regarding the Alpina staggered setup. I am currently in the process of obtaining my eBay win of a set of Alpina "exposed lugs" wheels in 7x16 and 8x16. I've done the research and noted that the 205/55 (fr) and 225/50 (rear) was the standard setup that Alpina used. It's my understanding that this was done to tame the oversteering tendencies that the E28 has. I can imagine how much more severe this would be when running the HP that the Alpina cars had.

I concur that the 225 tires look to large for the front of the E28. Plus with the ET11 offset of the Alpina wheels I think there could be fender interference problems in the front with 225/50 tires.

You're feedback to the group has helped me finalize my decision on the tire size for my 533i.

Richard '83 533i

I have 16 7 and on my car. I run 205/55 and 225/50.

That is a standard set up, Alpina, etc. used on the E28.

I don't like 225 on the front for a couple of reasons.

The first is looks. Just way too big for front tires on the car, to me. The 205 still gives a "stock" look. The 225 on the front does not. (They don't seem to stand out on the back, for some reason).

The second is steering. The E28 has a very nice steering feel. I've driven them with 225s on the front and I think it ruins the steering feel.

Just my opinion.

Got me a set of staggered width 16" wheels (7x16,8x16) and while I realize the standard tire setup is 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 front/rear respectively, any reason, benefit, disadvantage, etc. to running the beefier 225s in the front as well? I know that BMW, on some models (i.e. e36 M3), runs the same tire size all around even with staggered-width wheels. Thanks in advance for the feedback. -M-