Theres bound to be countless threads about this, and surely all the info I need is out there.... But its sparse spread out, and often hard to get what I need....

So how about some direct answers.....

What are all the diffrent types of wheels from other BMW's that will fit on a 2002?

Which aftermarket wheel manufacturers make wheels specifically for the 2002?(or for BMW's that will fit on a 2002)

Which companies do you recomend?

What are the best online sources for wheel?

The wheels of an E30 have the correct offset (ET+25) and stud pattern (4x100). E21 rims (ET+33) can be used but may need spacers (8mm).
As far as which wheels? What do you like the look of? many people run with Minilites, Panasports, BBS Basketweaves and E30 bottlecaps. Question, whats you budget? Its your choice. Beaner7102

E30 wheels are a better bet because the offset is around thirty depending on if they are bottlecaps or basketweaves. And E21 wheels have an offset of around 13 not ideal but they still work. There are too many aftermarket manufacturers to list but panasport is always a good bet. Just look around and find what you like.

Beaner, your offset numbers seem off.

E30 bottlecap wheels are ET35, I believe. They are 14x6 and fit fairly well, but may rub with 195/60-14 tires (closest to stock circumference). Soem may use very thin spacers up front on these.

E30 steel wheels are ET30 maybe. They are 14x5.5 and also fit well.

E21 alloys are in the ET18 neighborhood. These will stick out towards the fender lips a bit, so spacers would make it worse.


The wheels of an E30 have the correct offset (ET+25) and stud pattern (4x100). E21 rims (ET+33) can be used but may need spacers (8mm).
As far as which wheels? What do you like the look of? many people run with Minilites, Panasports, BBS Basketweaves and E30 bottlecaps. Question, whats you budget? Its your choice. Beaner7102

Beaner, your offset numbers seem off.
Sorry, guys if I lead you astray, must be the 2 pack fumes getting to me. I just rust proofed and painted my trunk.:confused MMiller is right. E30 wheels 14x6=ET34 (bottlecaps), 14x6.5=ET30 (cross spoke) & 15x7=ET24 (cross spoke - which I have a set of). Beaner7102.

So does that mean that any E21 wheels are a no-no for an '02?

Richard

You can still use E21 rims, it depends on there width. 02's have a max backspace of 4.5" (114mm). Best 2002 offset is 24-28 mm. Smaller offset = closer to fender. Larger offset = closer to strut and tie rod. Narrower wheel/tire allows more margin in offset.
If your talking about the 13" Spoke wheels from your pics then they will fit. Beaner7102

Typically, E21 "turbine" and " basketweave" 13" wheels with 185/70-13 tires will fit a stock-suspensioned 2002.

So does that mean that any E21 wheels are a no-no for an '02?
Richard

If money isnt a problem, you can always get wheels custom made to your desired size, offset, backspace. Or find a old set of BBS rm's or rs's

"ALL" e21 wheels are incorrect for a stock bodied '02. A "proper" wheel and tire fitment will allow "FULL" suspesion travel without any clearance issues. Also the backspacing load should be the same as the factory wheel to prevent excessive bearing wear.

Cris

When I have my E21 Turbines mounted, they rub when making sharp U -Turns, and on big bumps. 185/70?/13

damn.. so there is NO way my +44 offset 15x7 4x100 wheels would fit? I Hate to sell them!!!!

found this but it still doesnt give me a deffinate answer.

w w w dot firstfives dot org slash offsets dot html

sorry, it wont let me post urls

damn.. so there is NO way my +44 offset 15x7 4x100 wheels would fit? I Hate to sell them!!!!


At the very least you will need a spacer (10 to 15 mm) and even then, due to the 7" width, you might have fitment problems. Oh and you might also want to install longer studs on your hubs.

HTH,

the tires on them are 205.50.15s too. Bridgestone SO3s.. damn.
thinkin rims would have hard enough time fitting.. the suspension is stock right now.. but I plan on dropin it. so thinkin its better to get wheels that fit.

the tires on them are 205.50.15s too. Bridgestone SO3s.. damn.
195/50/15 is a better size for the 15" wheels as its diameter is close to that of the stock 13" - but the +44 offset is way wrong, you would need a 1/2" spacer and longer studs and possibly still have issues. Beaner7102