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[JMeezee]

Hi all,

I recently picked up an e90 335 to replace the 330, but I can't swap the wheels because the fronts don't clear the 335 brakes. The JKTechs have a ET38 front offset, and I tried a 5mm spacer to see if it would fit, but it didn't...

I think an 8mm spacer may do the trick, but I'm thinking that a net ET30 offset on 235s would rub in the front. Does anyone know for sure? Also, would an 8mm spacer be too dangerous to run in the front?

Thanks for your help!

[BMW F22]

That's strange. The E90 has a lot of room so that offset should fit. ET30 with 235 tires should be just fine. I have not heard of anyone running into any issues with it. If anything, you can roll the front fenders as well.

[JMeezee]

Thanks Kenny! But on the other issue, I've heard that 5mm is the thickest you can go for the front, and a thicker spacer may not be safe. Have you heard anything about that?

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by JMeezee

Thanks Kenny! But on the other issue, I've heard that 5mm is the thickest you can go for the front, and a thicker spacer may not be safe. Have you heard anything about that?

I am not sure when spacers started becoming a hazard or when this "myth" IMO started, but you can use whatever spacer you want.

The key to have proper spacer operation is to make sure the surface rust is cleaned off, you use anti-seize lubricant, and the bolts are properly torqued down.

Is it true that a far too aggressive offset, whether its accomplished through wheels, or just spacers can damage wheel bearings? Yes it is possible in the long run, but its not common.

[brokemywallet]

people run spacers on the front all the time......it looks like you have plenty of clearance so you can either run 8 or 10mm (10mm hubcentrics are more common). make sure you get the longer bolts with the spacer......

you should be ok.......i've seen 10mm hubcentrics front on a 5 series and he drives his car pretty hard!

[JMeezee]

Thanks guys! This will save me from having to dish out for new rims...

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by JMeezee

Thanks Kenny! But on the other issue, I've heard that 5mm is the thickest you can go for the front, and a thicker spacer may not be safe. Have you heard anything about that?

I actually have not. I'm not sure why running "thicker" spacers in the front is not safe. I mean, thicker than what, 5 mm? To be honest I'm not sure if it will clear even with the 8mm spacers.

[sambonator]

I've got 15mm spacers up front with no issues. 18x9 ET40 wheels with 15mm H&R spacers with 265/35/18 tires and BIG negative camber. Clears everything fine.

On the street I still run the 15mm spacers to clear the coilovers, no negative camber, on 18x8.5 ET40 wheels (ET25 effective) with 235/40/18 tires. No problems.

Just get top quality hubcentric spacers that have enough hub contour recess so that the spacers will sit flush to the hub, and you'll be fine. H&R or Rogue would be my only choices... oh, I would also trust the spacers from Turner.

[JMeezee]

Originally Posted by Kenny@JleviSW

I actually have not. I'm not sure why running "thicker" spacers in the front is not safe. I mean, thicker than what, 5 mm? To be honest I'm not sure if it will clear even with the 8mm spacers.

I'm crossing my fingers...they barely didn't clear with the 5mm, so I'm hoping that 8mm will be enough. We'll find out today!

Originally Posted by sambonator

I've got 15mm spacers up front with no issues. 18x9 ET40 wheels with 15mm H&R spacers with 265/35/18 tires and BIG negative camber. Clears everything fine.

On the street I still run the 15mm spacers to clear the coilovers, no negative camber, on 18x8.5 ET40 wheels (ET25 effective) with 235/40/18 tires. No problems.

Just get top quality hubcentric spacers that have enough hub contour recess so that the spacers will sit flush to the hub, and you'll be fine. H&R or Rogue would be my only choices... oh, I would also trust the spacers from Turner.

Cool - much stress of my chest! Thanks!

[SpeedElement]

I run 19x8.5 +29 in the front. It doesn't rub.

[ksfrogman]

I run 19x8.5 +28 without a problem as well.

[JMeezee]

[koreez88]

It really depends on the tire more. What size are you running?

[JMeezee]

Originally Posted by koreez88

It really depends on the tire more. What size are you running?

235/35/19 Generals...should be good, right?

[GregL]

Originally Posted by JMeezee

235/35/19 Generals...should be good, right?

Should be. I have 235/35/19 Goodyears upfront on 19x8.5" ET30 rims and even with the generous rim protector it's still not protruding at all from the fenders.

[BMW F22]

Guys it's not about the offset or spacers or tires. These wheels simply have issues fitting on 335i. Some think it's the design but we're not 100% what it is. I mean most 19x8.5 after market wheels with ET30 would fit just fine on a 335.

[JMeezee]

Originally Posted by Kenny@JleviSW

Guys it's not about the offset or spacers or tires. These wheels simply have issues fitting on 335i. Some think it's the design but we're not 100% what it is. I mean most 19x8.5 after market wheels with ET30 would fit just fine on a 335.

Yeah, this brings us back to the reason I asked the question in the first place...I'm gonna need either an 8mm or 10mm spacer in order for the inner spokes of my rims to fit over the 335 front brakes.

Anyway, i'll find out tonight if it all works out...doing a test fitting when I get off of work. Thanks again for all your input!