Wheel Spacers for e46 M3 Wheels on e38

[Vulkar59]

Looking for some help and guidance. I am looking to install e46 stock wheels on me 1998 e38. My understanding is that the lug and bore size is identical between the two models but I would need spacers on the front wheels. Seems to me I would need 20mm spacers, is that correct? Additionally, what is a known dependable brand of spacers?

Thanks,

[Timm]

You need to know the offset of the wheels (which is stamped ETxx on the rim) - and then use this information to chose a spacer:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/Timms_..._tyre_page.htm

[AHolland]

I think the E38 has a plus 20 offset if I remember well. The offset is the distance from the center of the rim to the bolting face where the lug bolts go. When you change to a different rim you need the spacers to push the offset in the right direction. You will likely also need longer lug bolts to allow for at least 5 full threads to make contact where they screw in. One other issue on the spacers needs to be mentioned. The hub on the E38 has a bit of a radius between the hub and back face of the rotor at most times. Make sure any spacers you get have the inside face of the spacer radiased or the spacer will not sit flush with the rotor bolt face but instead hang out 2-4 mm. When that happens the hub tends to cut into the aluminum spacers and the spacer moves back allowing the lug bolts to become loose. I put a set of 17" rims from a 2008? BMW SUV on my car and they had an offset of around 45 so I added some 25mm spacers and was good to go. I talked to a guy through the email fortiz@rcmexport.com and I was happy with what i got. I was able to haggle him down a little bit.