07' 550 sport vs. 08' 550 sport
07-27-2007 | 10:35 AM
#1
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From: Connecticut, USA
My Ride: 07' 550i sport; Sapphire Black/Auburn; sport package; steptronic; navigation with R.T.T.I.; heads up; cold weather package; Logic-7; BMW MOST ipod kit; Motorola V3 snap-in adapter; rear heated seats and rear shades; anthracite headliner; sirrius sat. radio; M-aero kit; OEM style 166 Wheels with 245/35-19 front and 285/30-19 rear Michelin PS2s.
I have driven an LCI 550 sport with the 19 inch wheels and it is far less squirmy than my 07' 550i. I installed the M5 19 inch wheels with default offset and 245/35 F and 285/30 R non run-flat Michelin PS2s. There is a difference in the LCI suspension for sure, but the LCI suspension from what I know is the same technology and geometry, with simply stiffer shocks and springs to adjust for the non-run flats. If anything, a stiffer suspension should increase tramlining (the squirmyness I mentioned). Do you think its down to tires? The LCI uses 275/30 rear tires and they are Contis. Any thoughts?
I try to let this issue go, but every once in a while a situation comes up that causes my wife to complain about how unstable the car feels. Friends have commented as well. I'm considering going back to the OEM set up. I don't think LCI shocks and springs would improve matters...?
DRP
I try to let this issue go, but every once in a while a situation comes up that causes my wife to complain about how unstable the car feels. Friends have commented as well. I'm considering going back to the OEM set up. I don't think LCI shocks and springs would improve matters...?
DRP
07-27-2007 | 10:39 AM
#2
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From: San Diego, CA
My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
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Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
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Tramlining is a feature of the tire. Nothing to do with suspension. Once the new tires are broken in, the tramlining will go away.
07-27-2007 | 11:27 AM
#3
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From: Southern California
My Ride: 2006 550i SMG
Not sure how the roads are in CT but here in CA the newer expressways are made of groved concrete. I have a section of road I travel on frequently that when I hit it, the combination of the grooves on my Toyo's and on the road make the car feel the same way you describe. On flat surfaces perfect ride and stability so I believe the issues are purely tire related. 
07-27-2007 | 12:59 PM
#4
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I have a 2006 550i sport with the M5 166 style wheels too - but I run Bridgestones on them and I have never had any tramlining. Even when I had the OEM runflats, or with winter tires, I've never experienced tramlining with the 550i.
I also think it is the tires.
On my previous two BMWs (740i & 540i), when I ran Bridgestone SO2s in the summer they would tramline. But when I ran winter rubber ... no tramlinning.
It's the tires.
I also think it is the tires.
On my previous two BMWs (740i & 540i), when I ran Bridgestone SO2s in the summer they would tramline. But when I ran winter rubber ... no tramlinning.
It's the tires.
07-27-2007 | 05:26 PM
#5
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From: Vancouver, BC , Canada
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
Are your 166s OEM or a knock off ? Quite a few member have gotten rid of their knock offs due to poor performance. If you are running OEM wheels I support what VT says about the new tires.
Cheers
Cheers
07-27-2007 | 06:17 PM
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My Ride: E46 330, E60 550 on order: Carbon Black/Natural Brown, 6MT.
Originally Posted by vegastrashed' post='452646' date='Jul 27 2007, 02:39 PM
Tramlining is a feature of the tire. Nothing to do with suspension. Once the new tires are broken in, the tramlining will go away.
BMW Sport package cars typically have a alignment that has more camber, which can increase tramlining.
07-28-2007 | 05:27 PM
#7
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I agree with the other responses in this thread
while i don't have much experience with my 545, I can say tires is definitely a big (if not the only) factor in tramlining. I ran Falken Azenis on my old car and it would tramline with a passion but once I switched to a less aggressive tire the tramlining stopped.
Maybe a switch in tires n slight adjustment in your camber will help greatly
while i don't have much experience with my 545, I can say tires is definitely a big (if not the only) factor in tramlining. I ran Falken Azenis on my old car and it would tramline with a passion but once I switched to a less aggressive tire the tramlining stopped.
Maybe a switch in tires n slight adjustment in your camber will help greatly
07-29-2007 | 05:08 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by iversonm' post='452754' date='Jul 27 2007, 09:17 PM
That's not entirely true. Tires are probably the most significant factor, but camber plays a significant part as well. (Tire width and sidewall stiffness also play a part, but I'd lump this in as a tire characteristic.
BMW Sport package cars typically have a alignment that has more camber, which can increase tramlining.
BMW Sport package cars typically have a alignment that has more camber, which can increase tramlining.
07-31-2007 | 08:02 PM
#9
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From: Connecticut, USA
My Ride: 07' 550i sport; Sapphire Black/Auburn; sport package; steptronic; navigation with R.T.T.I.; heads up; cold weather package; Logic-7; BMW MOST ipod kit; Motorola V3 snap-in adapter; rear heated seats and rear shades; anthracite headliner; sirrius sat. radio; M-aero kit; OEM style 166 Wheels with 245/35-19 front and 285/30-19 rear Michelin PS2s.
Originally Posted by tachyon' post='452705' date='Jul 27 2007, 04:59 PM
I have a 2006 550i sport with the M5 166 style wheels too - but I run Bridgestones on them and I have never had any tramlining. Even when I had the OEM runflats, or with winter tires, I've never experienced tramlining with the 550i.
I also think it is the tires.
On my previous two BMWs (740i & 540i), when I ran Bridgestone SO2s in the summer they would tramline. But when I ran winter rubber ... no tramlinning.
It's the tires.
I also think it is the tires.
On my previous two BMWs (740i & 540i), when I ran Bridgestone SO2s in the summer they would tramline. But when I ran winter rubber ... no tramlinning.
It's the tires.
I have OEM wheels, and yes when I run my snows on the 18 inch wheels there is no tramlining. I don't think these ARS cars have much negative camber at all. My tires have 7500 miles on them, they afre broken in and the car is still squirmy. I'll try the continentals and dropdown a size in the rear.
Thanks
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