I've seen a few E38's on the forum with wheels from an '02 745. My question is, is putting them on an easy change? And what would I look for if I wanted to get a set?

I believe their 20" rims, and don't know if that causes any issues. I love the look though and would like to look into getting a set eventually.

Yes, they will fit. Should be a direct swap.

Direct swap.

Note OE E65 wheels are VERY heavy.

Note2 OE E65 wheels need a slightly different (longer) bolt length then OE wheels to be safe.

How does a heavier wheel affect driving?

Anyone know the style name/number of the rim?

How does a heavier wheel affect driving?

Anyone know the style name/number of the rim?

Put your parking brake partially on...that is what your acceleration will feel like with VERY HEAVY wheels.

On the positive side, the price of entry is very low for the OE wheels, quality is high, and you do see marked improvement in lateral grip relative to the OE 16s. Now, compared to your M Pars...little to no improvement in lateral grip or handling.

Anyone know the style name/number of the rim?

You can use any of the 3 online part databases to get the name and specs of all the e65/e66 wheels.

Here's a direct link to the wheel diagrams for the new 7 series...just scroll down the page and click on any of the diagrams and it will open in an exploded view with the BWM part nbr index below the diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=HL03&mospid=47778&hg=36&fg=15

Anyone know the style name/number of the rim?
Or go to this:

http://www.kalach.easynet.be/

direct fit

The 3 series have a direct fit also, right? The only issue with those is the offset i believe.

The 3 series have a direct fit also, right? The only issue with those is the offset i believe.

You will need VERY large spacers to properly accommodate the wheels.

You will need VERY large spacers to properly accommodate the wheels.

How come? Do the wheels go further in than the ones the 7's?

How come? Do the wheels go further in than the ones the 7's?
E36/E46/E92 use an ET40 offset. The E38 is around a 15. You would need spacers around 25mm to get the wheels to fit right.

Maybe the chart below will help understand the wheel spec differences between the 5/6/7/8/Z8 BMW models and the 3/Z3/Z4/X3/X5 BMW models.

The e39's oddball hub size (CENTER BORE) can be gotten around by using hub-centric rings...but the HIGH wheel offset range of the other models must be compensated for with wheel spacers.

There is a small exception with wheel offset (ET) regarding the 3 series and the 5/6/7/8/Z8 models and that is the M3 (e30/e46/e90/e92/e93 M3s) and that is the rear wheel offset of these specific 3 series M3 models have a MEDIUM wheel offset range that is between 23mm-29mm which makes them usable on the 5/6/7/8/Z8.

http://www.gruppeb.com/BMWwheels/fitments/img3.gif

ET = Wheel Offset
H = HIGH Positive Offset - E36, E46, Z3 & X5 Models - Typically +46, 40, 38 & 35 mm Offsets
(Variations In Offset Exist Because Body & Suspension Clearances Are Also Dependant On The Width Of The Wheel That's Being Fitted!)
M = MEDIUM Positive Offset - All Other BMW Models - Typically +23, 20, 15 & 13 mm Offsets


http://www.gruppeb.com/BMWwheels/fitments/img4.gifhttp://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/offset.jpg