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[SteveW928]

I'm currently running the following (which I think is stock) on my '07 328xi

225/45 17 (front)
255/40 17 (rear)

I would like to switch to the following for winter wheels/tires all around (square):

either
- 205/55R16 tires and 16x7.5 wheels
or
- 225/45R17 tires and probably 17x8 wheels (I think I saw something about 40mm offset?)

First, I'm guessing there is a spacer involved somewhere in the current staggered setup, I'm just not sure whether front or rear... or are the wheels designed with the offset built in?

If there is a spacer involved, will I need them for my winter wheels? Or, if the wheels themselves have offset, do I have to be really careful what ones I buy?

I've run a couple setup scenarios above on TireRack, and they seem to have solutions for either (and I trust their calculators, I guess).... but due to shipping to Canada, etc. the cost is pretty high (higher than the wheels/tires, actually... and over $1k more than I can purchase locally) and out of my budget. (And, I'm too far from the border to just drive to the US to buy/install.)

I also don't need anything fancy for winter, so I was thinking about just getting something at Costco... but their charts don't exactly inspire confidence I'll be ordering the right thing. (You have to order the wheels, then take them to Costco for tire install, balance, etc.)

Also, since there was no stock 16" wheel setup for my 328xi, would I have proper brake clearance and such if I downsize to 16"? I think having the tires a bit more narrow and more tire instead of wheel for potholes and such would be beneficial... if they fit (not to mention, cheaper!).

Any advice/info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[floydarogers]

Offset for E9x is 35mm for all wheels; offset is built into each wheel there are no spacers on any stock setup. Offsets are stamped into the back spokes of the wheels.

Either of the sizes you've chosen should work. Although US/CA BMWs don't come with a stock 16" setup, they do exist in other countries.

Craigslist is a swell place to find wheels, for $75 to $100 each. Be sure to specify and ask for the offset stamped in the wheel - E46 wheels, and 5/6/7-series wheels don't fit E9x 3-series (in general).

[SteveW928]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Offset for E9x is 35mm for all wheels; offset is built into each wheel there are no spacers on any stock setup. Offsets are stamped into the back spokes of the wheels.

Either of the sizes you've chosen should work. Although US/CA BMWs don't come with a stock 16" setup, they do exist in other countries.

Craigslist is a swell place to find wheels, for $75 to $100 each. Be sure to specify and ask for the offset stamped in the wheel - E46 wheels, and 5/6/7-series wheels don't fit E9x 3-series (in general).

Thanks for all the great info! I suppose 5mm or so doesn't matter a bunch? (as I see varying offsets in wheels listed for my model in various wheel-site calculators.)

Craigslist or Kijiji isn't a great option here, unfortunately, as there just isn't much supply available in the area. And, unfortunately, Costco doesn't give much, if any, details on the specs of the wheels they sell.

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Although US/CA BMWs don't come with a stock 16" setup

FYI - the Canadian 323 e90 model comes with 16" wheels stock.

[drmdvl]

I run 235/40 R18 on my stock staggered MSport wheels during the winter.

[SteveW928]

I ordered some 16" wheels from Costco, so we'll see how it goes (I'll try to remember to report back).

I'm hoping to go with some 205/55R16 Michelin X-ICE XI3 or Bridgestone BLIZZAK WS80 tires.

The downside is that I have to wait until Costco ships the wheels to me, then take them to the local Costco for install/balance, etc. of the tires. Hopefully I'll get them going before the snow hits.