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[CASHBY]

OZ Ultraleggerras... I got my 18's with BFGoodrich drag radials all around for 1350 brand new!

16.8lbs per wheel and they look awesome!

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by CEA 3

OZ Ultraleggerras... I got my 18's with BFGoodrich drag radials all around for 1350 brand new!

16.8lbs per wheel and they look awesome!

Tirerack quotes 18.5 and 20.8lbs for the 18X8F and 18X9R. I wonder if I can put 18X9 on both front and rear...and if they will fit?

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Tirerack quotes 18.5 and 20.8lbs for the 18X8F and 18X9R. I wonder if I can put 18X9 on both front and rear...and if they will fit?

Looks like I could get pilot sport cups...235/40/18 ($295/each) and 265/35/18..($294/each). I am not draggin my car...I am taking it on the road race track.

So I am at about $2500 plus tax/shipping for my arrangement.

[borsalino]

Originally Posted by CEA 3

OZ Ultraleggerras... I got my 18's with BFGoodrich drag radials all around for 1350 brand new!

16.8lbs per wheel and they look awesome!

Can you post some pictures of your car with the wheels? Thanks

[sg335]

Here is some more information regarding choices for track wheels and tires. My choice is to run the same size at all four corners. I test fit the stock rear wheel on the front and arrived at these clearance dimensions:
Stock 8.5 ET37 wheel with stock run flat 255 35 18 on front of E90 has about 5-6mm of clearance from the tire's rim bead protector to the strut tube. There is about 5 mm of clearance between the tire's rim bead and the outer front fender lip as measured with a straight edge. I have had the stagger switched for a week now with no problems at any situation encountered; dips, bumps, full lock turning, etc. No rubbing anywhere or anytime. So we can safely say that a 8.5" ET37 wheel running street tires of 255 35 18 will work on the front. I have not compared the run flats to more conventional tires or R compounds. That is the next test.

What is interesting is that in theory based on these measurements, it looks like a 9.0 or 9.5" wheel will not fit on the front of an E90. Has anyone done this test yet? Any of you with 9.0 or 9.5" rear wheels want to test fit their rear wheels on the front of an E90 and post their clearances? A half inch increase to the front wheel assuming a equal offset will increase the width to the inside and outside about 6mm (25.4 ./. 2 ./. 2). Therefore a 9.0" ET37 wheel will just clear or touch the strut tube and possibly the fender lip/liner with a 255 front. This also does not take into consideration the tires movement during lateral forces. I would safely say a 9.5" front wheel in any offset is impossible.

So this leaves me to think that the safe track wheel set up is an 8.5" width with an offset of 34 to 40mm which will give a few mm clearances to each side. ET 37 being the ideal as it is centered between the strut tube and the fender lip. So what is available? Here is what I found:

BBS CH 18x8.5 ET38, but weighs 23.9lbs!
BBS RGR 18x8.5 ET35 and weighs 18.6lbs! Don't know if it clears the front calipers?
Enkei NT03+M 18x8.5 ET38. Looking for weights.
Volk RE30 18.8.5 ET35 and weighs 17.0lbs!!
SSR Type C RS 18.8.5 ET32 and weighs 18.5lbs. Offset may rub fender lip.
OZ Ultraleggera 18x8 ET40, but a little to narrow for a 245/255 front tire.
CCW C14 custom made to order. Will be under 19lbs
TCKline Volk TE37's, but don't come in 8.5". Will try to test fit in 9.0" if I have a chance to go there.

My top three choices are the Enkei NT03+M because they are only 268 each! and can be replaced inexpensively if damaged. Next is the BBS RGR, which is a great wheel, at a good weight, and a very strong forged wheel with a lot of racing time over the years with good results. Price is mid 600's. Next is the Volk RE30. This is the lightest wheel at 17.0 lbs and probably the strongest, but the most expensive at 710 each. When you are buying six wheels, the price difference between the Enkei's and the Volks is double.

Now the next limiting factor is the tires. My options for equal sized tires front and rear are:
Nitto NT-01 245 40 18
Toyo RA-1 245 40 18
Toyo R888 245 40 18 or 255 35 18. Can't locate them yet in the USA.
Hankook Ventus Z214R 245 35 18, 245 40 18 in C50 or C70 compound.
Kumho Ecsta V710 245 35 18
Pirelli P Zero Corsa Direzionale 245 35 18
Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 255 40 18
Hoosier R6 245 35 18, 245 40 18
BF Goodrich g-Force R1 245 40 18, if you can find them.

I have had great luck with the Toyos over the years and just switched to the Nitto's and like them just as well if not better. Can't wait for the R888 in 255 35 18. Anyone run the other tires on the 335i who could comment on their performance? Let me know what you are all planning on running at the track.

[FirstClass]

RAC Monolites. Expensive as hell, but very very light and probably some of the best wheels money can buy. They don't really have a website and they aren't sold in many places though. I've only ever seen them offered for sale on forums and sector111, and the latter is Lotus specific.

[sg335]

Here is the Ray's research for 18's:
TE37 18x8.5 ET35
CE28N 18x8.5 ET35
RE30 18.8.5 ET35, long or short rim? Anyone know difference?
Progressiv ME 18x8.5 ET36, Face 1 and 2? Anyone know difference?

[hal9e3]

sg335, excellent information. Here's another choice - BBS RK 2pc, 18x8.5, 38mm offset, 23.2 lbs.

[sg335]

I just finished test fitting my new Enkei NT03+M wheel on my E90 335i. The wheel is 18x8.5 ET38. I installed Nitto NT-01 245 40 18 R compounds. There is no rim bead protector on these R compounds and therefor sit in more square vs the stock RF's. This provides about an addition 3mm of clearance on both sides. This is what we have so far:

Inside and outside clearances are both about 9.7mm to the strut tube and the fender lip. This is assuming no fender rolling on the front. This combination gives about 3mm more clearance than running the rear stock wheel/tire set up with the RF's. After now fitting this package, I am starting to think that just maybe you can successfully install a 9.0" front wheel. Here are my thoughts: If you increase the width by .50" to a 18x9.0 wheel and keep the same offset, you reduce the clearance on the inside and outside by 6.35mm each side, so my current measured clearance on a 8.5" wheel of 9.7mm is reduced to 3.35mm on each side. This will work in theory. However, I can see any 9.0" wheels comming in ET38. A few wheels do come in ET40. If you run an ET 40 9.0" wheel, you will decrease the clearance by 2mm to the inside resulting in 1.35mm clearance to the strut tube and increase the clearance to the fender by 2mm to the outside resulting in 5.35mm clearance to the fender lip, not rolled. Depending on tire, I think this may work but will have to test fit to make sure.

One problem will be running coilovers with the spring perch at or below the top level of the tire. Anything lower than above the tread surface, will cause the perch and spring to come in contact with the tire's side wall. The 8.5" width wheel with about 9.7mm clearance should be OK with lowered coilover cars, but I think the 9.0" wheel will not work unless you keep the ride height high.

The wheels I found are:
TCKline Volk TE37: 18x9 ET40, 17+lbs
OZ Ultraleggera: 18x9 ET40, 20.8lbs
BBS RGR: 18x9 ET45, but this will need a 5 or 10mm spacer to work.

Any other wheels you guys know about in this size and offset range?

[S4to335]

Tirerack only lists an 18X8 for the enkei...where did you get yours from in 18X8.5? Did you find weight?

[bzabodyn]

These also come in 18x9.5 for the rears... I would personally run that in the rear with a 10mm wider tire (255/40) and these fronts and call it a day...

BZ

[sg335]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Tirerack only lists an 18X8 for the enkei...where did you get yours from in 18X8.5? Did you find weight?

Hint: Go to tire racks 2006 E46 M3 wheels options and you will find it there . I believe it is 19.6lbs.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by sg335

Hint: Go to tire racks 2006 E46 M3 wheels options and you will find it there . I believe it is 19.6lbs.

Why did Gary at Tirerack say they didnt offer it.

[sg335]

The Tirerack is a great retailer. There success is based in part on their ability to "guarentee" fitments of particular wheels on particular cars. I believe they are correct in guarenteeing fitment of the 8.0" Enkei on a 335, as my own observations and measurements confirm this fitment, but I think they feel uncomfortable with the 8.5" fitment because it may cause rubbing issues depending on aftermarket suspension upgrades and those customers that may try to run a 265 or larger front tire on the car that will most likely have a problem. To their credit, even if someone was willing to put a 265 on an 8.0" wheel (which I don't recommend), the combo would still clear the strut and the fender. Their approach is the safe route. I don't think they want customers calling them back complaining of rubbing or the need to roll fender lips in order to accomodate their suggested wheel offerings. This is my own personal opinion and I am not speaking on behalf of the Tirerack. What we are doing in this tread is trying to explore just how wide and what offsets will work in the extreme on the E90 chassis. This philosophy is not the guiding principles of the Tirerack I am sure. And most of us willing to take this path are not going to complain to anyone but themselves when things don't fit "just right". I am getting pretty good with a rubber mallet and a heat gun with "experience" from my past several cars trying to do the same thing as outlined in this thread. If you like this Enkei wheel, I may make you a great deal on it and I am going to also buy and test fit a 18x9.0 ET 40 wheel to compare the two. And after my coilover installation, I may even end up with a different set of wheels altogether .

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by sg335

The Tirerack is a great retailer. There success is based in part on their ability to "guarentee" fitments of particular wheels on particular cars. I believe they are correct in guarenteeing fitment of the 8.0" Enkei on a 335, as my own observations and measurements confirm this fitment, but I think they feel uncomfortable with the 8.5" fitment because it may cause rubbing issues depending on aftermarket suspension upgrades and those customers that may try to run a 265 or larger front tire on the car that will most likely have a problem. To their credit, even if someone was willing to put a 265 on an 8.0" wheel (which I don't recommend), the combo would still clear the strut and the fender. Their approach is the safe route. I don't think they want customers calling them back complaining of rubbing or the need to roll fender lips in order to accomodate their suggested wheel offerings. This is my own personal opinion and I am not speaking on behalf of the Tirerack. What we are doing in this tread is trying to explore just how wide and what offsets will work in the extreme on the E90 chassis. This philosophy is not the guiding principles of the Tirerack I am sure. And most of us willing to take this path are not going to complain to anyone but themselves when things don't fit "just right". I am getting pretty good with a rubber mallet and a heat gun with "experience" from my past several cars trying to do the same thing as outlined in this thread. If you like this Enkei wheel, I may make you a great deal on it and I am going to also buy and test fit a 18x9.0 ET 40 wheel to compare the two. And after my coilover installation, I may even end up with a different set of wheels altogether .

Well, I am definitely interested. I decided to sell my race car/trailer/tow rig for several reasons..so the 335i will be my occasional track car now...when it was planned to be an infrequent track car. Let me know. Thanks.

[sg335]

I think I will try the OZ Ultraleggera 18x9 ET40 and see how it fits with the 245 40 18 NT-01. I will need to make sure the coilover spring perch sits above the tire with this width wheel. Where do you have your PSS9's set in relation to the top of the tire? What is your fender lip to ground measurement? Fender lip to center of wheel measurement? How much room do you have with the stock wheels? The price is certainly right with either one of these wheels. Cheap enough to throw them away if bend or crack. You can have first dibs on which ever one I don't keep. Each wheel will have about 2 miles on them! Have you tested the LSD on a road course yet and what do you think? What tracks do you run?

[R2]

sg335, would you happen to have more photos with the NT03+M? I've been interested in getting these wheels for awhile now but wasn't sure if they'll look good with the car.

Thanks in advance.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by sg335

I think I will try the OZ Ultraleggera 18x9 ET40 and see how it fits with the 245 40 18 NT-01. I will need to make sure the coilover spring perch sits above the tire with this width wheel. Where do you have your PSS9's set in relation to the top of the tire? What is your fender lip to ground measurement? Fender lip to center of wheel measurement? How much room do you have with the stock wheels? The price is certainly right with either one of these wheels. Cheap enough to throw them away if bend or crack. You can have first dibs on which ever one I don't keep. Each wheel will have about 2 miles on them! Have you tested the LSD on a road course yet and what do you think? What tracks do you run?

Havent measured the ride height yet...as I think it is too low right now. When I get the alignment/LSD installed..I will ask them to raise it up a bit. As you know..slammed is not the best for track use..you have to be in the middle of the range for the suspension to be at its best..generally speaking.

I run the following tracks:

1) Laguna Seca
2) Sears Point/Infineon
3) Thunderhill

I have been to the following tracks but not as frequently:

1) Buttonwillow
2) Willow Springs - big track not Streets of Willow
3) Spring Mountain (Pahrump NV)
4) Reno/Fernley
5) Miller Motorsports (Toole UT)
6) Second Creek Raceway (Denver CO) - gone now.

I have been to Thunderhill..probably over 60 days...lost count.

Steve

Let me know about the wheels. Definitely interested.

[sg335]

R2, the wheel is no longer on the car as it was for test fitment only so I don't have any long shots of the car with it on. It's a race wheel... it looks fine .

S4to335, did you run your car at the track with the stock set spring/shock set up and how do you now compare with the Bilsteins?

[R2]

This maybe a stupid question but I'm assuming that if the Enkei NT03+M 18 x 8.5 fits the fronts, it'll definitely fit the rear of the e90 as well. Is this correct?

I need to find a set of wheels with the same width as OEM in order to stay in D stock under SCCA rules.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by sg335

R2, the wheel is no longer on the car as it was for test fitment only so I don't have any long shots of the car with it on. It's a race wheel... it looks fine .

S4to335, did you run your car at the track with the stock set spring/shock set up and how do you now compare with the Bilsteins?

Havent run on the track with the pss9s installed. My next track event is in Utah on June 4th and 5th..and I am sharing my friends 2006 Audi A4 2.0T stage 2 car.

Dont really want to run on the track again until I get proper R-compounds.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by R2

This maybe a stupid question but I'm assuming that if the Enkei NT03+M 18 x 8.5 fits the fronts, it'll definitely fit the rear of the e90 as well. Is this correct?

I need to find a set of wheels with the same width as OEM in order to stay in D stock under SCCA rules.

If you are gonna autocross..you definitely need a LSD...does stock class allow diff changes? :-( Maybe not.