M2

Did you lower the car on 18 or 19? I am assuming you go back to stock wheels on street.

Yes stock wheels but not quite stock tires. I am running 265(M0)-295(*)/35R19 PSS on the stock 437M wheels as my street and wet track setup.

[MR_M2]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Yes stock wheels but not quite stock tires. I am running 265(M0)-295(*)/35R19 PSS on the stock 437M wheels as my street and wet track setup.

Very cool. This is the exact setup I am looking for in my M2. Thanks!

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by MR_M2

Very cool. This is the exact setup I am looking for in my M2. Thanks!

I think you would be better off with a square track setup on the M2.

The M3/4 need the wide 305 rear due to the massive mid-range torque coming out of corners. I ran a square 275 NT01 setup on my first season with the M4, and just could not leverage the available power. The staggered setup allowed me to reduce my lap times by about 1 second a lap, however I lost 3~5mph top speed on the back straight due to the added drag.

I had the opportunity to test drive an M2 around my home track this summer (nifty little beast this M2 ). The M2 has much less mid and top range power than the M3/4, which meant I could be WOT as soon as I hit the majority of Apexes, and that was on the stock PSS. There is no need for 305 rears, especially r-comps. I figure a square 275 NT01 setup would be ideal and would allow you to rotate the tires to maximize their life (the biggest drawback of running a staggered setup).

[MR_M2]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I think you would be better off with a square track setup on the M2.

The M3/4 need the wide 305 rear due to the massive mid-range torque coming out of corners. I ran a square 275 NT01 setup on my first season with the M4, and just could not leverage the available power. The staggered setup allowed me to reduce my lap times by about 1 second a lap, however I lost 3~5mph top speed on the back straight due to the added drag.

I had the opportunity to test drive an M2 around my home track this summer (nifty little beast this M2 ). The M2 has much mid and top range power than the M3/4 meaning I could be WOT as soon as I hit the majority of Apexes, and that was on the stock PSS. There is no need for 305 rears, especially r-comps. I figure a square 275 NT01 setup would be ideal and would allow you to rotate the tires to maximize their life (the biggest drawback of running a staggered setup).

Sorry, I didn't mean the exact same width of the tire, but the staggered tires in general.
I liked the way this car handled with factory wheels and that's one the primary reasons I'd like to go with the staggered setup for track.
I am thinking 265F and 285R. That should provide plenty of grip.

You're right about the power delivery- it allows me to go full throttle right after the apex because the torque comes in nice and smooth.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by MR_M2

Sorry, I didn't mean the exact same width of the tire, but the staggered tires in general.
I liked the way this car handled with factory wheels and that's one the primary reasons I'd like to go with the staggered setup for track.
I am thinking 265F and 285R. That should provide plenty of grip.

You're right about the power delivery- it allows me to go full throttle right after the apex because the torque comes in nice and smooth.

NT01 are not available in those sizes.

The M2 remains a front weight biased car, so this means the front tires need to work more than the rear when cornering. I would still recommend a square setup.

On the M3/4, I find a staggered setup is compromised. I need the rear 305 to put the power down, but the 305 are a bit of a tight fit up front, hence the 275. Look at the factory M4 GT4 or M235i race cars, they all have square setups.

[ineedae46m3]

Hey guys? Is anyone running Hankook RS4 or Bridgestone RE-71 Staggered on their cars? Are they even available in these sizes? The NT01 and the R888 are R compound correct? Will BMWCCA be ok with an intermediate or advanced student running an R compound? Reason I ask is the tires get better as the tread wears down, but the tech inspections usually require the tires to be above the wear bars, obviously with cost you would want to run them down to cords.

[ssuene93]

I have a similar setup with stock suspension.

1. Front rim - Apex SM-10 18x10 ET25, no spacer
2. Rear rim - Apex SM-10 18x11 ET44, no spacer
3. Front tire - Nitto NT01 275/35/18
4. Rear tire - Nitto NT01 305/35/18
5. This setup is awesome, and I think i haven't push enough to have any wear on the front tire shoulder yet.
6. GC camber plates only, stock ZCP suspension.
7. Pictures

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[adc]

Originally Posted by ineedae46m3

Hey guys? Is anyone running Hankook RS4 or Bridgestone RE-71 Staggered on their cars? Are they even available in these sizes? The NT01 and the R888 are R compound correct? Will BMWCCA be ok with an intermediate or advanced student running an R compound? Reason I ask is the tires get better as the tread wears down, but the tech inspections usually require the tires to be above the wear bars, obviously with cost you would want to run them down to cords.

I initially wanted Hankook but couldn't find them in the right sizes. If I were you I'd contact the local CCA chapter DE chair and ask point blank.

I no longer track with CCA, too crowded and too restrictive at a certain level IMO.

[Kung Fu English]

From what I can tell the only staggered 18" offerings are:

NT01 275-305/35/18
NT05 275-295/35/18 (200 TW or 140 TW available)
RS4 265-285/35/18
RE71 255-275/35/18
PSS 275-295/35/18
Edit: R888 275-305/35/18 (fronts not avail on Tire Rack, but shows as option on Toyo's site)

If you go 19" rear wheels with 18" fronts the following additional options are available:

R888R 275/35/18 F - 295 or 305/30/19 R
NT01 275/35/18 F - 305/30/19 R
NT01 265/40/18 F - 285/35/19 R
NT05 200 TW 275/40/18 F - 305/35/19 R (note: unsure if Fronts will fit without rubbing)
RE71 275/35/18 F - 305/30/19 R
Hoosier A7 or R7 275/35/18 F - 295/30/19 R

All these keep the 1.5-2.5% F/R difference.

Of note, RS4s would be available at 275/35/18 F and 305/30/19 R but Tire Rack does not list the 275/35/18 size anymore, though this is what I have on my car currently so they may be available in the future.

Originally Posted by ineedae46m3

Hey guys? Is anyone running Hankook RS4 or Bridgestone RE-71 Staggered on their cars? Are they even available in these sizes?

RS4 can be had in 265/35/18 F and 285/35/18 R. Alternatively you can have 275/40/18 F and 295/40/18 R but I am not sure the fronts would fit.

RE71s are an option at 255/35 F and 275/35 R but will be very short. If you go 19" rear wheels you can do 18" fronts with RE71 at 275/35/18 F and 305/30/19 R.

[ineedae46m3]

Originally Posted by Kung Fu English

From what I can tell the only staggered 18" offerings are:

NT01 275-305/35/18
NT05 275-295/35/18 (200 TW or 140 TW available)
RS4 265-285/35/18
RE71 255-275/35/18
PSS 275-295/35/18

If you go 19" rear wheels with 18" fronts the following additional options are available:

R888R 275/35/18 F - 295 or 305/30/19 R
NT01 275/35/18 F - 305/30/19 R
NT01 265/40/18 F - 285/35/19 R
NT05 200 TW 275/40/18 F - 305/35/19 R (note: unsure if Fronts will fit without rubbing)
RE71 275/35/18 F - 305/30/19 R
Hoosier A7 or R7 275/35/18 F - 295/30/19 R

All these keep the 1.5-2.5% F/R difference.

Of note, RS4s would be available at 275/35/18 F and 305/30/19 R but Tire Rack does not list the 275/35/18 size anymore, though this is what I have on my car currently so they may be available in the future.



RS4 can be had in 265/35/18 F and 285/35/18 R. Alternatively you can have 275/40/18 F and 295/40/18 R but I am not sure the fronts would fit.

RE71s are an option at 255/35 F and 275/35 R but will be very short. If you go 19" rear wheels you can do 18" fronts with RE71 at 275/35/18 F and 305/30/19 R.

You my friend did all the research I needed to do and did it for me and everyone else in this thread. Thank you sir!! That really opens up a lot more options for me. I do like the idea of mixing 18” fronts and 19” rears, never thought of that.

[mcvaughan]

Originally Posted by blackey

my next set of tires will probably be
18x10 ET25 front with 295/30/18 Hoosier R7
18x11 ET44 rear with 315/30/18 Hoosier R7

Did you go with this setup? I'm thinking of moving from NT01s to R7s.