Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[Tallest]

Hello guys,
If choosing non OEM wheels, can you tell me what are the most popular/closest specs for rim/tyre combo for 17in and 18in? Offset, rim width if staggered, etc.

From my search, I understand that if 17in, it must be non staggered, 8x17 on 225/45/R17 with 34mm offset.

If it’s 18in, then it has to be 8x18 on 225/40/R18 rubber front with 34mm offset, and 8,5x18 on 255/35/R17 37mm offset rear.

Center hole should be like 72.1mm I think. Not sure here though, OEM says nothing that I found and above are OEM specs.

With Non OEM wheels I saw, all have either 35mm offsets, or if I look at previous gen 3 series wheels, they are like 20 mm offset or 40 or smth like that. Here come the questions:

1. What offset tolerance is there on the E90? I imagine the 35mm offset on non OEM 8x17 rims should be enough, as its closest to factory spec…
2. If I go 18, and keep them all same width, will 35mm offset be ok for the back as well (8x18wheel)?
3. Do I have to have wheels staggered if I go 18in to be same as OEM spec? Or it’s not necessary?
4. What kind of rubber would you recommend for someone who wants to have a very quiet tyre which still gives good performance, especially in rainy weather? Currently I am looking at Michelin PS2s, Goodyear Eagle F1 and maybe Avon ZZ3 if I don’t want to stretch the budget. What do you think? I heard from some that PS2 are not quiet – and if a Michelin tyre is loud to someone, I’m now bit confused!
5. Is anyone in this forum, sponsors perhaps, selling Alpina replica wheels in 17 or 18? Would need to ship to Europe on reasonable quote, but I can wait for chepest/long shipping. Those reps seem to be a pain to find where I am (Estonia).

6. I just saw one very nice set for good price, black oem, 7,5x17 with 20mm offset - seems like a good fit based on calculator, but whih tyres would go there best? 225/45 still ok or have to think of something else now? thye are listed for a 5 series though...




Appreciate your help to my noob questions, this is first time I’m gonna be buying rims so don’t flame me if Qs are silly!

[remmib]

Hub size (center hole) on the 3 series is 72,6mm.

ET20 on a 7.5" or 8" wide wheel with 225 tire will work on the rear, but stick a bit to far out in the front.

Many non OEM wheels for the 3 series are ET35, and they will fit. If you go non staggered you can use spacers in the rear so it doesn't look so tucked.

[Tallest]

but wouldnt using spacers cause unnecessary stress to the hub and suspension, wear them out much quicker, and so on?

[neo871]

those wheels fit on e46 and they look very aggressive
i don't know about e90

[Tallest]

one more question about offsets then: 8.5x17 rim with 255-40 rubber is used on Msports cars - but with 37mm offset... would I be able to fit to the back the 8.5x17 rim with 35mm offset to the back, and 8x17 with 35mm offset to front without any bad results? COnsidering our crappy roads, I think this could be my target - staggered 17s... thoughts?

[remmib]

Originally Posted by 320what

one more question about offsets then: 8.5x17 rim with 255-40 rubber is used on Msports cars - but with 37mm offset... would I be able to fit to the back the 8.5x17 rim with 35mm offset to the back, and 8x17 with 35mm offset to front without any bad results? COnsidering our crappy roads, I think this could be my target - staggered 17s... thoughts?

No problem fitting 8x17 ET35 and 8.5x17 ET35

[Tallest]

bad news, my wheel guy just told me that getting a set of 8.5x17s is gonna be tough, and his offers were like 8x17 back as well OR 9x17... I reckon 9x17 is gonna be bit of an overkill, no? not even sure if 255/40 would fit the 9x17.. and those are looking pretty pricey already.


I know you'd say go 18 but with our roads I still think 17s for city driving is all i'd need, plus car is not dropped so 18s will look silly.

[remmib]

Originally Posted by 320what

bad news, my wheel guy just told me that getting a set of 8.5x17s is gonna be tough, and his offers were like 8x17 back as well OR 9x17... I reckon 9x17 is gonna be bit of an overkill, no? not even sure if 255/40 would fit the 9x17.. and those are looking pretty pricey already.

I know you'd say go 18 but with our roads I still think 17s for city driving is all i'd need, plus car is not dropped so 18s will look silly.

255/40 fits the 9x17 perfectly

Do you know the offset for the 9x17?

[Tallest]

thanks!
nope, no info on offset, but will check with the shop - which offset should I aim at? bit less than 30?

[remmib]

Originally Posted by 320what

thanks!
nope, no info on offset, but will check with the shop - which offset should I aim at? bit less than 30?

ET30-35 wil be good.

[BMW MotorSport]

Just go with some nice 19 inch aftermarket wheels. The 19" set ups weigh less than 17/18 inch OEM wheels. I've shipped to Estonia before so no problem there. Let me know if I can help you with anything.