Tire and fender gap (and axle length)

[hjl113]

Hi guys.

Chiming in for assistance from experts here.
I drive F10 M5 LCI and everything is factory setting.

The fender gap (space between tire and fender) is much greater in front than back. Almost 2x bigger in front.

I understand BMW engineers did this on purpose, but to what purpose?
I'm curious as to why it's set up that way.
Is it to correct understeer?

Also, the axle length (space between left and right tires) are also bigger in front than back. To what purpose?


If I were to put a 10mm spacer in the back, how would this affect driving dynamics?


Thanks guys.

[carrera2RSL]

The actual rake of the chassis is independent to the wheel arch clearance so they probably chose to avoid clearance problems for people mourning kerbs at speed at an angle - probably

Having said that perhaps the stock 5 base moving to the M5 had some restrictions.

Most lower the front more than the rear this increases the rake and does affect the chassis balance. I prefer to lower front and rear similary, a personal thing

Regarding track tyre sizes roll bars etc they all affect the balance a wider rear track will, all things being equal increase rear grip in cornering. There are other balance points regarding stability and more complex considerations

All suspension set ups are a compromise. If you don't stray too far from stock you can usually get a more personal set up. There is nothing magical about the M5 settings just a good balance and compromise

[carrera2RSL]

Regarding spacers I'd go 12/12 or 15/15

[hjl113]

Originally Posted by carrera2RSL

Regarding spacers I'd go 12/12 or 15/15

Thanks for your feedback.
So you'd go with both front and back spacers.

With stock front fender gap being too big, spacers on front would actually makes it look worse then stock. If I were to do KW HAS SLEEVE kit to drop the fronts, then it would make sense.

Some people say KW HAS on M5 are softer than stock, so I'm still deciding what to do...

Thanks again.

[josec70]

Originally Posted by hjl113

Thanks for your feedback.
So you'd go with both front and back spacers.

With stock front fender gap being too big, spacers on front would actually makes it look worse then stock. If I were to do KW HAS SLEEVE kit to drop the fronts, then it would make sense.

Some people say KW HAS on M5 are softer than stock, so I'm still deciding what to do...

Thanks again.

12/10 or 12/12 works well on stock wheel setup. I'm on KW HAS and they are nowhere as soft as stock; you also get the added benefit of adjusting ride height to your liking and avoiding the dreaded rake look.

[lanab]

Originally Posted by hjl113

Some people say KW HAS on M5 are softer than stock, so I'm still deciding what to do...

Thanks again.

Nah...it felt more sturdy and stiffer when i changed to KW HAS, huge improvement i might say.

[hjl113]

Originally Posted by lanab

Nah...it felt more sturdy and stiffer when i changed to KW HAS, huge improvement i might say.

Thanks great news!
Thanks for your feedback!

[JtheW]

Here's my 14 comp pack with KW HAS and 10mm H&R spacers all around. I like the way it rides compared to stock CP springs. I couldn't stand the way the front was higher than the rear. I could have went with 12mm spacers but didn't want to worry about rubbing at all and I like the way this looks.



[IMG]Hers[/IMG]

[hjl113]

Originally Posted by JtheW

Here's my 14 comp pack with KW HAS and 10mm H&R spacers all around. I like the way it rides compared to stock CP springs. I couldn't stand the way the front was higher than the rear. I could have went with 12mm spacers but didn't want to worry about rubbing at all and I like the way this looks.



[IMG]Hers[/IMG]

Looks great!
Can't wait to put mine on...

I hope our EDC does not prematurely die due to KW's different spring rates...

[josec70]

Originally Posted by JtheW

Here's my 14 comp pack with KW HAS and 10mm H&R spacers all around. I like the way it rides compared to stock CP springs. I couldn't stand the way the front was higher than the rear. I could have went with 12mm spacers but didn't want to worry about rubbing at all and I like the way this looks.



[IMG]Hers[/IMG]

Car looks great!

[josec70]

Originally Posted by hjl113

Looks great!
Can't wait to put mine on...

I hope our EDC does not prematurely die due to KW's different spring rates...

I'm on my 2nd. F10 M5 both with modified suspensions and zero issues with EDC. FWIW.

[hjl113]

Originally Posted by josec70

I'm on my 2nd. F10 M5 both with modified suspensions and zero issues with EDC. FWIW.

Thanks for the assurance.
I'm going to order it with BMS 10m spacers.

May I ask why you're on your 2nd F10 M5?

- Han Joo

[JtheW]

Originally Posted by hjl113

Looks great!
Can't wait to put mine on...

I hope our EDC does not prematurely die due to KW's different spring rates...

Thank you. I don't think I'll have any problems. My SA is aware of my suspension and didn't say anything against it.

[JtheW]

Originally Posted by josec70

Car looks great!

Thank you very much.

[josec70]

Originally Posted by hjl113

Thanks for the assurance.
I'm going to order it with BMS 10m spacers.

May I ask why you're on your 2nd F10 M5?

- Han Joo

My 1st F10 M5 was a 13' MY and had some problems common with the Pre-LCI M5's. When the lease was up moved to an LCI M5.

I now have a 15' LCI and zero issues.