E90 320i 18" setup?

[Sephir0th]

Dear Bros & Sis,

I'm looking to buy a set of 18" rims with the following specs:

Fr: 18"x8.5J, ET35, running 225/40/18
Rr: 18"x9.5J, ET33, running 255/35/18

Will this set up enable a flushed look with the fender? Or I need spacers for the front/rear, if so, how thick?

Trying to go for minimum tire width so as not to compromise too much on pick-up and FC.

Hope someone that previously tried or know about this set up can advise me...thanks!

 

[Dav_C]

Re: E90 320i 18" setup?

You can follow this html link:

RealOEM.com BMW E90N 320i BMW light alloy wheel, radial spoke 196

So I think you're fine. The moment you move away from manufacturer's suggested offset, the handling characteristic change.

 

[dsdfan]

Re: E90 320i 18" setup?

Is your E90 pre-face lift?

If so, it is still feasible for both front and back to push outwards a few mm, but not by much. For example, Advan RS front is 18x8.5J ET32 and ME Progressive Rear is 18 x9.5 ET30.

However, your configuration should look more than adequately flushed as it is quite close to the limit, and will look much more more flushed than stock.

It's Ok not to look flushed to the max as it makes the car look odd and awkward..


How flushed it looks could also depend on the design of your rims. Some designs tend to look more recessed whereas others bulge outwards more.

Dear Bros & Sis,

I'm looking to buy a set of 18" rims with the following specs:

Fr: 18"x8.5J, ET35, running 225/40/18
Rr: 18"x9.5J, ET33, running 255/35/18

Will this set up enable a flushed look with the fender? Or I need spacers for the front/rear, if so, how thick?

Trying to go for minimum tire width so as not to compromise too much on pick-up and FC.

Hope someone that previously tried or know about this set up can advise me...thanks!

 

[Sephir0th]

Re: E90 320i 18" setup?

Thanks Dav & dsd, will follow your advice and continue my search.

The above mentioned specs are for a VMR V710 , Will ask the fella to see if they have different offset.

My e90 is the preFL model. The FL one got slightly larger wheel base correct?

btw dsdfan, your rims look like a really good fit, mind sharing wat specs they are in terms of size, offset, tires? thanks

 

[dsdfan]

Re: E90 320i 18" setup?

VMR are very nice rims. I think your offsets are just about ideal.

Mine are Advan RS Racing, specially made for E90. The Front offset of ET32 is quite near the limit.

My rear offset of ET35 can afford to extend outward by 5 mm or so. Your rear offset of ET33, is "flusher" still.

When my current PS2's wear out, I definitely plan to replace my rear 255 tyres with 265's or even 275's. This will create an even more flush look. Tyre width is a significant factor to consider for flushness, especially since 265 is a more optimal width than 255 for 9.5" rear rims.

Also, 265/35 18 tyres will be bigger than 255/35 18's and will fill the wheel well more snugly. The only downside is that 265 tyres are a bit heavier than 255 and there might be a tiny loss of responsiveness and fuel economy. The upside is you'll get more traction.

I should have gotten 265's for the rears instead of 255's when I upgraded to PS2's early this year.

Thanks Dav & dsd, will follow your advice and continue my search.

The above mentioned specs are for a VMR V710 , Will ask the fella to see if they have different offset.

My e90 is the preFL model. The FL one got slightly larger wheel base correct?

btw dsdfan, your rims look like a really good fit, mind sharing wat specs they are in terms of size, offset, tires? thanks

 

[Dav_C]

Re: E90 320i 18" setup?

Maybe for you guys E90 is not using an active steering, can go a few more mm extra smaller offset and bring out the wheel closer to the fender. Look nice too but handling characteristic changes a bit.

However mine is a E60.....I worry a lot about the active steering (About 5.5k dollars to replace), hence decided that for my case I better stick to the factory specification to the mm.