Will '98 E36 sport wheels fit a '95 E36? [Archive] - Bimmerforums

RRL

11-11-2002, 07:58 PM

I have someone interested in my sport wheel and tire set off my '98 E36 323ic (Style 42 aka BBS rims, 16 X 7). Pics can be seen on www.isharalike.com. He has a '95 E36. When he called the dealership, they told him that the offset is different between a '95 and a '98. I can't understand for the life of my how or why this could be the case.

Is the dealership for real? Definative (links appreciated) information would be MUCH appreciated. Obviously different offsets would kill the deal. The Dealer's parts department being WRONG though, NOT unheard of ;-)

Dark Helmet

11-11-2002, 08:39 PM

um, I don't think there are any problems with the swap... but I'll move this to wheels/tires for the experts to look at.

Stylin

11-11-2002, 09:25 PM

I dont see why it wont fit.. all E36 should be swappable. Ive never heard the older E36s having a different offset than the newer ones at all.

jblack

11-11-2002, 09:35 PM

Avoid that dealer! Offset is the same...but...

The M3 comes with 17" x 7.5 for 95. He is going to a smaller, narower wheel. You may have trouble with clearing the caliper, but most 16" fit an E36 M3 without issues. If this is for the winter setup, that's OK, but for the street normally, it's not a good idea to "under wheel and tire" a car. Most people look for what is the biggest thing that they can fit, not the smallest...

If you absolutely need definitive info (and don't trust us), call the tire rack!

M13

02-25-2008, 01:14 AM

Avoid that dealer! Offset is the same...but...

The M3 comes with 17" x 7.5 for 95. He is going to a smaller, narower wheel. You may have trouble with clearing the caliper, but most 16" fit an E36 M3 without issues. If this is for the winter setup, that's OK, but for the street normally, it's not a good idea to "under wheel and tire" a car. Most people look for what is the biggest thing that they can fit, not the smallest...

If you absolutely need definitive info (and don't trust us), call the tire rack!

Can anyone else confirm if 16's will work? I always thought there would be a clearing issue with the calipers? What offset would they need to be?