18x9 ET35 CSL Reps - perfect fit with 255/35/18?

[ClayMan]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1148635

I'm not affiliated with the vendor selling these wheels at all, just thinking about them and I'm posting in this forum because you guys probably know best with extreme fitments.

Is 18x9" with ET35 offset all-around the perfect fitment for our E36s with something like the following setup?
-255/35-18 tires (say, Dunlop Direzza Z1's, which run wide)
-lowered, the usual 1-1.5"
-minor fender rolling (NO pulling or cutting)
-NO spacers in the front to clear the strut
-reasonable camber settings (not more than -2.0 to -2.5 degrees)
= NO rubbing?

[Eddy@ApexRaceParts]

I can't imagine the z1 fitting upfront without at least a 5mm spacer. Those are also ridiculously heavy cast replica wheels. I hope you don't plan to run them as a track oriented setup.

[Ocha]

I can't imagine the z1 fitting upfront without at least a 5mm spacer. Those are also ridiculously heavy cast replica wheels. I hope you don't plan to run them as a track oriented setup.

How much do they weigh. I know the VMR reps are actually fairly light/average.

[Eddy@ApexRaceParts]

22 lbs for 9 x 18's as per manufacturer

It's not terrible for a flat spoke rep at that price. My point is if your going with a track oriented 255 all around on an e36, I'd go with a lighter wheel. how prone are those to bending?

my real concern is fitment still. you'll need to roll the rears probably a decent amount at that offset, and i still think a spacer would be needed up front with that rubber.

[Ligero]

I have 18x9.5 et35 wheels with Dunlop Z1's. The fronts just barely fit without a spacer but I put a 5mm one in there for safety, I had to roll the fender lips slightly to not rub until I put the camber at -3. The rears will not fit without lots of fender rolling, especially if you are lowered. I had to pull the rear most part of the fender out because it was rubbing vary badly under full compression.

Front lowered about 1.5 inches with -1.8 camber
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2928149766_6934358358_b.jpg

Rear at stock ride height with -2.5 camber.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2927294277_e540727487_b.jpg

[ClayMan]

I have 18x9.5 et35 wheels with Dunlop Z1's. The fronts just barely fit without a spacer but I put a 5mm one in there for safety, I had to roll the fender lips slightly to not rub until I put the camber at -3. The rears will not fit without lots of fender rolling, especially if you are lowered. I had to pull the rear most part of the fender out because it was rubbing vary badly under full compression.


Thanks for the details Ligero. Your pics now have me thinking about the VMR V710 in 18x9.5 ET45 all-around, with a 12/13mm spacer up front. This would be for a street/auto-x setup, so aesthetics are playing a role here as well. Can I ask what suspension you are running in those pictures? What was the final setup (camber, spacers, fender mods) you needed to not rub anywhere?

I'm lowered on Bilstein/Eibachs with camber at -2.0º front (not adjustable) and rear at -1º 45’ (adjustable). (I'm a little concerned that the front struts have less clearance than even stocks) I had a set of 18x8.5 RCs so I know how beautifully lightweight they are. I'm looking for something with more concavity and fits better with 255/35-18 tires (it's a shame Dunlop doesn't make the Z1 in 245) Ideally, I'd get 18x9 BBS RCJs on all four corners but they're rather difficult to find.

I'm just thinking, if I can make 255s on 9.5" wheels fit all-around without rubbing, that would not only look great, drive great, but also increase my wheel options immensely.

[CoolJoe]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2927294277_e540727487_b.jpg

:offtopic here.

I think you need a new fuel door spring. :D

PN : 51 17 1 888 374 @ Bavauto for $0.95.

Just a thought ;)

[ClayMan]

Why is this in the E36 forum? Mods, can you please move this back to the Track/Auto-X forum. I'm pretty sure I'll get more relevant responses there, from experienced people fitting wide wheels and tires for competition.