7 series vs 8 series wheel fitment

[gaspump]

Can you take a 7 series e38 wheel and put it on a 850 e31? Not a stock wheel, but a aftermarket wheel. Are the offsets similiar? Thanks

[Chamberlin]

Can you take a 7 series e38 wheel and put it on a 850 e31? Not a stock wheel, but a aftermarket wheel. Are the offsets similiar? Thanks

Don't mean to be snarky, but how are we supposed to know what the offsets are on some random aftermarket wheel from an E38?

I mean, the bolt pattern and hub size are the same (5x120, 72.56mm), but aside from that, you'll just have to compare the aftermarket wheels' widths and offsets to whatever wheels you're replacing, and make some calculated decisions. There are some really good tire/wheel calculators online now too, which will help.

[masbury]

Here ya go...

BMW Wheel Size Chart Update Nbr 5.jpg

[kiwiCSi]

Mike, that's a great chart - have now saved a copy for future reference, thanks for posting.

[gaspump]

What I'm trying to say is this. I have a factory set of 19 M5 wheels on my 7 now and they fit perfectly. I'm guessing about a 20 et offset. Just wondering if the 8 suspension is similar where these or similar same offset wheels would fit an 8, by not sticking out too far or in too far.

[Chamberlin]

https://www.willtheyfit.com/wheels/
https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/
https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator

Here's your starting spec, the stock E31 Style 8/style 9 wheels:

16" diameter x 7.5" wheel width, offset ET15

Figure out the exact width and offset from those 19" M5 wheels and plug the numbers in to one of the calculators above. Try to gauge if the difference is going to be a problem or not with regard to suspension clearance and peek/poke. It's not just a matter of the suspension being similar or not (which they are to a large extent), but the body shape and overhang of the fenders. We haven't even started to talk about how tire size can can also get you into (or out of) trouble.

Better yet, just try them on the car!

There's probably not many people out there who are intimately familiar with how E38 wheel fitment compares to E31 fitment specifically. It's just not a question that I'd suspect is answerable without some emperical testing.

For more E31 related wheel info, don't forget Tim's page:

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

[Hyper]

...how E38 wheel fitment compares to E31...empirical testing...

Shown on my E31 w/275's: Style 42, RS743, optioned as a staggered rear on the E38.
Straight bolt, no complaints, but you must have an Oxford Green.




Can't speak for the E38 front (RS742, 18x8et20), as I'm borrowing the E39's RS745 (18x9et24 w/ring & 15spcr).
I was gonna tell you how rare my 9-1/2's are, but googling just now, I see there is a RS742 + 743 set being offloaded out of Salt Lake City.

[gaspump]

I'd be great if I had the e31 here, but I don't. Thanks for all the reply's and I'll look over all the info.

[rjbaren]

I have a reconditioned square set of 17' E39 style 42s I was going to put on my E39. Do you have a picture of your 840 with the 42s? I currently have a square set of M parallels on the car. Thanks in advance.

[Hyper]

E39 style 42, RS740, 17x8et20, square set, 245/45, with rings & spacers.




Near: RS745 18x9 245/40. Far: RS740 17x8 245/45.

[Chamberlin]

I know somebody in Colorado selling a super nice set of those if anyone's interested. I was going to get them myself for my 525i sport, but ended up finding a rare set of 18" staggered 540i sport M parallel wheels instead.

BTW nice Oxford 840ci! That's 3 posters in a row with Oxford 840's! Lol

[rjbaren]

Your car looks great. Thank your for the extra photos. I have never used rings or spacers. But I do have the Hyper Method suspension. Do you get any vibrations?

[Chamberlin]

Keep in mind that you should use adapter rings on any E39 wheel used on a non-E39 application, as the E39 has a 74.1mm center bore, whereas the E38 (and almost all other BMWs) have a 72.56mm bore.