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[AMASIAN]

Heard this a bit lately, just looking for some logic behind it...

Thanks

[maxipad96]

Smaller spacers rely on the stock hub centering ring instead of including this centering ring on the actual spacer. Because the spacer is now in the middle of the ring/wheel, your wheel has less to grab on to, making the possibility of vibration greater.

With the larger spacers, the hub centering portion is part of the spacer and does not rely on the stock one to make the connection to your wheel. With this method you are far less likely to have a vibration.

[AMASIAN]

Thanks

I didn't know the smaller sizes didn't have a centering lip. It seems ridiculous to not put it on there when it's presence has no effect on nor is effected by the rings' thickness.

[speedfan]

So, you'd likely feel the vibration from the steering wheel?
How does the vibration affect the car?
Thanks,
D

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by AMASIAN

Thanks

I didn't know the smaller sizes didn't have a centering lip. It seems ridiculous to not put it on there when it's presence has no effect on nor is effected by the rings' thickness.

Its not needed since there is still sufficient lip penetration to center the wheel with 3mm & 5mm spacers. This is a primary reason why 6mm-9mm spacers are not normally seen on the market.

10mm and thicker spacers (Macht Schnell for example) have a hubcentric lip for wheel centering since the stock hub lip is ~11mm and is needed.

[AMASIAN]

So 3&5 won't induce vibration? Just to clarify...

[maxipad96]

I would not use ANY spacer that does not have its own hubcentric ring. I used 5mm spacers on my G37 that vibrated because of this issue. You might get away with it on 3mm, but unless you need the spacer for clearance or brake issues why even use it. I doubt anyone could tell 3mm difference with the naked eye anyways.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by maxipad96

I would not use ANY spacer that does not have its own hubcentric ring. I used 5mm spacers on my G37 that vibrated because of this issue. You might get away with it on 3mm, but unless you need the spacer for clearance or brake issues why even use it. I doubt anyone could tell 3mm difference with the naked eye anyways.

We have literally hundreds of M3s (and non M models) running 5mm spacers with no problems or reports of vibration/shuddering at all.

3mm is typically used for BBK caliper clearance.

Originally Posted by AMASIAN

So 3&5 won't induce vibration? Just to clarify...

If the hub surface is properly cleaned and proper installation steps are followed - you will be perfectly fine.

We have a complete overview listed here for installation: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272915

[maxipad96]

That's fine and all. But I too am speaking from actual experience. I used a 5mm spacer in order to clear my brakes on my G37 sport. This caused a vibration around 60 mph. The install shop tried repositioning/making sure it was clean etc. The result was the same each time with vibrations.

Like I said why would you use a spacer as small as 3/5mm for any other reason but clearing a big brake kit? You will not be able to visually see 3mm difference in most cases.

I will say that I was using aftermarket wheels that required hub centering rings for proper fitment. I do believe this compounded the problem along with having a shorter collar to sit on because of the spacer.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by maxipad96

That's fine and all. But I too am speaking from actual experience. I used a 5mm spacer in order to clear my brakes on my G37 sport. This caused a vibration around 60 mph. The install shop tried repositioning/making sure it was clean etc. The result was the same each time with vibrations.

Like I said why would you use a spacer as small as 3/5mm for any other reason but clearing a big brake kit? You will not be able to visually see 3mm difference in most cases.

I will say that I was using aftermarket wheels that required hub centering rings for proper fitment. I do believe this compounded the problem along with having a shorter collar to sit on because of the spacer.

We'e speaking from actual experience, as well as on numerous BMWs, including different chassis in previous and current production.

You did not state what brand of spacer used. There are a number of reasons to contribute to what you are describing:

- Surface rust not removed on backside of wheel hub
- Surface rust not removed on rotor hub mounting surface
- Wheels not properly torqued
- Spacer not properly decked (improperly machined)

The list goes on.

Please don't account a single experience to speak for all kits on the market as your example leaves too many variables left unanswered.

Sticking with a respected brand and proper prep/installation procedures should not result in any problems in the short or long run.

[maxipad96]

I'm sure you sell good products. I'm sure there are a million reasons why you would like to continue to sell your products.

But bottom line, spacers suck. Or let me just rephrase, I personally am not a fan of spacers. But who am I to say, just someone who ran a spacer and had a bad experience. If you can, get aftermarket wheels with the correct offset, you will be worry free regarding the issue. If you have to run spacers, it's just an added component in the equation that could go wrong. Regardless of brand, install, defect, you always run the risk. That's why I say adding a 3mm spacer for only visual improvement isn't worth the risk.

Plus I've always hated the look of a nice open wheel sitting on a HUGE spacer between the wheel and the hub. Just looks like someone either didn't think when ordering their wheels, or is trying to get the poking/push look cheaply.

Just my opinions though.

[Tee212]

Any spacer smaller than 8mm will not give you any visual appeal. 3-5mm basically to fine tune clearance including hitting strut or bbk. Youre right with buying the right width/offset wheels but 100 bucks vs thousands. Spacers are the most cost effective band aid.

[NaTuReB0Y]

I've been using 5mm H&R spacers(front) for a few years with no issues........

and Now, I'm running 10mm(rear) and 12mm(front) H&R spacers with no vibrations or whatsoever....

[speedfan]

I've ordered 5mm H&R TRAK+ Wheel Spacer Set for BMW.
Is this a good, better-than-average, great spacers?
are these what you're running Natureboy?
Thanks,
D

[Ghost170]

No issues with good hub centric spacers. used 5mm to 20mm with no problems. also when I use spacers, I make sure I tighten my wheel in a star formation(every other bolt) little by little until tight.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Originally Posted by speedfan

I've ordered 5mm H&R TRAK+ Wheel Spacer Set for BMW.
Is this a good, better-than-average, great spacers?
are these what you're running Natureboy?
Thanks,
D

great spacers....the 5mm won't have the hubcentric...

but if you install them correctly...you should have no problems.

[e92miami]

Originally Posted by AMASIAN

So 3&5 won't induce vibration? Just to clarify...

5mm will cause vibration unless you get very lucky to center your rim. I have stock wheels BTW. I'm waiting on a 3mm set, I was told that gives enough center hub to rest on.