16x8 or 16x9s? E30

[Bmw89E30]

I am just New to R3vLimited and it seems pretty awesome so thought i would ask for some advice from you guys.

This is what i am upgrading from lol :)

Here is the link: http://flic.kr/p/bPx5Ez


I am Currently looking for a set of 16x8 or 9" wheels for my 89 E30, and have searched a "lot" of forums on Wheel & Tyre Fitment e.t.c. .

I have narrowed down my options to either a set of XXR521s



These wheels are:
16x8
4 x 100
+20et

OR :



16x9
4 x 100
+25et

I would most likely prefer the 2nd Option but am not sure about having 9" wide wheels.

Does anyone have any advice on what would be better?

[ak-]

Which is better is subjective to what your goal for the car is.
If those were my last two options, I'd go with the 9's because I cannot stand multi-lug wheels.

[MaksV]

16x8
4 x 100
+20et


Does anyone have any advice on what would be better?

This is what I have. With 225/45 it requires fender rolling to be modestly low. I think its perfect. (maybe need a little more low in the front) There are 24.5mm to a inch. with a 16*9 you are adding an inch of width but moving the wheel 5mm in so its going to stick out 2 centimeters further. In my case, I would say a 16*9 in the rear only is an option. Front would look dumb, and never tuck properly.

[Ant_e30]

^ the thing there is you forgot to allow for the fact that increased wheel width has a gain on both the inside & outside of the wheel. So when going from 16 x 8 + 20 to 16 x 9 +25, he is adding 12.25mm inside & outside, so the wheel will only stick out a further 12.25mm, minus 5mm less offset means it will only stick out 7.5mm more.

You also need to consider the wheel design and what suspension you have. Some people have problems up front with 9" wheels of these types hitting the suspension struts so they need to run 5mm or so spacers. This means buying spacers, maybe longer bolts, and also meaning the wheels will stick another 5mm further out.

However OP it is a fair point made above in terms of front to rear. The rear has a lot more room and camber naturally so can tuck whereas the front doesnt so much depending on your setup. If you run some stretch tyres, some camber tops for negative camber and ride low i see it should be able to tuck okay. If you don't, i would say go for the 8's.

Overall i think if you aren't sure, perhaps go the 8s. They will surely fit without issue and if you find you think they are a bit far into the bodywork just buy some spacers and longer studs when you have cash and push them out a bit more.

[Bmw89E30]

This is a picture of the First option 16x8s on an E30, it looks alright so im not sure

I would rather have the 2nd option but I cant find any forums of anyone running those type of wheels.

It would be a bit of Risk getting 9" wide wheels and not having much knowledge on the Design, as "Ant_E30" stated above, I would like to run 16x9s at the back for a more aggressive look though.

I will measure the distance from the outer side of my wheel to the guard to see how much room I have to work with

This is a picture of the First option 16x8s on an E30, it looks alright so im not sure



And You guys obviously know what your talking about

Cheers

[e30leigh]

im looking at running 16x8 et10 all round. hoping to get 225s all round too. should be interesting. might have to drop a tyre width in the front.

of course i will need fender rolling. im just hoping i wont have to pull them too much.

[Bmw89E30]

Yeah if I went with 16 x 8, would most likely run 205/40 or 205/45s

These are 205/45s on 16x8s



These are 205/40s on 16x8s



The 205/40/R16 are a tad to much stretch for what im looking for. Maybe if i was running 16x9s i would go with a bit more stretch, but still not 100% sure at the moment

[e30leigh]

why not go with full sized tyres on a proper fitting offset?

more rubber on the road and better handling. and it looks bad ass to have all that rubber stuffed under the fenders.

i just find stretching tyres a fad for looks. there no real handling gains to be had. just aids in wheel fitment really. but its a personal thing.

[Bmw89E30]

Yeah i have looked into larger tyres, and would prefer to have minor stretch on the wheel, not stupidly stretched though so thought 205s would be the best?

[325ix]

A mild, mild stretch is the best set-up for performance. It helps eliminate side-wall flex.

[immajackuup]

16x8 is perfect for 30's

[Cliche Guevara]

Comparing the looks of the two wheels you're considering I prefer the 9" wide ones. Going with 9 vs 8 in general I would definitely choose an 8" wide wheel.

[GunMetalGrey]

What are the second wheels? I want some!

[Bmw89E30]

What are the second wheels? I want some!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16x9-4x100-wheel-rims-LM-style-VW-Honda-BMW?item=190670872171&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D1%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8143509875786115954#ht_473wt_131

I haven't really heard much about them, but yeah they look fresh a. . thats why i want some haha

[Bmw89E30]

If anyone knows of any other wheels. . that i maybe have not seen? put them up :)

Mainly looking for Mesh style wheels I guess, BBS RS wheels are not really in my price range atm haha