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[sg335]

No question is stupid. But you may want to check your eyesight... I posted the picture of the wheel mounted on the front. It clears the brake caliper by a wide margin. A BBK will fit just fine with this wheel. And I believe it should work fine with a 255 35 street tire. A 255 race tire will have to be checked for fitment since they run wide, but there is about 9mm clearance with the 245 40, so I don't think you need to worry. You could run a 245 35 18. What are the class restrictions for tire size? The rear clears with no problem.

R2. Sorry, I re-read your post and yes the wheel will fit the rear just fine. I mounted it and there is plenty of clearance.

[sg335]

OZ Ultraleggera 18x9.0 ET40: Test fit this wheel today. Just as predicted, once the tire is mounted, I would not run it. There is only 1.2mm clearance between the stock strut and the wheel lip without the tire mounted. Under load, the tire will roll over and hit the stock strut. When I install my coilovers later this week, I will see if the coilover strut tube is narrower and will allow the ET40 to clear a few more mm on the inside. Based on my previous comments, there is some extra room (a few mm!) towards the outside, so a 3mm or max 5mm spacer could work with this wheel or any other 18x9.0 ET40, effectively changing the offset to 37 or 35mm.

I now think there is absolutely no way you can run a 9.5" wide wheel on the front of an E90 335i, unless you run a much lower offset and roll the fender lips. However, I believe rolling the front of this car will be problematic. If you look at the fender picture, the new body style carries the plastic bumper cover well into the fender line to about the one o'clock position. Rubbing in the front usually occurs forward of the twelve o'clock position and extends to the two to three o'clock positions. This will be tricky to relocate the mounting points joining these two materials. And I don't want to bother making major modifications to the fenders and subsequent repainting.

Here are some pics of the clearance:

[S4to335]

Damn...thanks for checking.

[SoCal335i]

Im selling my 19" Enkei's with tires. They are 19lbs front and 20lbs rear.

[sg335]

Sent a PM!

[Getagrip]

Originally Posted by AHY

I disagree.

They have quite a good reputation amoung the Subaru community...at least locally in Norcal. I've personally used them (2 sets) during auto-x events, and I know tons more people that have, I've never seen one instance of them failing personally. A few years back I did see online there was an issue, but rota was quick to fix the problem.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/arch.../t-309119.html

Although I have BBS currently, I'll prob be ordering a set of these from Zoeb this summer so I can track on 18's with thicker rubber.

Cool! Another fellow NACIOC'r.

[jadeddjay]

after reading through these threads, why are people trying not to run staggered? is it just for economic reasons or is this a performance decision to run the same size all around?

sg335.. what c/o are you getting?

[spacedogg]

Originally Posted by jadeddjay

after reading through these threads, why are people trying not to run staggered? is it just for economic reasons or is this a performance decision to run the same size all around?

experts pipe in here...but I suspect it's because it's:

1) largely economic so they can rotate tires etc.
2) easier to dial out understeer in a non-staggered setup. staggered setups tend to understeer more.

[sg335]

The car will handle better with the same size tires front and rear, as long as they are bigger than 225's!, plus you can rotate to extend wear. It is not an economic reason at all. TCKline coilovers.

[jadeddjay]

thanks for the info, keep us updated on the c/o, i havent heard any reviews on the tck yet

j

[sg335]

Stay tuned! Haven't had time to post yet.

The Enkei NT03+M sample wheel is for sale. Used only a few miles for test fitment. I am determined to find a 9.0" wheel! This 8.5" will work great, fits fantastic and offers good clearance on both sides, providing hassle free driving for track and street, and no fender rolling! Over $300.00 new with shipping. Will sell for .50 on the dollar and buyer pays shipping. I don't want to haggle, so this is priced right to move ... yet another sample part in my growing inventory of "test fitment" purchases.

[sg335]

Mounted the Nitto R compound tire on the OZ 9.0" wheel and it fits! The wider width of the wheel over the Enkei 8.5" causes the wheel to stick out farther and the tire sits more inbound. It clears the coilovers as well and can be run as is. However, just to be safe, I installed 3mm spacers and it gives the extra safety margin room, even if you run 255's. So with the spacer, the OZ's offset becomes 37mm which clears the strut tube by a few mm and with -2 degrees camber in the front, there is about .75" or 19mm of clearence to the fender lip. You could even run a 5 or 10mm spacer if you have enough camber in the car.

Now my thoughts turn to custom wheels. Looks like those Fikse's in 9.0" ET35 may just be on the way .

The OZ Ultraleggera 9.0 ET40 wheel is also for sale, along with the Enkei, and this one has zero mileage on it! Same deal - Test pricing. Retails for about $340.00 with shipping, so $170.00 and buyer pays shipping. PM me if interested in either wheel. Will post pics after the holiday. If you want the tires, they are also brand new and will sell for half price of new.

[JWadle]

Originally Posted by 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.

This is very helpful information. I just ordered a set of BBS RGRs in 18x8.5 for my 335xi. When I went to look for tires, both TireRack and Discount Tire specified 225/40s. When I mentioned that I had seen information that 255/35s would fit, the salesperson from TireRack told me they'd be "rubbing all over the place". I realize that dealers are probably being very conservative to avoid problems with cars that have been lowered, etc., but in this case neither dealer would agree that any of 235/40, 245/40 or 255/35 would fit on 18x8.5 on an E90.

I would prefer something larger than 225/40 but am concerned by the dealers' recommendations.

Any thoughts?

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

experts pipe in here...but I suspect it's because it's:

1) largely economic so they can rotate tires etc.
2) easier to dial out understeer in a non-staggered setup. staggered setups tend to understeer more.

Bingo...

[sg335]

Originally Posted by JWadle

This is very helpful information. I just ordered a set of BBS RGRs in 18x8.5 for my 335xi. When I went to look for tires, both TireRack and Discount Tire specified 225/40s. When I mentioned that I had seen information that 255/35s would fit, the salesperson from TireRack told me they'd be "rubbing all over the place". I realize that dealers are probably being very conservative to avoid problems with cars that have been lowered, etc., but in this case neither dealer would agree that any of 235/40, 245/40 or 255/35 would fit on 18x8.5 on an E90.

I would prefer something larger than 225/40 but am concerned by the dealers' recommendations.

Any thoughts?

I am so sure that I will buy your wheels if they don't fit! Just to make yourself more comfortable, switch your front and rear wheels and take a look yourself. The rear wheel is 8.5" ET37 and runs a 255 tire. Clears on both sides no problem. I drove around like this for a week in all possible situations and absolutely no rubbing anywhere. The BBS RGR is 8.5" ET38 which is almost identical. I drove on the 9" ET40 width and without spacers and no rubbing with the 245 for the short time I had that wheel on the car. My next test fitment will be a 18x9.0 ET35 and I believe now that it will fit fine with my increased neg camber in the front. 225 is common for a 8.0 rim, and 235 more common for the 8.5. Unless you plan on driving very agressive, you will not gain much by increasing to the 255. I would recommend 235's all around. This is a very popular size (235 40 18). The RGR is one of my favorite wheels, although a bit pricey. I am also think of the 9.0 width with a 10mm spacer!

[JWadle]

Originally Posted by sg335

I am so sure that I will buy your wheels if they don't fit! Just to make yourself more comfortable, switch your front and rear wheels and take a look yourself. The rear wheel is 8.5" ET37 and runs a 255 tire. Clears on both sides no problem. I drove around like this for a week in all possible situations and absolutely no rubbing anywhere. The BBS RGR is 8.5" ET38 which is almost identical. I drove on the 9" ET40 width and without spacers and no rubbing with the 245 for the short time I had that wheel on the car. My next test fitment will be a 18x9.0 ET35 and I believe now that it will fit fine with my increased neg camber in the front. 225 is common for a 8.0 rim, and 235 more common for the 8.5. Unless you plan on driving very agressive, you will not gain much by increasing to the 255. I would recommend 235's all around. This is a very popular size (235 40 18). The RGR is one of my favorite wheels, although a bit pricey. I am also think of the 9.0 width with a 10mm spacer!

Thanks. One more question. The BBS RGRs have 38mm offset (as you confirm above). What do you think about spacers in the rear - perhaps 5 or 10mm? I've seen recommendations for 40mm front / 30mm rear as ideal offsets for the E90, but that was with staggered 19's.

[HRC]

Originally Posted by JWadle

Thanks. One more question. The BBS RGRs have 38mm offset (as you confirm above). What do you think about spacers in the rear - perhaps 5 or 10mm? I've seen recommendations for 40mm front / 30mm rear as ideal offsets for the E90, but that was with staggered 19's.

I would not run any spacers on the track. If I had to run spacers, 5mm is the most and on the rear only.

Danny

[sg335]

The spacers on either hub will work fine. Remember you are using a 8.5" wheel so a ET38 on an 8.5" wheel with a 10mm spacer (ET28) will still sit in further than a 9.0" or 9.5" wheel with a ET30 offset.

Don't run staggered tire sizes like you are thinking on the 8.5" rear. 265 is really too big for an 8.5" and you gain nothing except a lot of roll over and tire wear. Run the 8.5's all around with 235 40 18 or 245 35 18, or 245 40 18's. The same size tires will also help dial out some of the understeer.

HRC, why would you not run spacers? There is really nothing wrong with them if they are hubcentric in the larger size. You can run non-hubcentric in the 3-5mm range if the stock flange in long enough.

[sg335]

Here are some pics of the 18X9.0" ET40 OZ Ultraleggera with and without the 3mm spacer.

[Coldintake]

For track dedicated rims, I'd get something cheap and light Like supperleggera's or SSR comps. Getting expensive rims is pointless as the brake dust(assuming you have race pads) and debris will destroy the finish.

[sg335]

The Supperleggera is no longer available, replaced by the Ultraleggera. The older SSR comp series seems to be replaced by the new Type C RS at about $460.00. The other 18" wheel to add to the list which is on sale now is the Kosei K3 in 18x8.5 ET30 at $229.00. Although the offset concerns me and may rub the outer fender lip. Anyone want to buy a test fitment Kosei wheel and see. I am running out of room to store all these sample wheels .

[Coldintake]

Originally Posted by sg335

The Supperleggera is no longer available, replaced by the Ultraleggera. The older SSR comp series seems to be replaced by the new Type C RS at about $460.00. The other 18" wheel to add to the list which is on sale now is the Kosei K3 in 18x8.5 ET30 at $229.00. Although the offset concerns me and may rub the outer fender lip. Anyone want to buy a test fitment Kosei wheel and see. I am running out of room to store all these sample wheels .

Damn.. talk about being out of the loop. Gotta brush up on my light weight wheels.