[bloopeta]

Just wondering what you guys think, I've put my new rims on, and they just don't look right to me, just dont seem to fill the arches as much as I would have liked, I cant decide whether it just need lowering (was going for 30 front 20 rear) or whether it needs spacers also, and if so what size???

I have also incuded a pic of my new grill mod, thought instead of following the crowd and buying the matt / shiny replacement, I would actually paint it the same colour as the car, lets see how it stands up to stone chips etc! lol

Please excuse the fact that it needs a wash! lol

[xenon]

I agree that they're to far in because of the offset. I personally don't like spacers, especially flat ones, because of the load on the wheel bearings. You could get away with a hub-centric spacer I guess but I still wouldn't go more than 10mm.

[dxb335d]

They not Gen rims then?
Looks good mate.

[bloopeta]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

They not Gen rims then?
Looks good mate.

Thanks m8, no, there stagered fitment replica's. Next up after I sort the fitment issues is to get my msport front bumper with corner splitters painted and fitted

[dxb335d]

Thats prob why there sitting far in mate. What size tyres front and rear?

[bloopeta]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Thats prob why there sitting far in mate. What size tyres front and rear?

235/35/19 front

275/30/19 rear

Rears are too wide IMO, but bloke at wheel dealers swears thats whats recommended for my car???, when they're due to be replaced I think Ill be going for something thinner

[Hotcoupe]

The front wheel fitment looks ok, although it's difficult to tell from the pics.

The rear wheels are sitting in a fair bit, and could do with some spacers.

I'd go 10 or 12mm rears, hubcentrics for sure as xenon has stated.

If the fronts are cause for concern go either 5/7mm, again hubcentric.

Fronts 5mm:
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pag...roduct=3882420

Rear 12mm:
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pag...roduct=3883176


If you call Teddy at http://www.ssdd-motorsport.com/contact.php

I'm sure he could work you out some discount, say you are off the forum

[bloopeta]

I am quite happy with the front, its mainly the rear I think are too far in, do you think I could get away with 15mm spacers witha 20mm drop???

just these seem a reasonable price if there any good but nearest they have is 15mm -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=012

[Speedtrap]

Enough space for me to crawl through All depends on what springs you get as some are more aggresive than others. I go for drop and spacers.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by bloopeta

I am quite happy with the front, its mainly the rear I think are too far in, do you think I could get away with 15mm spacers witha 20mm drop???

just these seem a reasonable price if there any good but nearest they have is 15mm -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=012

How are you going to achieve the drop?
Springs or coilovers?

Springs - no adjustment, coilovers - can be adjusted to suit.

With 275's on the rear, and too big a spacer you run the risk of the tyres rubbing, certainly with a load in the boot or carrying passengers.

The spacers in the link seem OK, but my concern strangely would be the price, the pack seems a steal @ £39.99 considering it includes the longer wheel bolts, seems to cheap in some respects.
A concern would be the material used for the manufacture of those ^ spacers,BMW hubs are susceptible to rust at the best of times!

I'd recommend sticking with a quality and well respected manufacturer such as H&R or Eibach,OK more money, but peace of mind in my book.

[Carrera RSR]

I would start with a drop with Eibach or H&R Sport springs. I went for H&R. Both are German and supply BMW, Audi and Porsche race teams so they know what they are doing. The H&R's will drop your non M Sport suspension (i am assuming) by 35mm at the front and 25mm at the rear. If you have M sport suspension then deduct up to 15mm off these drops.

Then I would start with a minimum of 12mm on the rear. Again I went for H&R hubcentric with longer wheel bolts. Eibach do them as well. See how it looks.

I have 18'' rims on mine and running H&R Sport drop with spacers front and rear. 12mm and 20mm respectively. As you have 19'' rims I'd go conservative to start due to diameter and the wider tyre fitment.

Click my garage to see picks with my mods.

PS, if you are on standard shocks then these springs will give premature failure due to running them lower than intended. Could be 5,000 miles or 50,000 miles but they will fail. Coilovers would be best for adjustment, ride and long term performance but a far higher cost.

[xenon]

You need a reputable manufacturer for spacers and bolts - I've seen cheap bolts where the thread is cut very shallow and it simply won't take the torque.

[encee]

With 275's on the rear, and too big a spacer you run the risk of the tyres rubbing, certainly with a load in the boot or carrying passengers.

That was the first thing I thought of, as well Ian, when I saw the rear tyre-size. Better off with a 265 on really.

Personally, I would leave the spacers alone until you change rear fitment to a 265 maybe ?

[Mark II]

Agree with my fellow posters - if you're going to stick with those rims then you could do with some adjustment on the rear but equally I'm not keen on those wheel spacers on ebay.

First, they look poor quality and speaking as someone who knows the shock of being passed by a rear wheel when a cheap spacer failed (I was 17 at the time) and the wheel came off at a roundabout - it's really not worth buying cheap stuff!

Also, it says they're manufactured from "billet steel", so apart from the corrosion issues you would also be adding more unsprung weight than if you used aluminium spacers from the likes of H&R or Eibach.

Good luck with the mods.

HTH

[bloopeta]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I was just wanting to go with springs instead of coilovers etc as I dont want a harsh ride, heavy load in the back or boot isnt really an issue as the boot never gets used, and the heaviest thing that goes in the back is my 4yr old daughter, I have an LPG Astra as a workhorse.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by bloopeta

and the heaviest thing that goes in the back is my 4yr old daughter

Reason enough to invest in decent quality spacers from a reputable manufacturer.

[Mark II]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Reason enough to invest in decent quality spacers from a reputable manufacturer.

Very true mate - couldn't agree more

[bloopeta]

Originally Posted by Mark II

Very true mate - couldn't agree more

Good point, ive gone for 12mm eibach hubcentric, courtesy of YvesD

[Mark II]

Originally Posted by bloopeta

Good point, ive gone for 12mm eibach hubcentric, courtesy of YvesD

Well, in fairness it was Hotcoupe's point not mine but either way best to be safe

Eibach hubcentric

Look forward to seeing some pics when the spacers are on.

[bloopeta]

Originally Posted by Mark II

Well, in fairness it was Hotcoupe's point not mine but either way best to be safe

Eibach hubcentric

Look forward to seeing some pics when the spacers are on.

I tried to quote both of you, but it didnt really work LOL

I'l get some pics up as soon as they arrive