Wheels on BMW's across the range
Discussion
Can someone explain wheels to me please.
I am trying to find a set of OEM BMW wheels in 17" for my E46 Compact as i need them to clear 330i calipers.
I've been told that i should be looking for a square set as i will be doing a bit of track driving.
Probably a daft question but can i just buy 4 fronts or 4 rears, or do i have to find a set that are square out of the factory as most seem staggered.
In regards to wheel that i can fit will all 17" BMW wheels fit my car or only some and how do i figure this out?
I'm cringing writing this but i don't know so might as well ask...........
I am trying to find a set of OEM BMW wheels in 17" for my E46 Compact as i need them to clear 330i calipers.
I've been told that i should be looking for a square set as i will be doing a bit of track driving.
Probably a daft question but can i just buy 4 fronts or 4 rears, or do i have to find a set that are square out of the factory as most seem staggered.
In regards to wheel that i can fit will all 17" BMW wheels fit my car or only some and how do i figure this out?
I'm cringing writing this but i don't know so might as well ask...........
Muzzman said:
Can someone explain wheels to me please.
I am trying to find a set of OEM BMW wheels in 17" for my E46 Compact as i need them to clear 330i calipers.
I've been told that i should be looking for a square set as i will be doing a bit of track driving.
Probably a daft question but can i just buy 4 fronts or 4 rears, or do i have to find a set that are square out of the factory as most seem staggered.
In regards to wheel that i can fit will all 17" BMW wheels fit my car or only some and how do i figure this out?
I'm cringing writing this but i don't know so might as well ask...........
Buy 4 fronts or 4 rears... I am trying to find a set of OEM BMW wheels in 17" for my E46 Compact as i need them to clear 330i calipers.
I've been told that i should be looking for a square set as i will be doing a bit of track driving.
Probably a daft question but can i just buy 4 fronts or 4 rears, or do i have to find a set that are square out of the factory as most seem staggered.
In regards to wheel that i can fit will all 17" BMW wheels fit my car or only some and how do i figure this out?
I'm cringing writing this but i don't know so might as well ask...........
For track, I’d say go with the 4 rears, but each to their own
From the owner's manual with regards to 17 inch alloy size:
Square set up is: 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Staggered set up is: Front 225/45 R17 (7.5Jx17) Rear 245/40 R 17 (8.5Jx17)
This site tells you which style will fit on each mode and the sizes they come in: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/
I think if you want a square set up, best off going for the OE BMW suggested 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Square set up is: 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Staggered set up is: Front 225/45 R17 (7.5Jx17) Rear 245/40 R 17 (8.5Jx17)
This site tells you which style will fit on each mode and the sizes they come in: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/
I think if you want a square set up, best off going for the OE BMW suggested 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Edited by g3org3y on Tuesday 28th April 21:02
g3org3y said:
From the owner's manual with regards to 17 inch alloy size:
Square set up is: 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Staggered set up is: Front 225/45 R17 (7.5Jx17) Rear 245/40 R 17 (8.5Jx17)
This site tells you which style will fit on each mode and the sizes they come in: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/
I think if you want a square set up, best off going for the OE BMW suggested 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Problem is i can find 7.5J and 8.5J wheels but no 8J.Square set up is: 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Staggered set up is: Front 225/45 R17 (7.5Jx17) Rear 245/40 R 17 (8.5Jx17)
This site tells you which style will fit on each mode and the sizes they come in: http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/
I think if you want a square set up, best off going for the OE BMW suggested 225/45 R17 (8Jx17)
Edited by g3org3y on Tuesday 28th April 21:02
I've seen that website but i think it just shows what were available on the e46, not what fits from other series
Edited by Muzzman on Tuesday 28th April 21:27
Try here
https://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_alloy_wheels...
You will then get the rim width, the number before J, and the offset, the number after ET (47 I believe).
https://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/bmw_alloy_wheels...
You will then get the rim width, the number before J, and the offset, the number after ET (47 I believe).
That's a very useful site.
My 1st Compact was a 320td but came with optional Style 98 7J x 17 wheels and 205/50 x 17 tyres, but I put 225/45 x 17 on the rear and they worked fine!
My 2nd Compact was a 325ti Sport so had the staggered Style 97s.
The size is only one factor though, the offset is equally significant. Described as ET by most, but IS by BMW.
There are plenty of E85 Z4, E9* 3 Series, F3* 3 Series wheels that would work.
This site is also useful to see how wheels might fit compared to what you have:- https://www.willtheyfit.com/
My 1st Compact was a 320td but came with optional Style 98 7J x 17 wheels and 205/50 x 17 tyres, but I put 225/45 x 17 on the rear and they worked fine!
My 2nd Compact was a 325ti Sport so had the staggered Style 97s.
The size is only one factor though, the offset is equally significant. Described as ET by most, but IS by BMW.
There are plenty of E85 Z4, E9* 3 Series, F3* 3 Series wheels that would work.
This site is also useful to see how wheels might fit compared to what you have:- https://www.willtheyfit.com/
Muzzman said:
Problem is i can find 7.5J and 8.5J wheels but no 8J.
I've seen that website but i think it just shows what were available on the e46, not what fits from other series
As a straight fit, I was under the impression anything in 17 inch flavour with ET47 from the E36 or Z3 would be fine. Not sure about the (E85) Z4 (though if also a 17 inch alloy with ET47, don't see why it shouldn't fit - unless anyone else knows different?).I've seen that website but i think it just shows what were available on the e46, not what fits from other series
I'm particularly interested in Style 68 or Style 97.
If i can find the specs front and rear for a square setup then i can just research each wheel type
i.e if someone can tell me the below (i have made up the ET as an example)
5 x 120 PCD
17 x 7.5J
ET 35 to 45 will fit both front and rear, if there is a different ET requirement at the rear than front then that would be handy to know.
Thanks all, i have a terrible time buying secondhand stuff off ebay, its usually wrong so would good to get a feel for requirements.
If i can find the specs front and rear for a square setup then i can just research each wheel type
i.e if someone can tell me the below (i have made up the ET as an example)
5 x 120 PCD
17 x 7.5J
ET 35 to 45 will fit both front and rear, if there is a different ET requirement at the rear than front then that would be handy to know.
Thanks all, i have a terrible time buying secondhand stuff off ebay, its usually wrong so would good to get a feel for requirements.
drmike37 said:
Can anyone explain why manufacturers fit staggered sizes?
(Is it just vanity)?
"The idea behind the staggered wheel and tire sizes is that by putting larger tires on the rear drive wheels, you will get better cornering, better braking, and more power on the road. Those wider rear wheels will mean better traction, especially in the summer"(Is it just vanity)?
The bog standard 330i wheels, as fitted to my 330i originally, were Style 44 8x17 ET47, shod with 225/45-17. There are loads of these on Ebay currently.
I swapped mine for a set of Style 68's which were staggered 7.5in front, 8.5in rear. Allegedly one of BMW's strongest wheels. I know someone who runs these in the 8.5in width all round on his track car.
I swapped mine for a set of Style 68's which were staggered 7.5in front, 8.5in rear. Allegedly one of BMW's strongest wheels. I know someone who runs these in the 8.5in width all round on his track car.
BFleming said:
The bog standard 330i wheels, as fitted to my 330i originally, were Style 44 8x17 ET47, shod with 225/45-17. There are loads of these on Ebay currently.
I swapped mine for a set of Style 68's which were staggered 7.5in front, 8.5in rear. Allegedly one of BMW's strongest wheels. I know someone who runs these in the 8.5in width all round on his track car.
My pal runs them on his track toy 325i; 8.5s all round with Toyo 888sI swapped mine for a set of Style 68's which were staggered 7.5in front, 8.5in rear. Allegedly one of BMW's strongest wheels. I know someone who runs these in the 8.5in width all round on his track car.
d_a_n1979 said:
BFleming said:
The bog standard 330i wheels, as fitted to my 330i originally, were Style 44 8x17 ET47, shod with 225/45-17. There are loads of these on Ebay currently.
I swapped mine for a set of Style 68's which were staggered 7.5in front, 8.5in rear. Allegedly one of BMW's strongest wheels. I know someone who runs these in the 8.5in width all round on his track car.
My pal runs them on his track toy 325i; 8.5s all round with Toyo 888sI swapped mine for a set of Style 68's which were staggered 7.5in front, 8.5in rear. Allegedly one of BMW's strongest wheels. I know someone who runs these in the 8.5in width all round on his track car.
Do you know if this setup would be okay on the road?
This table might help:
Wheel width....Min Tyre.....Ideal Tyre Width....Max tyre width
7.5 Inches.......205 mm......215 or 225 mm......235 mm
8.0 Inches.......215 mm......225 or 235 mm......245 mm
8.5 Inches.......225 mm......235 or 245 mm......255 mm
So with a 8.5in wheel you could fit a 225/45-17 tyre - but if you have a 7.5in wheel that same 225/45-17 tyre will fit - so no advantage over the staggered set-up.
If you get a staggered set, use 225/45-17 front and 245/40-17 rear.
If you get a square set, use 225/45-17 all round for legality, or whatever you fancy if it's a track car!
Wheel width....Min Tyre.....Ideal Tyre Width....Max tyre width
7.5 Inches.......205 mm......215 or 225 mm......235 mm
8.0 Inches.......215 mm......225 or 235 mm......245 mm
8.5 Inches.......225 mm......235 or 245 mm......255 mm
So with a 8.5in wheel you could fit a 225/45-17 tyre - but if you have a 7.5in wheel that same 225/45-17 tyre will fit - so no advantage over the staggered set-up.
If you get a staggered set, use 225/45-17 front and 245/40-17 rear.
If you get a square set, use 225/45-17 all round for legality, or whatever you fancy if it's a track car!
Edited by BFleming on Wednesday 29th April 14:38
drmike37 said:
Can anyone explain why manufacturers fit staggered sizes?
(Is it just vanity)?
No, it’s not just vanity. It’s for steering precision.... the rear wheels have more cornering stiffness than the front wheels. The body slip angle for a certain lateral acceleration is reduced.(Is it just vanity)?
It’s why rear and mid engined cars have skinny front tyres and wide rears...
Kawasicki said:
No, it’s not just vanity. It’s for steering precision.... the rear wheels have more cornering stiffness than the front wheels. The body slip angle for a certain lateral acceleration is reduced.
It’s why rear and mid engined cars have skinny front tyres and wide rears...
..additionally, with a rear wheel drive, or a rear-biased AWD, a staggered set means that tyre wear is approximately the same front and rear, so a full new set of tyres all-round will come at the same time. better for the car, if not for the pocket.It’s why rear and mid engined cars have skinny front tyres and wide rears...
Pica-Pica said:
..additionally, with a rear wheel drive, or a rear-biased AWD, a staggered set means that tyre wear is approximately the same front and rear, so a full new set of tyres all-round will come at the same time. better for the car, if not for the pocket.
Depends on how you drive the car.My previous car was an E36 328i Sport, always fitted with staggered 17" Goodyear F1's, and my current car is an E46 330 ci, fitted with staggered 18" Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres.
With both cars, I've always had to replace the rear tyres, long before the fronts needed replacing, due to "spirited" driving.
Kawasicki said:
No, it’s not just vanity. It’s for steering precision.... the rear wheels have more cornering stiffness than the front wheels. The body slip angle for a certain lateral acceleration is reduced.
It’s why rear and mid engined cars have skinny front tyres and wide rears...
I see. I just couldn’t work out why, If square is better for track, it wouldn’t just be better anywhere. I suppose reducing tail end lairiness and pushing a road car towards understeer is a reasonable aim. It’s why rear and mid engined cars have skinny front tyres and wide rears...
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