Wheel Offset and Backspacing question

Speedy1 · 07-11-2013, 03:00 PM

2009 BMW 335i x-drive sedan E90 (with sport pkg)
225/45/17 8" tires with style 161 rims
Continental ProContact SSR run flats

I am looking to replace the wheels and tires.

Does anyone know (for sure) what the offset and backspacing are on the BMW style 161 wheels? I think the offset is 34mm but I'm not positive.

I live in the WI northwoods with rough country roads. I am looking for advice on new wheels that are "sturdier" than the current OEM ones I have. 2 of my 4 rims are bent. Any replacement wheel advice?

I have been looking on Tire Rack but I am not sure of the offset and backspacing and also not sure how to determine "sturdiness".

Thank you in advance for any answers and advice!

VMRWheels · 07-12-2013, 01:39 PM

Style 161s are 17x8 ET34 and 17x8.5 ET37. As far as what's study... Any wheel can bend. I would probably try and find replacements (if your wheels can't be repaired) and try to avoid road hazards as often as possible.

You can try going up to a 235/45/17 instead, which will also make the tire slightly taller, but there's no surefire way to guarantee no additional bends in your wheels.

Speedy1 · 07-12-2013, 02:18 PM

Thank you for your reply.

Any idea on backspacing? Is this number important? What about bore? I'm assuming that Tire Rack has done its homework and is only suggesting wheels that will fit my specific car.

On offset...do I have to use spacers if I get a wheel with different offset than 34mm?

I haven't purchased aftermarket wheels before...is there a way to tell a quality wheel (with sturdy rims) from a lower quality wheel? Any brand suggestions? (I drive my car fast and hard and want to know that the wheels I select can handle it.)
I'm assuming going from a 225 to a 235 means I will have a taller sidewall and more "cushion" for for potholes. Since I'm not changing the aspect ratio, will this increase affect my AWD system?

Thanks again for any answers and/or advice.

07-11-2013, 03:00 PM	#1
Speedy1 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i xdrive Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: WI iTrader: (0)	Wheel Offset and Backspacing question 2009 BMW 335i x-drive sedan E90 (with sport pkg) 225/45/17 8" tires with style 161 rims Continental ProContact SSR run flats I am looking to replace the wheels and tires. Does anyone know (for sure) what the offset and backspacing are on the BMW style 161 wheels? I think the offset is 34mm but I'm not positive. I live in the WI northwoods with rough country roads. I am looking for advice on new wheels that are "sturdier" than the current OEM ones I have. 2 of my 4 rims are bent. Any replacement wheel advice? I have been looking on Tire Rack but I am not sure of the offset and backspacing and also not sure how to determine "sturdiness". Thank you in advance for any answers and advice! Last edited by Speedy1; 07-11-2013 at 04:01 PM..
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07-12-2013, 01:39 PM	#2
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2080 Rep 25,980 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	Style 161s are 17x8 ET34 and 17x8.5 ET37. As far as what's study... Any wheel can bend. I would probably try and find replacements (if your wheels can't be repaired) and try to avoid road hazards as often as possible. You can try going up to a 235/45/17 instead, which will also make the tire slightly taller, but there's no surefire way to guarantee no additional bends in your wheels. __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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07-12-2013, 02:18 PM	#3
Speedy1 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i xdrive Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: WI iTrader: (0)	Thank you for your reply. Any idea on backspacing? Is this number important? What about bore? I'm assuming that Tire Rack has done its homework and is only suggesting wheels that will fit my specific car. On offset...do I have to use spacers if I get a wheel with different offset than 34mm? I haven't purchased aftermarket wheels before...is there a way to tell a quality wheel (with sturdy rims) from a lower quality wheel? Any brand suggestions? (I drive my car fast and hard and want to know that the wheels I select can handle it.) I'm assuming going from a 225 to a 235 means I will have a taller sidewall and more "cushion" for for potholes. Since I'm not changing the aspect ratio, will this increase affect my AWD system? Thanks again for any answers and/or advice.
	Appreciate 0 Quote