e38 Style 5s rubbing on brake calipers

[VicSkimmr]

I need help. I'm trying to run a set of 16x8 et 23 Style 5s on my e30 but it keeps rubbing on the brake caliper (front only obviously). I'm currently running an 8mm spacer since the 5mm set that was given to me wasn't enough.

Now the wheel only rubs on half the rotation of the wheel. Has anybody run across this with these wheels? I'm at a loss. I'm assuming it's still rubbing against the brake caliper but I have no idea what could be making contact for only half the rotation. If anyone has any ideas I'd greatly appreciate it as it's cold as shit right now and if I have a plan going in I might not get frost burn.

[e30s52]

Is it the caliper or the anti-rattle clip?

[VicSkimmr]

Does it have another name? I'm having a hard time finding it on realoem?

To be honest I'm not sure what it's rubbing on, I assumed the brake caliper because that what it rubbed on when I tried the 5mm spacers, but it could be anything.

[e30s52]

Its the clip that holds pressure on the pad to the caliper. Take the wheel off and see where it is rubbing.

[VicSkimmr]

I'm at work, but I'm going to take them off tonight to check it out. I'm just trying to get a better idea of what else it could be rubbing on/what I could do to fix it aside from ordering larger spacers.

[2002maniac]

Are your brake pads newish? The thicker your pads, the less clearance you have. Try removing the anti-rattle clips as you really don't need them.

[Jonny Cash]

I was hesitant removing mine, but it hasnt caused me any poblems- the pads stay in place fine. Not sure if you have M3 calipers or what.

[VicSkimmr]

I don't that I know of, but it's definitely odd that they're still rubbing on something. I guess I'll find out tonight. Thanks guys.

[darrenforeal]

I have the same setup. Had to use a 10mm spacer to make it work in the front.

[Wishno87]

The problem is the caliper on the E30 is closer to the middle of the wheel while the E38 is further to the outside. What you need to do is take a grinder and shave down the inner part of the caliper little by little till it no longer rubs. I dont think I have any pictures but if you remove the wheel and look at the back side you will know what I mean. Fill and drill right?

[ak-]

We all had this problem.
Either shave your brake caliper a little bit or run a bigger spacer.

If you're still trying to find out where it's rubbing, color your wheel with sharpie or paint from the inside and rotate it while on the car. Take it off and you'll know where it's rubbing then figure it out from there.


I shaved mine and used a 5mm spacers when I first got them; no problems.
Now I run a way bigger spacer.

[VicSkimmr]

The problem is the caliper on the E30 is closer to the middle of the wheel while the E38 is further to the outside. What you need to do is take a grinder and shave down the inner part of the caliper little by little till it no longer rubs. I dont think I have any pictures but if you remove the wheel and look at the back side you will know what I mean. Fill and drill right?

That's the initial plan. I have a mechanic buddy with the tools necessary to shave it down a bit if need be.

We all had this problem.
Either shave your brake caliper a little bit or run a bigger spacer.

If you're still trying to find out where it's rubbing, color your wheel with sharpie or paint from the inside and rotate it while on the car. Take it off and you'll know where it's rubbing then figure it out from there.


I shaved mine and used a 5mm spacers when I first got them; no problems.
Now I run a way bigger spacer.

That's a good idea. I guess it must be rubbing in the same spot as when I tried using a 5mm spacer (wheel wouldn't even rotate then).

Maybe I'll just dremel the bitch down a bit :) I've got time since I need to get larger tires anyway.

Here's a pic of the fitment. These tires are way too undersized though, I thought I'd have less room to work with.


Yay for super harsh light, but what can you do?

[ak-]

Are those tires 40's lolol?

And yea, there is no other place you can possibly be rubbing but this:


Off topic: I know you aren't running an adjuster in the rear, but what is the length and rate of your rear GC coil?

[VicSkimmr]

yes 40s hahaha. Seriously though it's a tight fit in the rear. The rim almost touches the fender as is, I was worried a larger tire tire wouldn't fit up under there very well. I think I have plenty of room to at least go to a 205/45 though.

The rate is 750. I'm honestly not sure about the length. I'd like to get a shorter one if they make it, but I've got bigger issues to worry about for the time being.

[ak-]

205/45 wont rub stock fenders in the rear at all, but it will me mm's close. I had that scare a while back. And yeap, thanks