Wheel size education required

[Zound]

Hi all,

Could someone please educate me regarding the offset limits and rim width limits of the BMW E46 Non //M.

I am looking for a set of 18" CSL Reps for my 2001 BMW E46 330i.

Found these on Gumtree :

18" CSL Reps

They are a staggered setup with 8.5j up front, 9j at the back. The offset, front ET25, rear ET20.

From other posts and threads I have seen, the 18" is normally an easy fit, and the 8.5j and 9j don't seem to aggressive. The offset however, I'm not quite sure.

Any assistance would be much appreciated.

 

[Ralf*]

We recently did a set of A-Line RACER mags for an M3 the client preferred ET20 on the rear, with ET35 on the front

 

[Kish2604]

your ET value is the amount past the centre line that rim sticks out, on a non M e46 the offset you suggesting, front ET25, rear ET20 will stick out past the fenders, the generally accepted offset that will work is an ET 30 or higher all round, ET 30 will be tight squeeze as well. ET35 will be a guaranteed good fit regardless of wheel width.

i had 18inch csl reps on my e46, they were all ET35 all round...

 

[Ralf*]

i had 18inch csl reps on my e46, they were all ET35 all round...

:thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Zound]

your ET value is the amount past the centre line that rim sticks out, on a non M e46 the offset you suggesting, front ET25, rear ET20 will stick out past the fenders, the generally accepted offset that will work is an ET 30 or higher all round, ET 30 will be tight squeeze as well. ET35 will be a guaranteed good fit regardless of wheel width.

i had 18inch csl reps on my e46, they were all ET35 all round...

Thanks Kish!

That helps a lot. The csl reps on your E46 are stunning. Any suggestions where I can get a set like that (with the same specs and colour) ?

 

[Straight six]

Quick question Kish

On a NON\M e46 how wide can you go with the tires on 18's

With out losing the practicality of the car...(where 3 people can still sit without scraping)?

 

[Kish2604]

On the e46 I had 255/35/18' n the rears with "sport" suspension and et35 offset and the car never came near the wheel liners/fenders. So as long as the offset is right you will be golden,

Another eg. On my e92 when I bought it, on the rear it had 19inch rims and 265/30/19 rear tyres, these were ET 35 offset and 9.5j width, I then changed the rims for another set meant for m3 fitment, I used the same tyres from the previous set and changed the rims to ET20 on the rear with 9.5j width. After this change I could not drive over any sort of bumpy ground without it touching the inner fender and the tyre cutting/rubbing on the sidewall.

I then machined 3mm of the inner hub effectively changing the offset to et23 and no more rubbing, it just clears by a hairs breath...

 

[Straight six]

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Zound]

So AutoStyling Klerksdorp have these 18" CSL reps available with a staggered setup 8j/9j and et35 all round:rollsmile:

Very pleased with this find. Now, just need to find a viable set of tyres.

Tyre suggestions and opinions?

 

[Thunder]

Here are 2 links given to me by a fellow fanatic.

Maybe it can help you in understanding the offset or assist in seeing if the wheel will fit.

http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp


http://www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?