Thinking of 18x9 Square Setup. Fitment Questions

[Thanassi44]

Thinking of going with an 18x9 square setup next summer on my '02 530. It's currently on non-sport factory suspension but I plan to lower it with either factory sport springs or possibly a pinch lower with something aftermarket (H&R, Eibach). Certainly nothing approaching stance life since this is a daily driver. I'd like to keep a more OEM look so I'm not interested in "tucking" or stretching tires or camber plates, etc. Think of a factory M5 or 540 m sport with 18" wheels. Something close to that with respect to fitment and ride height.

I just love the extra lip on the style 42s and I need it all around. Offset is 24 on these.

1. I know plenty of folks who have gone with factory 9" wheels in the front without modification, but what are the potential pitfalls (if any)?

2. What tire sizes would you guys recommend for this setup?

I hope I've been descriptive enough.

[AquilaBMW]

Will these be rears wheels? If so, I'd check to confirm the offset on the fronts - I believe you might need spacers to clear the strut assembly lower plates.

[Thanassi44]

Yes that's what I'm thinking too. Just wanted to see what folks with similar setups are running. Theoretically, I could go with 3-5mm spacers in front (ET20 vs ET24), but just wanted to hear from folks who have the experience either way.

[1gr8e39]

Squaring up is great, but why not go staggered if it fits and you get more contact patch on the drive tires? Squared would make sense if space was an issue, but wider rears are still bolt up. Here’s the setup I like most. Static ride, not coil overs. Just lowering springs and the right wheel size. Getting the right wheels and spacers (if necessary) is crucial to your car being enjoyable. I could smash around corners with 4 people and a full tank of gas. They were flush and filled the well perfectly
Here’s the front 19x9.5+20 and a 12mm spacer.


The rears were 19x10.5+22 no spacers. Aside from being 19” everything else would be the same, and you’ll have 10mm more sidewall on 18’s
Rears


Rear compressed


Those were the easiest wheels I ever installed. Didn’t have to roll or cut, never rubbed, and they were cheap I just gave them the specs that another BF member gave me and they were perfect.
Couple side pictures taken specifically to show fitment... I miss that car


If you ran 18x9.5+20 and 12mm spacer front, 18x10.5+22 rear it’ll line up like the pictures. 245/40/18 front tires and 275/35/18 will fill up the wheel wells nicely and have enough sidewall cushion IMO. Hope this helps