Do E39 wheels "Physically" fit an E46 & what are the widest tire size for an E46?

[EndangeredBeatz]

I tried the "search" but couldn't find the answer.... :(

Will E39 wheels physically fit a E46 sedan?
I understand that the offset is wrong, but will they still bolt up on an E46?
Is the bolt pattern the same?
I'm guessing that they will stick out too far.

Also, what is the widest tire size, that can be put all around on a E46 sedan on stock suspension?


Thanks in advance for any info....

[paul540/m3]

Bolt pattern is the same but the offset is wrong.

not sure about the other questions not too familiar with the sedan, sorry

[EndangeredBeatz]

Thanks for the info..

[Daved]

As Paul said, the bolt pattern is the same but they will stick out a lot because of the offset.

What are you exactly trying to do?

[EndangeredBeatz]

I had an extra set of rims that I sold to a friend & I thought they were for an E36/E46.
When he mounted them they stuck out alot. Especially the fronts.
Rears look nice, but rub a little with stock suspension.
I'm thinking that they are either 18x9's all around or for a 5 series, but I thought that 5 series rims wouldn't fit an E36/E46 at all.

Nothing he can do......huh..?

[98M3_4]

He can't do anything about the fronts due to the low# offset. Another issue is the E39 hub size is 74.1mm and E46 (along w/ most other BMW's) is 72.6mm. Did he use hubcentric ring adapters? The rims would've bolted up fine as the E39 hub is bigger, but hubcentric adapter rings should be used for proper fit.

[EndangeredBeatz]

No hubcentric ring adapters used.....
What would the adapters actually do? Would they need to be used on all 4? Any recommendations on where & which set to get?
Any danger in riding as is?

Sorry for all the ?'s.....
Just want to pass the right info. He loves the rims, but if it will cause problems.....I'll take them back.

Thanks for the help.

[EndangeredBeatz]

Damn......I should know this already.

:help

[98M3_4]

Yes, should be used on all 4, hub size is same all around the car. Right now, the wheels are being centered using the bolt holes and wheel bolts rather than the hub. It's just for ideal proper fitment, but I guess there may be some safety concerns. Not sure how serious since the gap diff is only about 1.5mm (74.1 minus 72.6mm). When it comes to my car, personally I'd rather do things right. Others may choose not to for other reasons.

[Mrmotorwerk]

From TireRack's Wheel Tech:
Centerbore
The centerbore of a wheel is the size of the machined hole on the back of the wheel that centers the wheel properly on the hub of the car. This hole is machined to exactly match the hub so the wheels are precisely positioned, minimizing the chance of a vibration. With a hubcentric wheel, the lug hardware will not be supporting the weight of the vehicle, all they really do is press the wheel against the hub of the car. Some wheels use high quality, forged centering rings that lock into place in the back of the wheel. This is an acceptable alternative.


If you have non-hubcentric (lugcentric) wheels, they should be torqued correctly while the vehicle is still off of the ground so they center properly. The weight of the vehicle can push the wheel off-center slightly while you're tightening them down if left on the ground.

****

I don't think those E39 wheels are even lugcentric to the E46...

[EndangeredBeatz]

Thanks for that info.




I don't think those E39 wheels are even lugcentric to the E46...


That's why I thought E39 wheels would ever fit a E46....especially a sedan.
But they do feel snug.

I think the rims are 18x9 or 9.5 all round.
We're removing them tomorrow & going to the shop to get a definite answer.

Thanks fellas.