Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Will 16” steel wheels fit over US e34 M5 brakes?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    144
    My Cars
    '87 325is, '91 525i,

    Will 16” steel wheels fit over US e34 M5 brakes?

    I’m looking at getting some winter wheels for Das Wagen to save my nice Style 32s from our lovely Cleveland winters. Per the title, I’m running the US-spec M5 calipers up front (the ‘small’ ones). The going thought seems to be that the smallest alloys that will clear are 17”. I’m curious to see if a smaller 16” plain steel wheel will still clear. Not worried about the rears as even with the 540i calipers I’m back I’ve got plenty of room.

    Thanks!

    __________________

    -Geno

    '87 325is s52 swapped
    '95 525iT Das Wagen
    '02 Range Rover 4.6 HSE
    '98 Discovery LSE Mud Rat

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Burlington, Ontario
    Posts
    1,122
    My Cars
    1991 750iL+ 2008 535xit6
    Yes, at least radially. They are the same calipers/rotors as the 540, which came stock in non-sport trim with 16" wheels. Now, if they are aftermarket steelies, you may have some lateral clearance issues, but there's no way to know that unless you try.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    ATX
    Posts
    3,450
    My Cars
    Sundry old Grrrrmans
    Two things:

    The 540 uses a 302mm rotor, and the M5 uses a 315mm rotor. I don't know of a factory 16" E34 M5 wheel option, but I had no issues fitting E38 16" Style 5s over my 315mm brakes. There was a few mm of clearance on the barrel.

    Typically, steelies have less barrel clearance than alloy wheels, so it would be a tough one. I dislike steelies on these cars, because alloy wheels (like my old Style 5s) can almost always be sourced just as cheaply as the uglier and far heavier steel wheels. Shrug.
    - Brent
    www.angry-ass.com

    Quote Originally Posted by danespann View Post
    Every E34 needs the same things in the end.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Burlington, Ontario
    Posts
    1,122
    My Cars
    1991 750iL+ 2008 535xit6
    Quote Originally Posted by BleedsBlue View Post
    The 540 uses a 302mm rotor, and the M5 uses a 315mm rotor.
    Learn something new every day. Thanks!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    144
    My Cars
    '87 325is, '91 525i,
    Well as a follow up, I located some cheap alloys from Craigslist, which turned out to be a quite decent set of Borbet type CF wheels. Jury is still out on the steelies but these clear the 315mm front brakes just fine. Das Wagen is sporting a fresh set of Altimax Arctic 12s so she’s all set for winter now.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by BlackSpeed66; 10-21-2018 at 10:13 PM.

    __________________

    -Geno

    '87 325is s52 swapped
    '95 525iT Das Wagen
    '02 Range Rover 4.6 HSE
    '98 Discovery LSE Mud Rat

Similar Threads

  1. Will E34 steel wheels fit my E39?
    By irelandoffline in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-19-2010, 01:30 PM
  2. Does 16" steel wheels for 2006 325i fit?
    By ronnieshih in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-12-2007, 02:25 PM
  3. 16" steel wheels fit an E36 M3?
    By Jay Barthelotte in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-03-2007, 10:18 PM
  4. Will 15'' wheels fit on a e34 m5?
    By ekdemos in forum 1988 - 1996 (E34)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 11-12-2006, 01:48 AM
  5. Do E36 16" Steel Wheels Fit E46???
    By mreda in forum Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-10-2005, 02:31 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •