Questions about wheels on M3 E36

[skyhighsami]

On my wife's E36 M3 convertible I want to make some changes while it is being fixed from her being clipped by an 18 wheeler. I want to know how wide of a wheel and tire I can run on it. The car is stock ride height and I have no plans of really lowering it because it sits low enough in my opinion and I really don't want to alter the ride. I was thinking of going to an 18" wheel so when I replace the brakes I could make the switch to the Porsche calipers and a larger rotor. I will roll the fenders as much as possible before I have the car painted so that should offer some more clearance. Thanks for the help.

[Moron95M3]

here's a start with some data.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1565280&highlight=what+wheels+tires+fit

[ModBargains]

Here are a few shots of one of our customers E36 M3 with some VMR VB3 installed! Thought you might enjoy ;)

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Products/VelocityMotoring/silvere35csl2.jpg

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Products/VelocityMotoring/silvere36csl.jpg

[scooper]

You can go with 18s if you want but they'll be heavier. Do you plan on tracking your vert? There's no need for Porsche brakes. Those are a lot more expensive.

People track e36s on oem blanks with oem calipers but with track pads. As for wheels I'd stick with 17s. Less weight and better protection from potholes especially since the vert is a lot heavier. You can go with 17x7.5s, 17x8.5s, or a mix (staggered). You'll need to roll the fenders if you want to go with 17x9 but the only reason to get those is if you want to run 255/40/17s. Unless you're making serious power I'd go with 225/45/17 or at the most 245/40/17s staggered or square. I have a set of M3 DS1s for sale if you're interested. Good luck with the fix!

[skyhighsami]

What size are those wheels on the silver car you posted Elliot? That's about the look I'm going for. How much if at all is that car lowered? Thanks, it looks great

Elliott I looked with my wife at wheels all night and she settled on the one's you linked. If you would please PM me if a 17 is available in the widest staggered size possible. If they aren't available in 17 how much more will the 18s weigh, and how much will they affect the ride quality. I really am interested and need to get the ball rolling asap. Thanks

[TommyZ]

:eek:
Here are a few shots of one of our customers E36 M3 with some VMR VB3 installed! Thought you might enjoy ;)

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Products/VelocityMotoring/silvere35csl2.jpg

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Products/VelocityMotoring/silvere36csl.jpg


Is this car on 18x8.5 all around on this pics. I know he is/was running 9.5 rear in other pics but these look like 8.5? If so what tire is he on?

I have a set of 18x8.5 all around and not sure what tire to run as I want my e36 very low. I have 225/40/18 up front witch is fine, 235/40/18 in the rear but they are too tall for my liking and the 225/40/18 looks to narrow from behind? Can I run 245/35/18 on a 8.5 wide slammed???

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j143/tomasacea/384ef8f5.jpg

[ModBargains]

I believe they are still the staggered set up but this was done a while ago and im not 100% sure. When i think about it, that tire size you listed should work..do you have any fender work done?