Japanese vert with different wheel offset?

[Ricardo Dude]

I have recently acquired a Japanese imported vert (1996) and after searching for some nicer wheels and wider tires I've discovered that this car has a different offset than NA models (47 vs 40 NA). Does this mean I will need to use spacers in order to use a 16" with 225/55? Will regular e36 wheels work without rubbing? Can anyone tell me if there are a range of offsets that will work before I start chasing wheels that won't fit?
Thanks for any input

[TheJordanWhitte]

7mm isn’t that much, you should be fine with a 40et

[bluptgm3]

ET41 is a typical E36 offset for 17” wheels.
Looks like factory fitment runs from ET41 thru ET47, depending on diameter and width.
I just took a quick glance at www.realoem.com for a 1995 318 ‘Vert and found this list for one wheel type -
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=36_2192

…from this list of possible wheels -
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...BMW-318i&mg=36

This is an interesting site recommended in another thread -
www.bmwstylewheels.com/3

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ricardo Dude]

Thanks you guys! I hadn't thought to consult RealOEM and that sure helps me see that there are many choices in factory wheels. My experience with e30's has lead me to believe that 17" wheels and the lack of sidewall flex in 17" tires makes for a rather harsh ride but 16" seem OK So I've thought to look for 16" but would like something with a little more contact and thought 225/55/16's should give clearance but with a slightly beefier look. Then I found this info about 47mm offset and got confused by what options there were?

[jc43089]

225/50R16 is one of the stock recommended sizes. A 55 sidewall will be a little tall.

[Ricardo Dude]

Good catch JC...I had actually earmarked some 225/50/16 and kind of mis-spoke in my posting here but good to clear that up so as not to add to my confusion :-)
Update...i just tried a set of style 42's that I thought were the wrong offset as I has them on my e46xiT in 205/55/16...these are less than 1/4" of an inch taller than the 205/60/15's that were on there from japan and they fit fine, though not much wider than the originals but they look very nice on there

[Deus Ex Machina]

47mm is a common offset for a lot of E36 15" and 16" wheels on North American cars.

[MParallel]

ET (offset) is relative to a wheel'ss width. So depending on that, various values of ET will fit just fine.