Do tyres affect cornering stability?

[yogi_lite]

Hi,

Noticed that my E46 318 does not seem to take well to curves. Was previously driving a Tuscani and the handling of corners seem more stable and I could manouvere the SLE to ECP-CITY curve @ 80km/hr with no problem. In comparison, I really need to slow down the E46 when negotiating turns.

I was wondering has it got anything to do with my tyres? Am currently having the stock 15" rims and tyres (need to upgrade!!). Or izzit my driving style at fault??

 

[xuexun]

Re: Do tyres affect cornering stability?

Didn't know SLE got link to ECP one leh~??? Hahahahaha
Well, i guess tuscani probably is a lower car if ur e46 is 4dr Sedan. and i guess yup, getting lower profile tires will help. Lowering ur car will also help alot. If u throw in after market ARB think the result will be better.
My car is on stock 16" rims and suspensions and i find its handling pretty good already. Entered gentle bends up to 120km/h and it still seem pretty ok

 

[Racebred]

Re: Do tyres affect cornering stability?

of course.. if not how the tyre manufacturers sell their tyres.

 

[Peterpan]

Re: Do tyres affect cornering stability?

Few things can be done - lowering the car (lowering the CG), install strut bar and ARB should help.

 

[Puny]

Re: Do tyres affect cornering stability?

Hi,

Noticed that my E46 318 does not seem to take well to curves. Was previously driving a Tuscani and the handling of corners seem more stable and I could manouvere the SLE to ECP-CITY curve @ 80km/hr with no problem. In comparison, I really need to slow down the E46 when negotiating turns.

I was wondering has it got anything to do with my tyres? Am currently having the stock 15" rims and tyres (need to upgrade!!). Or izzit my driving style at fault??

Hi yogi_lite,

The Tuscani seats much lower than the sedan which could account for the lower CG. Secondly, the Tuscani comes with 16" stock tyres. In comparison, the 15" rims + tyres have much higher profile and more tyre flex as well (contact patch pressumed being the same). Lastly, the E46 is a good 200-300kg heavier. These 3 "problems" would certainly add up to the difference in cornering.

The suspension on the tuscani could be tuned quite differently as well to give it a stiffer feel. Is it the pre-facelift version of the E46? Perhaps the shocks are worn too. Just a couple of things that may attribute to the lack of confidence in cornering.

2 cents!

 

[yogi_lite]

Re: Do tyres affect cornering stability?

Hi yogi_lite,

The suspension on the tuscani could be tuned quite differently as well to give it a stiffer feel. Is it the pre-facelift version of the E46? Perhaps the shocks are worn too. Just a couple of things that may attribute to the lack of confidence in cornering.

2 cents!

Hi all,

Thanks for your input!!

I am currently driving a mid 01 E46, is this the face-lift version? Will definitely have the workshop re-look at the suspension and re-direct some of my bonus to improve the handling....

 

[rodders]

Re: Do tyres affect cornering stability?

Nope. Don't think yours is the face lifted model.