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[Vulcan50]

So I'm looking to get a square setup, leaning heavily toward 18x9. If my research is correct best fit is something like et33. So here is the hiccup, in the future I will likely end up with a F30 335i or 435i. I would like be able to move them over. I'd like to be able to avoid spacers at all 4 corners. On my e92 I know that I'll need spacers in the rear to keep proper fit, and in the future have to do the same.

Is there a happy medium? Or even better a perfect 2in1 solution?

[Expert@ApexWheels]

Hi Vulcan50,

You're right in the ballpark regarding the wheel specs you listed. 18x9" ET30 with 255/35 tires at all four corners is a solid direct fit setup for a E9X with stock suspension. The only reason you would need to run spacers with this setup is in the case of having aftermarket coilovers that could potentially limit inner clearance.

That being said, the F3X chassis gets a bit more complicated. Compared to the E9X, the F3X typically requires higher offset wheels for a direct fit application. Though, a 18x9" ET30 square setup is possible on the F3X, but may be subject to additional modifications in order to have a rub-free fitment. Depending on ride height and tire selection, you could potentially have to run a bit of negative camber and/or roll your rear fenders.

If you step down to a 18x8.5" ET35 with 235/40 tires, this could be a direct fit with no additional modifications required on both the E9X and F3X chassis.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

-Geirsen

[Vulcan50]

Say I am open to spacers what if I was looking at an 18x9 with et35 plus 5mm spacers, would that improve fit down the road? Or in the case of the f30/32 would it only offer minimal benefit?

I greatly appreciate your input

[Expert@ApexWheels]

A 18x9" ET35 with a 5mm spacer effectively lowers the offset to a ET30. In this case, a spacer wouldn't really benefit you unless you decided to run something like a 18x9" ET42 with 12mm spacers all around on your E92, then remove the spacers when you go to install the wheels on the F3X. However, this would require 4 spacers and 20 extended lugs, which would add to your all-in price.

Honestly, any 18x9" setup that will be able to run on both chassis will involve compromises one way or another (running 4 larger spacers on the E92 or having to roll fenders/negative camber on the F3X).

Unfortunately there isn't really a happy medium other than the 18x8.5" ET35 (which is a pretty mild setup), for these two chassis.

-Geirsen

[Vulcan50]

Thanks again for your help. I'm ok with fender rolling, not excited about negative camber. And I don't ever plan much for suspension. I plan to stay stock because it's my daily and Illinois politicians are more concerned filling their pockets than filling potholes.

I guess I'm asking, when you say some negative camber, how much is it.

[Expert@ApexWheels]

Hi Vulcan50,

Always happy to help! I did just want to clarify a typo in my initial response. In regards to running the 18x8.5" ET35 wheels as a direct fit on both chassis, the correct and ideal tire size for both would be 235/40 and not 235/35.

Negative camber specs will vary dependent on your ride height and tire selection. If you choose to run the 18x9" ET30 setup on the F3X, I would suggest having the ability to adjust front camber settings with the installation of camber plates.

-Geirsen

[Vulcan50]

Originally Posted by Expert@ApexRaceParts

Hi Vulcan50,

Always happy to help! I did just want to clarify a typo in my initial response. In regards to running the 18x8.5" ET35 wheels as a direct fit on both chassis, the correct and ideal tire size for both would be 235/40 and not 235/35.

Negative camber specs will vary dependent on your ride height and tire selection. If you choose to run the 18x9" ET30 setup on the F3X, I would suggest having the ability to adjust front camber settings with the installation of camber plates.

-Geirsen

I hate to continue bugging you, but I would like to clarify as well.

So I have two main reasons for going square. First I prefer the consistent look all the way around.

But more importantly, I want to be able rotate all 4 corners. So while I'm not opposed to minimum camber, I don't want to have to worry about premature wear. I don't want any of that silly "VIP" nonsense.

[Vulcan50]

Revisiting this thread, could I use m3 upper and lower control arms with 18x9 et33?