PLEASE READ BEFORE POST: The ultimate wheel/tire fitment thread.

[Jim@tirerack]

celtsnsox,

The only thing I have left is 18X9 ET45 at 219.00 per wheel. This wheel would fitr all the way around with some help. Maybe a fender lip roll and a small spacer.

[Jim@tirerack]

sogood,

You would need to go with the 245/40R17 rear.

[clevertd]

Jim,

Would the following fit my E34?
Borbet Type E
17x8
5x120
13 offset

Thanks

[Lyons]

Is it essential to have the same width wheels on the rear of an E39? Im looking at several sets of replica BMW wheels, but all 4 wheels are the same size.

[franka]

Is it essential to have the same width wheels on the rear of an E39? Im looking at several sets of replica BMW wheels, but all 4 wheels are the same size.

No, it is not essential.

The Sport model comes with a staggerd set-up. BUT, having all 4 wheels and tires the same size will improve the handling over smaller in front and larger in the rear.

Bimmer owners that seriously race their car on weekends run the same size on all corners. Even those that run dedicated race cars run same size.

[sabbos1]

What are the consequences and is it even possible/feasible to put 205/55/16 on my 528iT that currently wears 225/55/16? I have an opportunity to pick up a set of used Nokian Hakkapelita Q snow shoes in great condition. Is this an option or a mistake?

The other option is I saw a set of 225/55/16 Michelin Alpine Pilots on 325i wheels. How do you determine what BMW wheels fit on my ride?

Thank you.

[Jim@tirerack]

The 205/55R16 is going to be shorter by almost a full inch. I would not recommend it.

[EdV]

Hi Jim,

Looking for a little information regarding winter wheels for a '98 M3 (E36) and whether they will fit it.

Winter Tires - Dunlop Wintersport M2s - 205/55R16 91
Wheels - Borbet Type E 16" rims (not sure of other info but bought package from TireRack if that helps )

I used these before on my '01 325i Sedan (sport pack) and I'm looking to sell now. I think they will work but not sure.

Thanks in advance.

[WRRRX]

Hi Jim,
I work for Enterprise and our luxury division recently purchased an '06 6 series at auction that was outfitted with 22' rims (265/30 in front and 295/25 in back). They rub the wheel well in front and back. We also carry an '06 7 series and I was wondering if these will fit without rolling the fenders. Thanks a ton.

[Jim@tirerack]

You are going to have to try the wheels to be sure on fitting and clearing the brakes on the E36 M3. I don't have the information on that wheel anymore.

[Jim@tirerack]

The tire sizes would be correct for the 7 Series in the 22". You don't have enough information on the wheels for me to tell if the wheels are correct.

[neurot75]

for an e36 325is coupe, if i wnat to get 17x8.5 rims whats the best offset to get? You said that you have to change the offset the wider the wheel gets. i would like to run 255's all around, or 245's, not trying to do a staggered set up, want the same all around. but my question lies within the offset. do you go lower or higher when the rin gets wider? what are the offsets for an 8, 8.5, and a 9 inch rim?

[neurot75]

Jim? anyone?

[franka]

for an e36 325is coupe, if i wnat to get 17x8.5 rims whats the best offset to get? You said that you have to change the offset the wider the wheel gets. i would like to run 255's all around, or 245's, not trying to do a staggered set up, want the same all around. but my question lies within the offset. do you go lower or higher when the rin gets wider? what are the offsets for an 8, 8.5, and a 9 inch rim?

Go to the Tire Rack site and look up offset. Then you will be able to answer the question for yourself.

[Jim@tirerack]

The wheel that we have that works the best is the Kosei K1 and they are 17X8.5 with a 40mm offset. I would say the 245/40R17 would be the best size to run.
If I can help with the wheels and or tires just let me know.
Thank you,

[sabbos1]

The 205/55R16 is going to be shorter by almost a full inch. I would not recommend it.

Thanks for the information. Follow up question. Is there any advantage with a winter tire in going to a 215/60/16? It is much closer in height to the 225/55/16 that I run with all season tires. Where I am really heading is hoping to find a size that works but costs less than the 225/55/16.

[KoRny]

I'm planning on purchasing a set of 17x7" rims with a 25 mm offset for my E30. Now I was wondering, would this be an issue or will it be okay?

[neurot75]

Go to the Tire Rack site and look up offset. Then you will be able to answer the question for yourself.

thanx...

[neurot75]

all tirerack says about offset is that theres zero offset, postsive and negative. things i already knew. this doesnt answer my question. at all.

[franka]

The diagram there explains offset all by itself. Even w/o the explanation that goes with it.

The idea here is that you should be able to understand the diagram with or without the explanation. You would then be able to understand offset and be able to answer your own questions. Even when someone asks you about offset you could help because you understand.

Or you can keep rolling your eyes and asking everyone for help. Asking them to tell you what is up and down and what is negative and what is positive.

No sweat off my b**** if you don't learn.

[neurot75]

I wasnt asking what negative and postive camber is, i understand that. i merely wanted to know what were the offsets popularly used for e36 coupes when using wheels 8" wide up to 9"

If say, a 17x7.5 wheel has 38mm camber then would i want to go higher or lower in the offset if i want to put on a 17x8.5 wheel. that is what i was asking.
what i could find on tirerack doenst really explain this. It says that negative camber is usually found on wheels iwth deep lips, and postive camber is common on fwd cars or newere rwd cars. and taht the centerbore of the hweel is closer to the outside, and vice versa for negative camber.

So. im merely asking for some help. isnt what this thread is for?

[franka]

Do you go to a higher or lower offset when you get wider wheels?

That was the question and understanding offset will give you the answer, you see?

[neurot75]

what is your problem, why do you insist on trolling around me. seriously.
yes that was my question. i am trying to understand offset but you seem to be only hindering me and angering me. stop trying to sound as if a wise ass. actually just stop talking to me youre really starting to get on my nerves. i can see that i will get nowhere with you, and no one else will chime in on helping me answer my question.

just for the record, that question i stated in my very first post on this thread. i asked where i go lower or higher when going on a wider wheel. why must you repeat yourself. fahq off.

[Jim@tirerack]

The 25mm offset would be fine. I would say go with 215/45R17 or 205/45R17 rear. If I can help let me know.

[Jim@tirerack]

sabbos1,

The 215/60R16 for the winter is a very good way to go. I actually have that size in the Blizzak Revo1 on a E39 5 Series myself.
If I can help let me know.