Wheel offset/width question for a newb...

[Shaun K]

Hey, I'm about to get my first BMW ever, a 91 318iS.

I'm looking at possible wheel options, and while I will probably end up with a set of Kosei's for occasional track use, I am planning on a slightly nicer set of wheels for the street.

From what I've read and what I know is readily available, a 15x7.5 +25 will fit just fine (Ronal LS). However, the wheels I plan on ordering come in several width and offset options:

15x7 +29
15x7.5 +23
15x8 +29
15x8 +30

Any suggestions as to which of those will be the best fit all around? Suspension won't be too low, probably some OTS Koni's and Eibach springs. I'm flexible on 205/50 vs. 225/50 tires too, although with the M42 engine I'll proably be better off with the 205's.

So far I'm leaning towards the 15x7.5 +23 all around, what do you think?

TIA,

-SK

[808BMW]

Re: Wheel offset/width question for a newb...

So far I'm leaning towards the 15x7.5 +23 all around, what do you think?

I vote for that too.

[franz]

that may rub, it really depends on tire size at that point, it's gonna be close.

[Brew]

Re: Wheel offset/width question for a newb...

So far I'm leaning towards the 15x7.5 +23 all around, what do you think?

I vote for that too.

I agree. But the proper size would be 205/55-15 or 225/50-15. You shouldn't have any problems with either size rubbing with that offset. I run 225/50-15 on 15x7 et25 and I have never rubbed with my ground controls.

[Beej '86 325es]

Re: Wheel offset/width question for a newb...

So far I'm leaning towards the 15x7.5 +23 all around, what do you think?

I vote for that too.

Yar, that's my vote too.

[Mystikal]

Too bad the 8" isn't in a lower offset. That would rock.

I agree with the other guys.

[Shaun K]

Too bad the 8" isn't in a lower offset. That would rock.

I agree with the other guys.

Thanks for all the replies. The 15x8 does come in a lower offset, but it's too low (+17).

For those of you with 15x7.5 +25 wheels on 225/50 tires, did you roll your fender lips at all? I don't mind doing it, just want to be ready.

[Sean]

I'd agree with the +23 too.

I think you should try to fit 225's on there, and find out when you put them on if the fenders must be rolled. :twisted:

[Shaun K]

I'd agree with the +23 too.

I think you should try to fit 225's on there, and find out when you put them on if the fenders must be rolled. :twisted:

LOL....well I guess that's OK too. It's nice to have a professional fender roller at your disposal


(Not my pic, but the one we have is just like it)

Of course, this is all pending the purchase of the 318. The buyer for my GSR may be backing out, and I don't know if I really need 4 cars at this point :?

[LikeCDoos]

I'd agree with the +23 too.

I think you should try to fit 225's on there, and find out when you put them on if the fenders must be rolled. :twisted:

LOL....well I guess that's OK too. It's nice to have a professional fender roller at your disposal


(Not my pic, but the one we have is just like it)

Of course, this is all pending the purchase of the 318. The buyer for my GSR may be backing out, and I don't know if I really need 4 cars at this point :?

You have a fender roller in So-cal? You could easily make some cash by "renting" it to fellow memebers on here. Where in So-cal do you live?

[Shaun K]

You have a fender roller in So-cal? You could easily make some cash by "renting" it to fellow memebers on here. Where in So-cal do you live?

I live in OC (Brea/Fullerton). The fender roller belongs to a friend of mine who works for a magazine, but we use it whenever we need it. Last time I used it was to clear 225/50-15 Toyo RA-1 tires on my CRX.

How much do these things rent for?

[chesster6969]

You have a fender roller in So-cal? You could easily make some cash by "renting" it to fellow memebers on here. Where in So-cal do you live?

I live in OC (Brea/Fullerton). The fender roller belongs to a friend of mine who works for a magazine, but we use it whenever we need it. Last time I used it was to clear 225/50-15 Toyo RA-1 tires on my CRX.

How much do these things rent for?

Id rent it! I live in Santa Ana too. I just dont think 16" et25 BBS RS's with 2" lips will fit in the rear without rolling some fender.

I believe Likecdoos is running 16"x7.5" BBS with a et25 offset fine without rubbing

[LikeCDoos]

Ya i'm real close to you and sometime in the near future i would probably rent it off you for a day or so. Maybe you could teach me how to do it properly. Right now i'm on 16x7 RK's with 205/50/16 no rubbing at all. Next set of tires i want to go 225's all the way around. Might rub a bit but not much. It would just be nice to have them rolled for future wider tires. Let me know man. I have no idea how much they rent for, but i know to buy one it's real expensive

[chesster6969]

We can have an O.C. fender rolling party!

Im planning on using 225/45/16 tires and I expect to rub in the rear for sure.
I say roll your rear fenders for a precaution ( expecially since your 91 318 has the lower rear arches)

[Brew]

Re: Wheel offset/width question for a newb...

15x8 +30

If you got those and ran 5mm spacers, they would look sick with 225/50-15s. And I'm pretty sure that you can use normal length lug bolts with a 5mm spacer.
Yeah, I'm changing my vote, do the 15x8's.

What wheels are these, by the way?