E36 M3 question

[doverby]

I've done alot of searching, and maybe I'm slow, but I can't seem to find a good solution for this:

I have a '98 M3/4, and I'd like to upgrade from my 17" contours to 18" e46 M3 replicas off ebay. I do NOT have rolled fenders, so I'm trying to figure out what rim sizes would allow me the most rubber on the street without rubbing.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like 18x8.5" in the front and 18x9" in the rear works without rubbing, then I have to make sure the offset is right, but am totally unclear about what offset is, or if it comes built into the wheel, or I have to get a spacer, or what.

Any help would be appreciated. Tires would be Michelin PS2's from tire rack.

[BavarianBeast]

Why replace your beautiful contours with e46 rims? They look really unproportional on an e36 IMO.

[thegoldenpower]

Why replace your beautiful contours with e46 rims? They look really unproportional on an e36 IMO.


+1 please dont do it!!!:(

[Sammyzuko]

If you get a lower suspension, the Contours will look sick on your car!! Sorry we're not much help.

[Team BM]

i think what you have now would look alot nicer!

[doverby]

well, I still don't know what size 18's will fit on the car, but I really do appreciate your input. Perhaps you've saved me some money on new wheels.

As far as suspension goes, I'm running bilstein right now. Is bilstein stock, or did the previous owner put that on? And are koni's the next logical step?

[JohnnyWash1]

Bilstein is not stock, and yes, most people would agree the Koni is the next step (and probably the best shock you can buy without spending SERIOUS money on Ohlins or some other exotic brand).