How does handling improve with a smaller, not wider, tire?

Its polite to say thank you when someone gives you information!
You asked a question regarding what 22" tyres fit which I answered!
Rather than appreciating the info ,you pop another question?
The answer to your question!A lower profile tyre will
always improve handling(especially cornering) .Those size tyres I mentioned are what I found to be commercially available!Seriously,when once we get to 285,295 or 315 tyres ,they are all very wide as it is.
FYI to get 315 tyre in 22" that would be compatible with oem .you would need it to be 315/28,which no one makes!

Hi Hayaku,
I was surprised to read that you feel that 17" rims would be better for handling (assuming the same approximate overall rolling circumference - roughly 90-92 inches).
For starters, I understand that less rotational mass is better for acceleration, braking, etc... but how does rotational mass affect handling?
Also, I would think that the small sidewall heights of lower aspect ratio setups would equate to less tire flex, and consequently, sharper handling. I'm sure there's a point of diminishing returns here (where the sidewall can be too stiff to absorb imperfections in the pavement) - which I guess is why we don't see run-flat sidewall technology in race cars - but I would have thought that tire aspect ratio sweet spot would fall somewhere in the 19-21" wheel range for the X5 :dunno:

Can you provide some more info on your advice?

Thanks,

how about some 17's with lower profile road/race tyres? that way, it lowers the final drive ratio (better acceleration of the corners), lowers the ride height (better handling), lighter than 20's, more range of semi slick tyres (and cheaper too) :dancing: :locked: :flex:, in SOME CASES too much traction with big fat tyres can ruin your lap times, especially if u dont have enough power :( . better of with skinnier ones and power slide of corners to get the engine revs up :driver: :thumbup:
if u want i would gladly swap my 17's for your 20s :bustingup

I also respectfully disagree with Hakayu here and agree with the comment above. Rotational mass is one thing but handling, grip and cornering ability is another. If skinny 17" wheels with higher aspect ratios (high profile) improve handling then why would all race cars have huge rims with extremely low profile tires and wide contact patch? Or I can put it another way: why didn't BMW put skinny 235/65/17 tires on the 4.6/4.8is if they offer better handling than the huge 275/315 low profile setup?

Exactly! :iagree:

Breathe....

I never questioned your "information"...I also never stated that someone with 22's should have a 315 mm tire. I simply asked what tires would fit a 22" rim and then asked why anyone felt a 22" rim with a smaller width tire would improve handling.

My question also wasn't, what would the sidewall ratio be for a 315 on a 22" rim, my question was to attain the same overall ride height what tire would be used.

yup yup

Your question was what 22" tyres have +/- the same oem roll.diam?You got your answer!
Never mind!Next time let someone else answer you question!

"A vehicle's total weight is the sum of all of its parts and affects its ability to accelerate, brake and corner. Reducing the total weight will enhance the vehicle's performance because less weight needs to be controlled and therefore, less energy is required. Unsprung weight is the weight under the springs which moves up and down as the vehicle rides over uneven roads and leans in the corners. Reducing unsprung weight allows the springs and shock absorbers to be more effective in controlling the suspension's movement. Additionally, a vehicle's rotational weight includes all parts that spin including everything in the vehicle's driveline from the engine's crankshaft to its wheels and tires. This affects the energy required to change speed as the vehicle accelerates and brakes. As you would guess, reducing the weight of any of these rotating components will enhance the vehicle's performance because less energy will be required to increase or decrease their speed." -Tire Rack