I was wondering what the offset of the type 5 wheels off the e39 was. I was under the impression that the front and rear offsets differ. Thanks.

that info would be very easy to find...just go to the online parts database: http://www.realoem.com/bmw

After input info for an e39 5 series....go to the wheel (main group) and LIGHT ALLOY RIM (subgroup). The wheel offset number can be identified by a number following ET. For example, the Style 5 wheels from the e38 7 series has an offset of 23mm and is identifiable as ET:23.

The only time there's a different offset front/rear...is if the wheels have a staggered set up...meaning that the rear wheel is wider than the front (ie. 8x17/front & 9x17/rear). If all 4 wheels are the same size...they will all have the same offset.

Also, be careful when looking at Style 5 wheels...there are 2 types. There is the regular Style 5 and then there is the "bolted" Composite Style 5 (which came on the sport pkg).

You can also pick up a "free" wheel catalog from your local BMW dealers parts dept (if they have any left).