Anyone running spacers in the front? I have read posts against it but I definitely hate how at even at an offset of 8 in the fronts, my wheels still sit 1-1.5 inches in. I should have gone with an aggressive offset (0ET) when the wheels where being made. How else can I get it to be a tad flush with the front fender without future headaches?


http://www.modbargains.com/product.aspx?pf_id=HRSPACERS4_XLIST_PR

Try the spacers out, you never know, you might get lucky and not have any vibration. Contrary to popular E31 lore, there are folks that rock spacers with no problems. Just make sure you buy the highest quality spacers and lug bolts.

Try the spacers out, you never know, you might get lucky and not have any vibration. Contrary to popular E31 lore, there are folks that rock spacers with no problems. Just make sure you buy the highest quality spacers and lug bolts.

I will. I am looking at some H&R spacers with centering hub.
What is the front offset on the Alpina? Does the tire make a difference in terms of bringing the wheel closer to the fender?

In terms of measuring the spacer required, a simple metric ruler should do right? Or is there a precise way to get the actual thickness of spacer required?

The 18" Alpina front wheel offset is 12. Tire brand does make a difference because of different shapes. The tires I have now are much fatter & wider in profile than the previous ones I had in the same size. I believe that a ruler is all you need. BTW, good choice with choosing H&R spacers, they are very well made.

The 18" Alpina front wheel offset is 12. Tire brand does make a difference because of different shapes. The tires I have now are much fatter & wider in profile than the previous ones I had in the same size. I believe that a ruler is all you need. BTW, good choice with choosing H&R spacers, they are very well made.

I am beginning to think my offset isnt 8ET as told by DPE. Otherwise, the size of the rim+tire profile makes it look like its in the high offset range. There are no clearance issues though.

I'd get out there and measure it. Seems strange that DPE would make a mistake, but it could be possible.

Upon second thought, I think I will just let it be. No spacers. The top end near the fender sits in a bit further than the bottom end towards the door and front bumper.

As far as spacers go:

ONLY BUY 10, 12, or 15mm spacers!

Both 5mm and 8mm spacers do not have the "lip" needed to vibration free driving.

Also, make sure to buy the appropriate longer wheel bolts to go with your spacers. (You would be surprised how many try to get away with either using the OEM bolts, or improper length bolts to dangerous effect!)

Done right, you should be just fine.

I am actually considering running 12mm spacers all around to allow me to run the CSi 17in ET19 9in Rear TS wheels all around. (The addition of a 12mm spacer will drop the effective offset to ET7, which would be very close to the front MKI wheels) Why 12mm and not 10mm? I have two pairs of 12mm spacers sitting around. :embarrasm

A week or two back I fitted a set of BBS 18" rims - staggered set up, 18 x 8J front, 18 x 10J at the rear. The tyres fitted (not my choice but came with the 2nd hand wheels) are front 245 x 40 ZR 18 and rears 295 x 35 ZR 18. The fronts are fitted with 10mm spacers that are very well constructed with a good centering ring. I have some tyre scrape issues which I initially thought was coming from the front of the car but now I'm fairly certain is coming from the rears - when traversing an uneven road surface or when changing direction rapidly there's a scrape - almost certain it's the rear's causing this. I suspect that the 295mm rear tyres are overkill and next time I'm shopping (which will be soon I think) I'll consider 285. What's your views on this? 295 too big?

295s work depending on the tire. 285s are the way to go for less headache...but even they can rub depending on the tire!

295s work depending on the tire. 285s are the way to go for less headache...but even they can rub depending on the tire!


Hmmm, someone mentioned that to me as well. I have Bridgestone potenzas fitted which do seem to be a little square-shouldered. With just me in the car the scrape issue is hardly there, witht he wife and two littl'uns then it's an issue that needs dealing with. I'll have a look around to see what tyres to go for next time around, I'm considering Ultrac Sessantas.

Anyway, apologies for diverting off-topic, my experience with the spacers on the 8 is positive, as long as they have centring capability and used with the correct longer bolts.

ok call me crazy ? are spacers for looks of rims in respect to distance pushed outward or for the rim to actually fit on the car. I have staggered Rondell 58 225/40/18 F 275/35/18 R I have rubbing when cornering and when wife and kids in car or just kids. A few days ago a post from Poland with a red 8 with large rims and claims of no rubbing. The rims and tire set up came with my car from prevoius owner,who spent his entire career with BMW in germany and also worked on one of the BMW race teams.What gives with my rubbing issue I do have spacers not sure of size will have them looked at today. Previous owner indicated they might rub. Why would a BMW mech from the motherland not know better.Any one running 18 rondells.Any issues with yours
Thanks :eyecrazy

Anyone running spacers in the front? I have read posts against it but I definitely hate how at even at an offset of 8 in the fronts, my wheels still sit 1-1.5 inches in. I should have gone with an aggressive offset (0ET) when the wheels where being made. How else can I get it to be a tad flush with the front fender without future headaches?


http://www.modbargains.com/product.aspx?pf_id=HRSPACERS4_XLIST_PR

I'll have to admit... I'm running 245 width tires on ET 15 18x8.5 rims, and I've never looked at them and thought I need them to stick out more...

I have run spacers on a VW before in the front, trying to get a rim to fit better over a big brake kit. Although I didn't have top to bottom clearance issues, it reduced my turning radius due to lowering springs and the tire being out of position in the wheel well.

A week or two back I fitted a set of BBS 18" rims - staggered set up, 18 x 8J front, 18 x 10J at the rear. The tyres fitted (not my choice but came with the 2nd hand wheels) are front 245 x 40 ZR 18 and rears 295 x 35 ZR 18. The fronts are fitted with 10mm spacers that are very well constructed with a good centering ring. I have some tyre scrape issues which I initially thought was coming from the front of the car but now I'm fairly certain is coming from the rears - when traversing an uneven road surface or when changing direction rapidly there's a scrape - almost certain it's the rear's causing this. I suspect that the 295mm rear tyres are overkill and next time I'm shopping (which will be soon I think) I'll consider 285. What's your views on this? 295 too big?

295's are too wide in most cases, especially if you are lowered. I'm running 285's in the rear and while they don't rub, I'm sometimes amazed that they don't given the lack of clearance remaining.

ok call me crazy ? are spacers for looks of rims in respect to distance pushed outward or for the rim to actually fit on the car. I have staggered Rondell 58 225/40/18 F 275/35/18 R I have rubbing when cornering and when wife and kids in car or just kids. A few days ago a post from Poland with a red 8 with large rims and claims of no rubbing. The rims and tire set up came with my car from prevoius owner,who spent his entire career with BMW in germany and also worked on one of the BMW race teams.What gives with my rubbing issue I do have spacers not sure of size will have them looked at today. Previous owner indicated they might rub. Why would a BMW mech from the motherland not know better.Any one running 18 rondells.Any issues with yours
Thanks :eyecrazy

I can't imagine why 275's would rub unless you are severely lowered, or running a whacky offset on the rears. I have 18x9.5 ET20s in the rear with my 285's and have no issues, even when loaded. I don't know the spring rates for my ACS springs, but perhaps softer springs may be allowing you to rub as well.

Also, make sure to buy the appropriate longer wheel bolts to go with your spacers. (You would be surprised how many try to get away with either using the OEM bolts, or improper length bolts to dangerous effect!

When I purchased my '91 during the winter of '05, I had the PO replace the bald 18" tires on aftermarket wheels with snow tires on the stock 16's(Wisconsin car). After a while on the interstate, I started hearing a strange noise when changing lanes. Pulled off at the next exit, jacked up a corner and lo and behold, the wheels were loose. PO swore to me that he tourqed them correctly. What he didn't realize was the aftermarket wheels used longer bolts. Luckily I had the stock bolts and made it to Atlanta without further incident.

I am glad you were ok! I have seen wheels coming off with the wrong bolts!! Just think of hte subframe damage! :(

I've got 285 rears on Alpina 10.5x18 ET20 with Cut OEM springs paired with Boge struts and one side rubs a tiny bit if I go over a big bump at speed. A rear passenger makes the same tire rub a little more over bumps.

285 is the max I'd go with my lowered setup. Most folks with 285 18" E31-specific Alpina have this tiny bit of rub. And this is the recommended tire sizes from Alpina.

The tire brand/model makes a BIG difference since tire shapes vary widely.

I think with anyone's description of what they have and whether rubbing occurs or not they should include all the specs. Wheel size/width/ET, as well as tire size/brand. Then you factor in the suspension.

et22 rears
295/25 20 Yokohama Advan
my rears rubs a lil'bit (sometimes) just like Koizumi's description!
and the 18" Mparallels running 295/35 18 Yokohama rub a bit too!

I found that the BFG g-force T/A KDW run WAY wide! stay away from those or you will rub!

BACK ON TOPIC: Tdorbimmer i have 15mm hubcentric spacers+longer bolts,never any problems. Just expect more rock chips on the front of your side skirts

I've got 285 rears on Alpina 10.5x18 ET20 with Cut OEM springs paired with Boge struts and one side rubs a tiny bit if I go over a big bump at speed. A rear passenger makes the same tire rub a little more over bumps.

285 is the max I'd go with my lowered setup. Most folks with 285 18" E31-specific Alpina have this tiny bit of rub. And this is the recommended tire sizes from Alpina.

The tire brand/model makes a BIG difference since tire shapes vary widely.

Good advice there and from Randy too. My set-up is M-tech sports suspension from factory new so it's already a bit lower than standard but not radical. Rears are 295 x 35 x18 Bridgestone Potenza's on 10J BBS with ET 22 (I think). I'll swap for 285's next time around.

one side rubs a tiny bit if I go over a big bump at speed. A rear passenger makes the same tire rub a little more over bumps.Check your bushings on the rubbing side, A bad one could cause enough flex to do just that, If your ok/Not rubbing without a passenger in the rear, I would'nt worry.

Thanks Marv, I only get rubbing on the rare occasion some poor idiot friend has to ride in the back seat :lol3 I do have some rear bushings that are on their way out though. It's time to do them. I'm waiting to find a 3.64LS from an E32. I'd like to change the diff & rear bushings at the same time. Better yet, if I could get a rear K-bar, I'd do all of the install together. For now I'm dreaming since finding a rear sway bar ain't gonna be happenin' anytime soon :(

Cheers

3:64LS will be plenty fun!

Problem solved previous owner had 22 mm spacers on rear. Just had a set of H/R 12 mm with built in huibcentric no more rubbing very nice.:redspot

Ok so I lied. Still not happy with the way my wheels sit in too far. My fronts are 8ET. I am about 1-1.5 inches in (could be exaggerated). Is there anything like NEGATIVE offset? I will like to go to ZERO but that will mean an non-hub centric spacer which is a nono. So the next up will be a 10mm or 12mm which will put me 2mm-4mm beyond zero ET.

Any advise?

I am right at even with new 12mm HR spacers like the new look. Old spacers were out 10mm more looked ok but constant rubbing.

Ok so I lied. Still not happy with the way my wheels sit in too far. My fronts are 8ET. I am about 1-1.5 inches in (could be exaggerated). Is there anything like NEGATIVE offset? I will like to go to ZERO but that will mean an non-hub centric spacer which is a nono. So the next up will be a 10mm or 12mm which will put me 2mm-4mm beyond zero ET.

Any advise?

Have some photos you can post up showing your problem? I'm curious to see what's going on...

anyone running 30mm spacers on their E31?

I've been looking at these:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=6075725

I've got a set of 17's with a 41mm offset that may look nice on the 8. They're the Style 42 II BBS 2 pc.

driving with those 19's to work today literally gave me a headache!

For spacers that large, get the double bolt spacers. One set of bolts bolts the spacer to the hub, another set of bolts bolts the wheel to the spacer. Do NOT go longer bolts with a spacer that large.

For spacers that large, get the double bolt spacers. One set of bolts bolts the spacer to the hub, another set of bolts bolts the wheel to the spacer. Do NOT go longer bolts with a spacer that large.

the set i was looking at are the one's you're talking about!

what are the ups and downs of using spacers on an 8?

anyone using 30mm spacers?

That might be too big!

The ups are the ability to use a wider selection of wheels (namely 3er specific wheels).

The downs are an increased propensity of vibration. This may manifest as the dreaded "55mph shake" in the front, and/or as a drivetrain vibration felt through the throttle in the rear.

This can be mitigated to a large degree by better/proper designed spacers. This is most often seen with non lipped-5mm to 8mm spacers, and least with 10, 12, and 15mm spacers.

30mm is huge. I have never seen anyone run it. To be honest, it might be easier to sell the wheels for proper offset variants, given they exist.

30mm is huge. I have never seen anyone run it. To be honest, it might be easier to sell the wheels for proper offset variants, given they exist.


i totally agree... but selling them is easier said than done. there's not much of a market for $2k rims w/ tires right now... so i won't mind spending the extra $400 for spacers. might as well use them while they're brand new?

i'm just concerned about the wheel falling off or the car being harder to handle at high speeds.

With the right bolts, you should be ok without worry of fall off.

You can take off the tires and just sell the wheels. 3er spec Style 42s are worth $600-1000 a set...higher if great condition, if staggard, and in part if very lucky.

mine are the 2 pc style 42's staggared. ET: 41

refinished in february to new condition. I spent 2k on them with the tires.

30mm on the front is asking for trouble, Imo! Be a lot better if you could find some stock wheels til, I'd be interested in hearing the results, Good luck.

My Schnitzer wheels were 1k a wheel..then add over a grand for tires....
BUT that doesn't change they are worth $1500 for the set sans tires. That's the way the free market works. :-p

30mm on the front is asking for trouble, Imo! Be a lot better if you could find some stock wheels til, I'd be interested in hearing the results, Good luck.

i was thinking 30mm in the back and 20mm in front.

I hope it works for you, The front of these cars are so sensitive without anything added, I tried 5, 10 and 15 mm up front with temporary good results, I ended up buying the correct front wheels to solve many vibrating problems, Might work for you because of more tire sidewall.

+1 to 8eights statement.

225/45R17x7.5 w/ 5mm spacers on the fronts and 245/40R17x8.5 w/ 15mm spacers on the rears ET: 41 all around.

sorry i had the wrong wheel widths on the initial calc...