X3 Sport Staggered tyre setup question

[alfabadass]

I've had my X3 for a few months and it seems to have the transferbox jerking when starting off. Reading around, the type of tyres on the car are the most likely and easily checkable cause.

My car has the following tyres fitted:

Front 235/50/18 Michelin Pilot Sport
Rear 255/45/18 Michelin Latitude.

Which shall I change to match them up, rear or fronts? on the face of it, it looks like getting some PS on the rear is the best course of action?

[alfabadass]

Also, would it be a problem if I didn't bother with a staggered setup and just do 235/50 all road?

It seems staggered is just too much hassle on the X3?

[rassi]

The winter set up in 18" is 235/50/18 all round, so that's feasible.

Had no problems with my staggered summer wheels but you are right that if you don't stay with the MO (Mercedes Approved) tyres or are lucky to find a brand where 235/50 and 255/45 have the same diameter, then a square set up may be the easier way to avoid transfer box problems.

[alfabadass]

That's what I was thinking...

What sort of handling advantage does the staggered setup have on the sport suspension? I'm guessing avoiding transfer box damage is more important?

[rassi]

The Xdrive system on the X3 is rearbiased, so will send more power to the rear in normal circumstances. The staggered setup simply gives you more traction but in normal driving should make much difference if you are 235 or 255 section tyres.

[alfabadass]

Just an update for anyone searching for this in 5-6 years time, a mate of mine told me the solution and it's all sorted now and cost me a fraction of the cost of a transfer box!










































Just joking, the problem was solved by me popping down to tyre place and by luck they had 4 pirelli scorpion tyres in 235/50/28 with a star rating. £180 for all 4 and the car drives amazing! So if you have the same problem, it really is the tyres!

Staggered is more trouble than it's worth!

[mike325112]

alfabadass said:

Just joking, the problem was solved by me popping down to tyre place and by luck they had 4 pirelli scorpion tyres in 235/50/28 with a star rating. £180 for all 4 and the car drives amazing! So if you have the same problem, it really is the tyres!

Staggered is more trouble than it's worth!

Please tell me they were second hand for that much!

[alfabadass]

lol yes, they were part worn with 5mm tread! They look brand new to my untrained eyes! :-P

[Mrryanlewis]

Are we talking about the F25 X3 here or earlier model?