[kenneth]

I run spacers in front to avoid rubbing the inside of the tire with the suspension. 5mm seem to do the job, are there any downsides, in terms of safety, to run 12 mm spacers? (Assume it will fit the fenders - I have a camber kit).

Thanks!

[kenneth]

53 views and no reply.

Ok, I'll ask the question differently! Any trackers using 12mm spacers in front? If so, any issues?

[The HACK]

I prefer to avoid the use of spacers at all cost. There are too many "issues" when introducing an additional shear surface to such a stress and load bearing component.

IF I had to run a spacer, I'd run a 15mm or more spacer only because these are typically mounted to the hub via bolts, then the wheels bolted onto the spacers. But this also causes another problem. You basically need a new set of bolts whenever you swap rotors, since to install these properly you need to use a thread adhesive on the hub end.

IF you can't get wheels with the right offset for your track use (which is rare in my experience), then I'd limit my use of spacers to 10mm or less since any larger (and smaller than 15mm) you'd run into issues with the hub 'nub' where the wheels sit on as you tighten the rims. 10-12mm with hub nuns are notorious for the nub failing and shearing, causing the wheel and spacer to basically act like a giant scisor on the fasteners.

Frankly, in my opinion, if my tires are rubbing a BETTER solution would be to find the right wheel/tire combination rather than use spacers so you can run oversized tires on a rim with too much offset.

[kenneth]

Originally Posted by The HACK

I prefer to avoid the use of spacers at all cost. There are too many "issues" when introducing an additional shear surface to such a stress and load bearing component.

IF I had to run a spacer, I'd run a 15mm or more spacer only because these are typically mounted to the hub via bolts, then the wheels bolted onto the spacers. But this also causes another problem. You basically need a new set of bolts whenever you swap rotors, since to install these properly you need to use a thread adhesive on the hub end.

IF you can't get wheels with the right offset for your track use (which is rare in my experience), then I'd limit my use of spacers to 10mm or less since any larger (and smaller than 15mm) you'd run into issues with the hub 'nub' where the wheels sit on as you tighten the rims. 10-12mm with hub nuns are notorious for the nub failing and shearing, causing the wheel and spacer to basically act like a giant scisor on the fasteners.

Frankly, in my opinion, if my tires are rubbing a BETTER solution would be to find the right wheel/tire combination rather than use spacers so you can run oversized tires on a rim with too much offset.

Thank you Hack! That is exactly the kind of response I was looking for. Much appreciated!

[dbjb]

Iirc, the hub extends more on the fronts than the rear. In my belief, you could get away with a thicker spacer there. In contrast, a 10mm in the rear barely has any hub exposure.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Iirc, the hub extends more on the fronts than the rear. In my belief, you could get away with a thicker spacer there. In contrast, a 10mm in the rear barely has any hub exposure.

That can't be right. Most BMWs are designed to take the same wheel bore and chamfer, if the front and the rear hub extension is designed differently there will be a lot of fitment issues.

[JunkStory]

Originally Posted by The HACK

IF you can't get wheels with the right offset for your track use (which is rare in my experience), then I'd limit my use of spacers to 10mm or less since any larger (and smaller than 15mm) you'd run into issues with the hub 'nub' where the wheels sit on as you tighten the rims. 10-12mm with hub nuns are notorious for the nub failing and shearing, causing the wheel and spacer to basically act like a giant scisor on the fasteners.

+1

10-12mm spacers should be avoided.

[1MEAN3]

i neeed to get spacers for my 3 also