1989 E30 320is with DS1 Wheels, Will it Fit?

[verde2002]

Will the DS1 wheels fit a 1989 320is with E30 M3 5-lug conversion and will I need spacers. Please be specific as to width of spacers if needed, hub bore size issues and tire sizes that will work without rubbing both front and back. I am currently running E30 M3 wheels with 205/55/15 tires, car is lowered and no rubbing issues. Thank you.

[verde2002]

I'm surprised not a single forum member has the knowledge to help me with some information.

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Unfortunately, it's not possible to give you a 100% definitive answer. The reason is no one knows how much your car is lowered by and as such it's not possible to tell if you'll get rubbing by using the Style 22 wheels. You'll need to check the centre bore of the E30 M3 hubs you've fitted (I'm fairly sure they're 72.56mm) and I'm also fairly sure the Style 22's are 72.56mm CB as well. Next, you'll need to see if the offset of the style 22's of ET41 can work on the E30. If they're too high, then you can use spacers of the thickness you choose to then also ensure you don't rub, to make the wheel sit 'further out'. If the offset is too low, then you'll need to see if you can machine the backpad of the wheels enough to bring them to within the E30's required offset range.

On my last E30 which I sold back in mid 1999, I was running 17's that were a direct E30 fitment with no spacers needed - they were a very rare AC Schnitzer type 2 lookalike wheel, 4 stud fitment, E30 offsets and I vaguely recall at 7.5x17 all around. I also semi vaguely recall running 215/40/17 front tyres and 225/35/17 rears. I was running an 80mm suspension kit (shocks & springs) and the weight of my then sub enclosure perhaps had the ride height at 90-100mm lower as I was running 2 18inch subwoofers! I had zero issues with rubbing the arches, I did however have the extremely expensive issue of running an insane rear camber that only E30 owners can relate to, which meant my tyres would wear to the threads on the inners within 3-4 weeks! they were around the equivalent of about $400 each! I was in the USA for a visit during that tyre eating phase I had to go through, and purchased a camber adjustment kit from Dinan. No one I went to once back knew how to fit the kit and soon after that I put the word out I wished to sell the car and got a knock on my door within a day and more than my asking price in cash thrust in my face ! - I've always regretted selling the car with those wheels on and that I also let the still to this day, unique (as far as I'm aware!) subwoofer enclosure go as well!

Sorry for the trip down memory lane! Still have a soft spot for an E30 and I 'might' get another one as a toy again !

Cheers, Dennis!

[verde2002]

I appreciate your response as we all have a memory of a car we should have not sold and kept. It's good to know that you were able to fit 7.5 wheels and up to a 225 tire size. This at least is a good starting point for me to figure out how I can make it work on my car. Thank you again for the information.