Where are offset & backspace #'s for all BMW's & their wheels?

[TambourineMan]

Is there a resource that provides the backspace and offset information for each model and year BMW and style of wheels. People routinely advertise a certain style # wheel or wheel that is used on a certain model, year and trim (sport or non-sport) BMW. Where does one go to find if it will find their own model, year and trim BMW?

For instance, I cannot find the offset or backspace numbers for a 335xi coupe in the (2007) owner's manual, nor in the brochures for coupes of that year. The BMW styles whether they are sport or non-sport are different numbers for sedans versus coupes, but TireRack comes up with the same wheel for each.

I can speculate that the offset for a 2008 335xi coupe is 34 or 35 mm (but not whether it is positive or negative) because when I tell TireRack to show me wheels for that year and model that is the offset shown for all they say that match. However unlike BMW, TireRack can come up with wheels that will fit both the 335i sedan and the 335xi coupe. I could tell TireRack to select wheels for various models, years and trims but there has got to be a better way. Besides tirerack only provides the offset number, not the backspace and does not indicate if it is positive or negative

How can I more easily find out if various 17 by 8.0 wheels will fit my 335xi coupe (with standard all seasons - NOT the staggered non-high performance tires), that is reasonably match as a spare with a style 188 wheel?

[GH41]

http://www.kalach.easynet.be/ GH

[TambourineMan]

Hey, that's a great resource!

Sorry for the noobie questions.

But it doesn't show whether the offset is positive or negative - is it all the same for all BMW"s

Also it doesn't show the backspace - again is it all the same for all BMW's?

that is are these non-issues?

[98M3_4]

The offset figures for Bimmers are positive

You'll have to calculate the backspace figure on your own given the offset and width of the wheel. It's a different measure of wheel fitment. Nowadays, most wheel fitment figures you'll see will be in offset measurement rather than backspace. Backspace figures you'll see more commonly on "racing" type wheels for US domestic market, unless they provide offset measurement also now, i don't know

[TambourineMan]

I have read of people getting wheels that they think should fit based on the offset, but have problems with the wheel not clearing the brake calipers. Why does this happen and how can one make sure it doesn't. That is where can I get the details of whether the calipers on a 335xi coupe will be a problem and what measurement to look for in the wheel details.

[GH41]

Some of the upper end brake and wheel companys can supply paper templates to check for wheel clearance. Your best bet is to buy from an established supplier, someone who sells both wheels and brakes. GH

[98M3_4]

I have read of people getting wheels that they think should fit based on the offset, but have problems with the wheel not clearing the brake calipers. Why does this happen and how can one make sure it doesn't. That is where can I get the details of whether the calipers on a 335xi coupe will be a problem and what measurement to look for in the wheel details.

They didn't get the right offset, plain and simple.
Sometimes people have problems with this when they have an aftermarket BBK installed already and then are buying aftermarket wheels, or vice-versa.

[michaele30]

Here is another great site too.

http://www.gruppeb.com/BMWwheels/fitments/

Good luck!

[TambourineMan]

I have been reading about how hitting a pothole in an xi can eject a cup of coffee out of the cup holder and give you a teeth jarring bump. I am getting the normal 17" 45 profile tires, but if I don't like the ride here in the pothole ridden northeast, I was wondering if I have the option to go to 16" wheels. I suppose one issue is how they would look, but in addition to that, would they even fit?

Are there any 16" wheels that will fit a 335xi coupe? Or are the brake calipers all too large?

[playzinc]

I don't find the 18's to rough at all, but that could be cause I'm used to coil overs in the wifes Lexus....
But seriously I have the tyres slightly over inflated just at the moment and it's fine...comes down to shocks too.