I just purchased a set of Work wheels for my E36 M3. I am currently running H&R Race springs on koni adjustables. The wheels are a staggered setup with 18x8 in front and 18x9 in the rear. The previous owner had them on his E46 M3 and was running 235/40/18 in the front and 265/35/18 in the rear. He told me the wheels looked very skinny on his E46 and that the offset was actually for an E36 M3. He didn't know the exact # unfortunately and I couldn't find the offset anywhere on the wheel. So here are my questions..Can I run the 235/40/18 in the front without any fitment issues? I know that I can't run the 265s in the back of an E36 but what can I realistically run without destroying my fenders and rubbing the crap out of my tires. Please help this newb!!

I am currently running H&R Race springs on koni adjustables. So here are my questions..Can I run the 235/40/18 in the front without any fitment issues?

I'm running bilstein sports and H & R sport springs on my 99 M3. I had a set of 235/40/18's on the front of my car for about five minutes. They where rubbing hard on the left inside. I'm going to go down to 225/40/18's and maybe a 5 or 10 mm spacer if I need it. I hope that helps.

They aren't going to fit NO WAY. If they were on an E46 M3 the rear offset will be WAY too low for your car.

well the previous owner told me they were made for an E36. I just found out today that the offset is +38. That's an E36 offset I believe. So theres no way the 235s will clear the front even with that offset?

Yep, you'll be fine. I run 235.40.18s on the front of e36s on all of my setups in order to put more tire on the ground, plus it looks better.

Also, depending on the offset, you should be able to run a 265.35 all day. Lemme know if you have any more questions!

Geordie...the offset is +38...You are obviously more experienced and more knowledgable in tire fitment than me, however are you sure about running a 265/35/18 in the rear? That seems almost impossible without doing some major work to the fenders.

update: I just test fit front wheels on my car..seems like Geordie was right on the money...didn't look like it had clearance issues. Drove it for a couple of miles locally and found no instances of rubbing. Now I need to pick a tire size for the 18x9 rear!!

Now I need to pick a tire size for the 18x9 rear!!

You can run a 265.35 in a pinch, but I would recommend a 255.35 if you can swing buying two more tires.

Lemme know if you have anything else!

Yep, you'll be fine. I run 235.40.18s on the front of e36s on all of my setups in order to put more tire on the ground, plus it looks better.

Also, depending on the offset, you should be able to run a 265.35 all day. Lemme know if you have any more questions!


Geordie,

are you running any spacers???? when I put my 235/40/18's they were rubbing like crazy. you could smell the rubber burning a 1/4 mile down the road. Had to put the stock wheels back on. My suspension is bilstien sports and h & r springs. The left front tire was rubbing on the bottom of the shock housing. I was going to go to a 225/40/18 and a 5 or 10 mm spacer. What am I doing wrong??? I'm running a set of breyton wheels with a 38mm offset. the wheels are 18 x 8.5. Thanks for your help???

Hmmm...that should work, so I don't know what the problem is...

Since a 19x8.5, et40 works on my girl's car, I would think you'd be alright.

Try a 5mm spacer and you should be okay...

Lemme know how it turns out!