Rota RB Wheels

[Neu Alt]

There's a seller on eBay offering 15X7 Rota RBs with an offset of +25 and advertises them for 2002, E21 and E30.
I thought these cars all have different offset requirements. He claims they work with the E21. Will they?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SILVER-15X7...53.m1438.l2649

My intent was to keep this car stock with the original steel wheels which I really like the look of. Problem is of course, decent 13" tires are hard to come by.

[jaredmac11]

At the very least, its annoying he can ask $500 but cant give you a picture of each wheel.

[amarino]

> More than 10 available

Also lol
2017-11-16_172205.png

It gets better:
Item specifics

Condition:	New	Brand:	rota wheels
Number of Bolts:	4	Manufacturer Part Number:	RRB1570254100571RS
Bolt Pattern:	4x100	Rim Material:	Aluminum
Hub Bore:	73.1	Rim Width:	7
Rim Structure:	One Piece	Rim Diameter:	15
Country of Manufacture:	China	Offset:	+25
Rim Brand:	RoTA WHEELS	UPC:	Does Not Apply

According to the DIY/FAQ thread our E21's have a 57.1mm center bore.

[Neu Alt]

I saw that disclaimer too about the E21 so that's why I sent a message to ask if they had other sets. Here's the response:

New message from: aspecwheel (21,315)

Hi , sorry we only have this off set and we did some before they do work . Thank you! Adam C A Spec Wheels & Tires LLC

[pofo]

Do some simple math and you will know.
The wheel is 15x7 so add 1" for the outside of the lip, so the total with of the wheel is 8".
8" in mm is 203.2mm. subtract 50% = 101.6 witch = 0 offset.
With positive offset wheel add that number to 0 offset and that will be the distance from the hub to the inside lip.
101.6-25=126.6mm/4.9" from hub to inside lip
203.2-126.6=76.6mm/3.01" from hub to face of wheel.

[Neu Alt]

Do some simple math and you will know.
The wheel is 15x7 so add 1" for the outside of the lip, so the total with of the wheel is 8".
8" in mm is 203.2mm. subtract 50% = 101.6 witch = 0 offset.
With positive offset wheel add that number to 0 offset and that will be the distance from the hub to the inside lip.
101.6-25=126.6mm/4.9" from hub to inside lip
203.2-126.6=76.6mm/3.01" from hub to face of wheel.

Great explanation. Armed with that you can physically measure where the inside and outside of the wheel will be once mounted.

Using your formula I've calculated that the Rotas will be a 1/2" further out on the car and almost an inch more to the inside. Will have to check inner clearances.

On further research I found that ECS has specific hub rings to fit the 73.1 to 57.1 sizing difference which is common for fitting aftermarket wheels.

Actually I think the wheels look too far out on the 2002 and more right on the E21.

Still not sure I would buy these. May refinish my 5.5 steelies and find some 205 60 13 tires to fatten them up.

[pofo]

Great explanation. Armed with that you can physically measure where the inside and outside of the wheel will be once mounted.

All you need is a right angle and a plum line if you want to get fancy.

[Heretic E21]

Those are actually too high of offset and will take a spacer to clear the tie rod ends.

Rota makes (or did) an RB specific for the e21. Literally it's a 15x7, 4x100, 57.1mm hub bore and et13. I remember I had a new set in silver saved on my eBay forever. I can't find them now.

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/to...l-your-flares/

[Neu Alt]

There you go. That also must have been the spec for the group buy a few years ago. No point messing around with spacers and hub rings if you can source this one. Will check Rota's website.

[mxl556]

Like Heretic E21 says, Rota had a limited run of e21 specific wheels. The ones you see for sale now would work on the 2002 or e30 and have offset of 25mm with more universal larger center bore. Unlike e21's, 2002's use wheel offsets similar to e30 offsets (20-30mm).
What usually happens with the common center bore of 73.1 is that you get a centering ring, they are available separately. Offset of 25mm is not going to work on the e21 without spacers.

In order to use these wheels you would need centering rings and 12-15mm spacers with longer bolts. They will not fit as is.

Max

[Neu Alt]

That's apparent now and not something I would be interested in doing. Better to find a wheel that's more specific for the use. Perhaps a used set of RBs will turn up or even NOS.
Not locked into that style but they do look good on the E21. I bought my car because it has the original 5-1/2" steel wheels which I like the look of but finding good tires is always a problem.

[pofo]

A nice set of wheels are hard to find for this car, I had a hell of a time until I found some factory option BBS RA 15x7 with an ET of +13 if I remember correctly. I also had to run longer lugs so I converted to extended studs.

[320iAman]

Philippines:

They have 13 x 7 , 4 x 100 , e-10 to+ 4 as well.

Randy

[pofo]

Philippines:

They have 13 x 7 , 4 x 100 , e-10 to+ 4 as well.

Randy

Tires might be very limited in a 13"

[okieflats]

I like the 15x7 mesh ones. They'd need the 10mm spacer though.

[320iAman]

Here is a set of 4 enkei rims 13 x 5.5 4x100 for $600, New old stock. I have 5- 4 plus a spare Enkei 13 x 5.5 4x100 et 18, dont forget your spare rim.
s-l1600.jpgs-l1601.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS...BaANXZ&vxp=mtr

have a nice day

Randy

[westaussie323i]

IMAG0093.jpg

I found these through as tyre shop by accident as the guy had a chuckle when I told him I wanted some E21 rims...the supplier had these, that had been made for an E30 (I think) but they didnt tell me that at the time. So I had to get spacers and hub ring as they did hit the tie rod ends. These were Speedy brand from memory 15 x7 I got lucky and only paid $480 for the set but its really hard to find a reasonable priced rim for E21 here in Australia so not sure what I will put on the other Baur as yet
By the way the car doesnt have those chrome arches anymore :-)

[Neu Alt]

Here is a set of 4 enkei rims 13 x 5.5 4x100 for $600, New old stock. I have 5- 4 plus a spare Enkei 13 x 5.5 4x100 et 18, dont forget your spare rim.
s-l1600.jpgs-l1601.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS...BaANXZ&vxp=mtr

have a nice day

Randy

Those are actually pretty neat. What are they, chromed steel rims with aluminum centers like the old Dunlop MG rims?

[320iAman]

They'll sit up there for a while..then someone will buy them,, I dont know the et of those though the owner probably does. Mine has the spacer incorporated and hub centric exact match to stock BMW Rims 13" x 5.5, from an early era. Those are new classic style, mine are older classic style and an exact match to stock bmw rims in relevant dimensions, they are basket weaves.

This is one of the peaves I have about 14 or 15 in rims, they want to sell them and say they fit the e21 yet, they dont have it together, they are piece meal, the studs,center ring, spacers and so forth are out in the boon docks,, I will not consider piecemeal offerings--thats unprofessional and an amateur trying to sell to an informed buyer.

Randy

[Neu Alt]

They'll sit up there for a while..then someone will buy them,, I dont know the et of those though the owner probably does. Mine has the spacer incorporated and hub centric exact match to stock BMW Rims 13" x 5.5, from an early era. Those are new classic style, mine are older classic style.

Randy

I thought it was you who was selling those. They're different than yours. Like I mentioned earlier, light rust spots indicates chromed steel band with aluminum center. ET stamp its not clear in photo. May inquire but I don't see them as particularly valuable. (as all aluminum) Could be fun to run for a while if offset is right and price is low.

[Heretic E21]

Those are actually pretty neat. What are they, chromed steel rims with aluminum centers like the old Dunlop MG rims?

I have the same vintage Enkei's, but in 15x6 on my Saturn. They are 2pc welded together, the centers are cast aluminum and the barrels are "spun forged" aluminum. Very strong wheels, pretty light too.

[320iAman]

I thought it was you who was selling those. They're different than yours. Like I mentioned earlier, light rust spots indicates chromed steel band with aluminum center. ET stamp its not clear in photo. May inquire but I don't see them as particularly valuable. (as all aluminum) Could be fun to run for a while if offset is right and price is low.

No, I'm not selling them, I found them on ebay.

Randy

[320iAman]

Those are actually pretty neat. What are they, chromed steel rims with aluminum centers like the old Dunlop MG rims?

My Enkei Classic Rims are 13 x 5.5 et18, 4x100 lug pattern, 57.1mm center bore , all Aluminum and run stock tires P 185/70R13 The newer Enkei classics are different from the older classics, Center Hubs for these older classics are non existant new , I have a line on new center hubs to match exactly, yet the embossed Enkei is gone will have to use stickers on them, if I go this way or look for a rising sun connection to make me some new ones--not an easy task to locate this person on the fly, although you never know.

Randy

[okieflats]

Here is the (old) group buy thread - https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...oup-Buy-Thread

And here is the outfit that placed the order, a retailer in Fremont, California - https://www.wheeldude.com/wordpress/

I think they could place another. At least they should be able to. They make the same thing in a 25 offset. The only difference for making a 13 offset is a slight adjustment in the assembly of the center to the barrel.

The RB Wheel Group Buy Thread
You all want wheels and here is the deal:
RBs in gunmetal with a polished lip ONLY
15x7 ONLY
et13 ONLY
57.1mm centerbore
13.5lbs per wheel
Centercap included
$495 per set which includes shipping to the lower 48
12 to 14 weeks production time
$100 non-refundable deposit (refundable if order is not entered)
California residents add tax
Funds payable direct to Subydude

I spoke with Zoeb at Subydude and told him we will confirm the order in one week. Pix of the wheel attached. Feel free to email me for info, questions or concerns, bruce AT peachtreebmwcca DOT org

[320iAman]

I have the same vintage Enkei's, but in 15x6 on my Saturn. They are 2pc welded together, the centers are cast aluminum and the barrels are "spun forged" aluminum. Very strong wheels, pretty light too.

They look good.

Randy