7" and 7.5" fitment question

[sammk]

Is there a problem running 17X7.5 rears and 17X7 fronts on an '04 325i with Sport Package? The offset on all fours will be equal (40 mm) and the tires will be the same size - 225/45/17. Will this set up work for winter and all-seasons equally well? Any trade-offs in handling or grip?

I looked through the last several pages and did not find a post with the same question. Your help is appreciated.

[ocwheelz]

Not sure what the stock wheel width is, but you shouldnt have any problems. your tires are 8.9 inches wide. i would stay with the same width wheels all around, that way you can rotate them equally.

[sammk]

Not sure what the stock wheel width is, but you shouldnt have any problems. your tires are 8.9 inches wide. i would stay with the same width wheels all around, that way you can rotate them equally.

I believe the OEM width is 7.5". I wanted to make sure that running this sort of arrangement will not need offset plates or cause driveability issues. It appears that it should work fine with the exception of not being able to rotate front-rear. Thanks, OC.

[SleepRM3]

It's best to maintain a square setup (same 7.5-widths all around). BMW already sets up these cars to understeer from the factory. Running a even a slightly narrower wheel up front will dial in more understeer.

[sammk]

Thanks, SleepRM3. I was not aware of the understeer factor. I just bought some rims, so I am ending up going the non-square route. However, I do have the choice of running winter tires or all-seasons on them. Which do you think will see minimal detriments of running non-square? (My other set of rims is 17x8 OEM).