Perfect e36 wheel size

[Themachine]

So I need some wheels. It's about time. I've never put aftermarket wheels on any of the 6 bimmers I've had but have researched many times and almost pulled the trigger( I like seeing the money in my bank and not on my car) but times have changed.
The car is a 92 325i with 15 inch style 17s. I like the wheels alot. They're light, they look nice and are in good shape. But soon I will begin auto crossing and these won't cut it. I need tires but am just going to buy wheels while I'm at it.

I want at least 17s. I'm thinking 17x7.5 to avoid any fitment issues when I lower the car. Will this fit ok with the correct tire? I will never go crazy low just bilstien with some lowering springs or decent adjustable coilovers. I won't be spending a whole bunch max 150 a wheel so don't suggest anything to fancy. The car is 25 years old and is worth nothing.

Offset has me very confused. I can't find the offset for the style 17s. I don't want them to stick out or anything I'm thinking 38 to 42 somewhere in there.

Here is the car now
20161006_152345.jpg

It will soon have a gloss black hood roof and trunk and painted black bumpers.

Any suggestions and or information on sizes or fitment is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Pelican Parts]

Check out this article, it'll explain everything you need to know about wheel fitment and spacing.

Wheel Fitment & Spacing Guide


-Dmitry

[frost12850]

I would just find a used set of ds1 or ds2 wheels.

I have a set of ds2's I may be getting rid of that are black.

[Mless5]

17" is the max I would recommend for this car, but keep in mind that 16" is not a bad option with a broader & cheaper tire spectrum available.

[Jim@tirerack]

Below is a link to all the wheels we carry that fit your car. Keep in mind that the 17" will be a stiffer ride than the 15" OE set up. There are numerous options in both 16" and 17" listed. If I can help with anything let me know.

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/resu...&package=false

[pbonsalb]

The 96-99 M3 used 17x8.5 rear with 245/40/17 and 17x7.5 front with 225/45/17. Those sizes would be a nice upgrade. The 95M3 used 17x7.5 front and rear with 235/40/17 front and rear, which would also be a good upgrade and let you rotate tires front to rear.

People more seriously into handling will often go 17 x 8.5 with 245/40/17 front and rear. They may combine 2 sets of rear wheels or buy aftermarket wheels like Apex ARC8 (that are lighter than the stock wheels). Any bigger risks rubbing under some conditions, and 245/40 fronts may require a spacer depending on suspension set up, so look into that further if interested.

[Jim@tirerack]

The 96-99 M3 used 17x8.5 rear with 245/40/17 and 17x7.5 front with 225/45/17. Those sizes would be a nice upgrade. The 95M3 used 17x7.5 front and rear with 235/40/17 front and rear, which would also be a good upgrade and let you rotate tires front to rear.

People more seriously into handling will often go 17 x 8.5 with 245/40/17 front and rear. They may combine 2 sets of rear wheels or buy aftermarket wheels like Apex ARC8 (that are lighter than the stock wheels). Any bigger risks rubbing under some conditions, and 245/40 fronts may require a spacer depending on suspension set up, so look into that further if interested.

You need to be careful with the size of the tires and the offset and width of the wheels though. Some lower offset wheels can cause rubbing issues on the fenders.

[pjo33us]

Hey Jim, on an E36 with 17x8 ET40 SSRs would you go 225/45 or 245/40? Dedicated summer/auto-x wheel set... like to stay square.

[Jim@tirerack]

Hey Jim, on an E36 with 17x8 ET40 SSRs would you go 225/45 or 245/40? Dedicated summer/auto-x wheel set... like to stay square.

I would go with either the 225/45R17 or 235/40R17 all the way around. If I can help let me know.

[pjo33us]

Thanks for answering... I was thinking 245/40 as that would still give me the same height as a 225/45, right?

Also, separate note, and sorry of jacking this thread but, one of my SSR Integrals seems bent and has a very small stress crack. Is it worth it for me to try and fix it and if not ANY idea where I might find one? They have not been made in like 10 years or more.

[pbonsalb]

245/40 is a little fat for an 8 inch wheel but ok. I think it's the far end of the spec range and probably provides more grip but the sidewall won't feel as sharp. There is a debate on a similar size choice among racers using stock 17x8.5 wheels -- some run 255s and some 245s and I am not sure there is a definitive answer. BMW for example specified 235/40 for 17x7.5 for the 95 M3. Running 245/40 on 17x8 should be ok if 255/40 works on 17x8.5 and 235/40 works on 17x7.5.

[Jim@tirerack]

They will fit on the wheel but may need a little work on the fenders on the front. If I can help let me know.

[pjo33us]

Thanks Jim you have been super helpful... I think I am pretty convinced to just go 225/45 all around... Which tire do you think is the best value for summer only (we can see pretty substantial rain) & an occasional auto-x? Conti Extreme Contact DW or Hankook Ventus V12 or ??? Seems like there are some pretty good deals out there.

[Jim@tirerack]

I still have some Conti DW comining into us on 04/04. It is better than the Hankook and they do have a 70.00 mail in rebate on the set.
If I can help let me know.