Spacers needed?

[heemry328i]

Alright so i just got 18" bmw performance rims for my 08' e90. i was wondering if i would need spacers? i dont get the whole concept of what spacers are and what an offset is.

[jacksongto]

Check here:

1010tires.com/tech.asp?type=wheels (sorry, can't post full links yet, add the WWW)

Pretty good overview on wheels offsets.

Click the "wheel offset calculator" and you can see the effect of different rim combos and how it will affect clearance

Also, stamped on your wheel will be a number like "8 1/2J X 17H2 ET15" the "15" is the offset in mm

hope this helps

Jim

[Jim@tirerack]

If the wheels are factory for the 3 Series you won't need anything.

[JBURGS47]

Ok, how about this then... I'm thinking about getting a set of 18x8 5x120 ET 34 wheels for my e36. Obviously something has to change, but will it be spacers or fender rolling? I don't really understand the offset thing yet, but I know spacers are easy and fender rolling isn't.

[M62pwrdE38]

Ok, how about this then... I'm thinking about getting a set of 18x8 5x120 ET 34 wheels for my e36. Obviously something has to change, but will it be spacers or fender rolling? I don't really understand the offset thing yet, but I know spacers are easy and fender rolling isn't.

Those will probably fit without fender rolling. You would need a very light roll at the most. Spacers essentially lower offset and lower offset means the wheel sticks out further from the hub. If the wheel sticks out too far then rolling the fenders might help them fit. I think you'll be fine though.

[Jim@tirerack]

I would stay with a 225/40R18 tire and you will need to roll the fender lip or run more negative camber.