Are 17" wheels too much for the E30?

[Maluco]

The little 14" wheels (aftermarket) on my 84 318i were stolen and my left flat ass on the ground. Damn, I was so furious that day. I immediately called a friend who I knew was selling 17x7 Enkeis with the tires. He sold me the wheels and tires for 450 so I couldn't pass it up and I didn't have a quicker resolve. I am about to put them on my 90 325is. I've noticed not many people here, if any, are running 17" wheels. Are these to big/hip hop artist size wheels to place on the E30 or fk it?

I don't have much of a choice right now but I figured I would get you guys' opions.

[Garageaholic]

I think that 17's are perfect on the E30.

I also think that if you are going to install those wheels, you'll need spacers of some kind,, maybe 20mm all around...

[Maluco]

I think that 17's are perfect on the E30.

I also think that if you are going to install those wheels, you'll need spacers of some kind,, maybe 20mm all around...

Why do you say I will need spacers? I am getting them because I think they will rib on the strut but why would you say I need them?

BTW, I think 20mm will bring them out under the fender. I tested 1/2" spacers and they already seemed like they were about right.....

[Garageaholic]

Those are 17x7 with 40mm offset....... I needed 20mm spacers all around to clear the strut housings..

If ur wheel is a typical 4x100/4x114 with a +40-43mm offset, then i would run 20mm spacers

check out the pic, take a look at the spacers...

[Garageaholic]

not to mention, you said you ran 1/2" spacers and they were fine,,, 1/2"=12.7mm

I suggested 20mm, which is only a 7.3mm difference... what you said about the tire being outside the fender is ludicrous... 7.3mm is NOT going to make that difference

With that being said, if you tried 1/2" and it worked, i say go for it. why not

[erik325i]

I am happy with the 17s on my car. If I were going to get a set strictly for the track, I would probably get some lightweight 16s. I think that 17s look the best though.

Those are 17x7 with 40mm offset....... I needed 20mm spacers all around to clear the strut housings..

If ur wheel is a typical 4x100/4x114 with a +40-43mm offset, then i would run 20mm spacers

If the offset is 40, I don't recommend getting a 20mm spacer. 15mm would be ideal.
My wheels are 17x7 with et40 and have a 20mm spacer. That offset is fine if you are not running aggressive tires, but if you put anything wider than 205s, you run the risk of rubbing the fenders.

I am going to try to have 5mm machined off my current spacers.

-Erik

[Maluco]

My wheels are 17x7 with an offset of 38 . Tire size: 215/40 R17

Is 12.7mm (0.5") too little you think?

[Garageaholic]

depends on the tires you're running on those 17's

[Maluco]

depends on the tires you're running on those 17's

Tire size: 215/40 R17

[Brew]

17's are a good size for the e30 IMO, but ONLY if the car is very low. There is nothing worse than a e30 on stock suspension with huge rims.

Its unfortunate that most 4x100 17's are 7" wide, so you can't run very wide tires. Ideally, I'd like 17" x 8.5" or 9" wheels all around with 245/35s.

[silverfbimmer]

I have 17's on my car and I run only a small spacer in the front, i am not sure exactly what it is..I want to say 5mm.... but it works. I have 205 tires on the front and 215's in the back with no problems.

[Bimmerfanatik]

17's are a good size for the e30 IMO, but ONLY if the car is very low. There is nothing worse than a e30 on stock suspension with huge rims.

Its unfortunate that most 4x100 17's are 7" wide, so you can't run very wide tires. Ideally, I'd like 17" x 8.5" or 9" wheels all around with 245/35s.

Grab a set of wheels from Alex - 18x10 and 295's or some shit like that :)

[Cashdogg]

17's are a good size for the e30 IMO, but ONLY if the car is very low. There is nothing worse than a e30 on stock suspension with huge rims.

Its unfortunate that most 4x100 17's are 7" wide, so you can't run very wide tires. Ideally, I'd like 17" x 8.5" or 9" wheels all around with 245/35s.

I was thinking and drinking......:up:
So filling the wheel well with big rims and tires instead of lowering the car to fill the fender to wheel space is a bad idea?

[JRKOUPE]

17's

my .02



I think 17's are too much for an e 30 unless you are doing a pimpey hot street ride. Its not in the car's character and I would bet a well set up 15 or 16 will out handle it w/ better g numbers and track times. Of course this is all subjective. Im not saying they look bad or its stupid.....I just dont think it fits w/ overall concept of the e30.

[Low Level E30]

I'm w/ Joel on this.

IMO, from a handling / performance standpoint, 17's (or larger) are not appropriate for E30's, especially the non-M's. The suspension is antiquated, and like that of Miata's, is very sensitive to wheel weight. Furthermore, you need to be able to keep as much tire surface area in contact w/ the ground as possible - this is more difficult as you decrease sidewall height and increase sidewall stiffness.

Everything is, of course, a compromise, and some wheels will have advantages and disadvantages relative to other wheels --- but in general, I agree that a well setup 15"- or 16"-shod car will outgun a comparable car w/ 17's.

But not everyone is after ultimate performance, especially on the street --- and all bets are off when looks come into play.