how to switch up a typical swap to make 17" 41mm wheels fit?

[tylerm]

I have alot of info on doing the swap from 4-to-5 lug, but i'd also like to make the spec on the wheel below happen. I've seen this done by a guy named blunt on the roadfly forums, but he's MIA i guess. Can anyone suggest how I could switch up a typical swap to get these wheels to fit and fit nicely in the well? I already know fender rolling is going to be required. I've also put a link to a swap I had in mind. Appreciate any advice...

[after swap]
Tire: 225/45-17 x 7.5
Wheel:
Name: M Double Spoke II (style 39)
Dimensions: 17" x 7.5"
Offset: 41mm
Weight: 21.90lb
Part #: 36 11 2 228 150
*E36 takes a 17 x 8.5" in the rear, prefer using 7.5" only for E30

[link]

http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/5lug.html

[smonkbmw]

15mm spacer. 225s should fit with no prob. they will be close though, it will depend on how low you sit in the rear.

[Teaguer]

Blumt is using a complete E30 M3 suspension for his 5-lug .

You could get by with even a 10mm on the front for the DSII's to work .
The rear will work without spacers but you might want to space them just to get the look right .

I wouls suggest rolling the rear of your late model while you are at it .

Oh and the 8.5's are just an option for the rear on the E36's , standard is 4 7.5's .

Real ballers roll 8.5's all the way around on e30's though . :pimp:

[tylerm]

Is there any way to get around using a spacer? When I think of spacers, I start to get upset.... I could of swore blunt didn't use any. And i'd definitely ball 8.5s all around if it's possible?

Also, is this link I put up worthy? I've got a tech friend pitching in to help and he's concerned about what year of M3 parts to buy that will jive correctly with my 1991 E30 325i. I'm guessing most parts are probably universal esp if I get 1991 M3 parts?

[Teaguer]

I'm pretty sure the M3 guys have to run a spacer to get the fronts to clear the struts .
PM "Jonathan 90 M3" as he ran DSII's for quite some time on his M3 .


Any year M3 parts from 88-91 would work ..only thing different is the later models used the ever pricey aluminum front control arms .

[sefb222]

im running staggered DS2s on my E30

fronts are 10mm spacers, rears are 12mm.

i'd like to go with smaller spacers in the rear if i can, or get rid of them altogether. my rear fenders DEFINITELY need to be rolled, as they keep biting my tires when i hit dips pretty hard.

[JPStrniste]

I have a similar setup that I'm trying to do. I've got rear trailing arms and front control arms from a 98 z3 that I'm using for my 5 lug. I bought 17x8.5 m-contours for all 4 corners. I'm wondering what size tire to run....

I'm most likely going to keep stock suspension height.

[FredK]

Well, I'd run 235/40 R17 tires, but you're going to have to roll the fenders.

[JPStrniste]

Well, I'd run 235/40 R17 tires, but you're going to have to roll the fenders.

even if i keep stock ride height?...

[Van Westervelt]

even if i keep stock ride height?...

If you keep it stock ride height, your spring rates will be stock as well, so you will need to roll them, or trim them. Shorter and stiffer springs in the rear help to eliminate that as well. With 235-40/17's, it is possible to run them without any rear arch modifications if you get the offset perfect. I did it earlier this year.

225-45/17 is e36 size tire and TOO BIG for an e30. It will work, but its way too tall. Go with 235-40/17, or 215-40/17.

[JPStrniste]

If you keep it stock ride height, your spring rates will be stock as well, so you will need to roll them, or trim them. Shorter and stiffer springs in the rear help to eliminate that as well. With 235-40/17's, it is possible to run them without any rear arch modifications if you get the offset perfect. I did it earlier this year.

225-45/17 is e36 size tire and TOO BIG for an e30. It will work, but its way too tall. Go with 235-40/17, or 215-40/17.

with 235-40/17s, do you think i'll rub in the front during full turn? It's actually "is" springs i'll be running, not "i" springs. not sure if there is a difference. <---- still learning

[JPStrniste]

with 235-40/17s, do you think i'll rub in the front during full turn? It's actually "is" springs i'll be running, not "i" springs. not sure if there is a difference. <---- still learning

I'll actually be running the stock z3 springs now. I need the e36 front end for the 5 lug. <-- I learned this over the weekend.

I have at least 1 new strut tower because one of the two i have now is bent. I'm probably going to do both sides with bilstein strut towers from bav auto. they're only 165 a side. I'll just have to move the springs over...

[FredK]

I would use the M3 / Z3M strut housings, because then you can use E30 springs. The normal E36 and Z3 strut housings use a larger diameter front spring than the E30 and the E36 M3 / Z3 M.

If you use the Z3 steering rack, it should come with travel reducing lockplates for the tie rods. The lockplates are around 3mm thick, and reduce the possibility of rubbing when you cut the wheel all the way in one direction. I am not sure if this will prevent rubbing on an E30, but hopefully it will!

[Unleashed603]

I just put staggered e36 M3 M contours on my e30 running a e36 5 lug swap. they are all 4 running 225/45-17 's and the rears fit with no rubbing except if i smack a hard bump without rolling fenders or anything. The fronts rub a slight bit at full lock but that is inevitable. the fronts are 7.5 and rears are 8.5 if you get the correct control arms and bushings your swap should go smoothly and you should be able to run m-contours with little to no modification. I know for sure that there are no issues on 215/40 - 17's with rubbing. if anyone has questions just ask. i have been toying with my 5 lug with springs and wheels for about 5 weeks and have learned quite a few things

[Van Westervelt]

225/45-17 is too tall. That is an e36 fitment tire. Your speedo will be off, and lowering springs will be contradicted even more.