M3 replicas rims?

[Cisco1081]

Ok this may be a dumb question, but I really like the M3 rims and I found somone that is selling a M3 replica rim its a 17x8 with a 38mm offset. Can I put this wheel on my 96ti at stock height, without rubbing? What do you guys think? Will I need to lower it to make it look right, and what size tire? 225/45/17?

[GDB]

If it's dimensionally the same as the M3 wheels, which it should be, then it will fit just fine. As for tires, just get whatever the factory tire size is for the M3.

[J!m]

Factory E36 M3 tire size is 225-40/17 for standard and staggered front (7.5X17 wheel), 245-40/17 staggered rear (8.5X17 wheel).

It is possible to squeeze the 245-40/17 tire on the 7.5 wheel (I did in the front of my car- but I have M3 suspension which prevents the need to roll the fenders). These are Michelin Pilot Sports and different tires with same size numbering can have different physical dimensions. Tirerack.com has excellent actual dimensions for many tires...

[Cisco1081]

Thanks J!m for the advice!

[montrel2estoril]

hi hows it goin cisco, mate i bought the M3 rims for my compact in 18s, 225/45 to be exact, and im still needing to drop the car 30mm with my bilsteins, so with 17s you have no risk of ruining tyres, only putting a hole in your wallet buying 50mm springs.

[Asharus]

Hi all, I'm going to pick up a set of staggered LTWs tonight and was doing some research on the correct tire size I need to order. According to J!M in this post, they are:

225-40/17 F
245-40/17 R

But according to tirerack and another source here: http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15

It's:

225/45-17 F
245/40-17 R

What's correct? Also, I have a base 97 TI and I'm assuming that this wheel/tire combo should fit, correct?

[J!m]

Either size will work. it depends on the size (height) of the tire. They are both the same section width, however the heights vary, as shown here:

225-40 = 90mm of side wall X2 plus the rim (431.8) = 611.8 or 24.09 inches Overall height
245-40 = 98mm of side wall X2 plus the rim (431.8) = 627.8 or 24.72 inches Overall Height
225/45 = 101.25mm of side wall X2 plus the rim (431.8) = 634.3 or 24.99 inches Overall Height

So, if you want the front and rear tires to appear to be the same overall height, the 225/45 is the way to go. (this will make the front and rears look more similar on the car from the side view)

If you want to have a slight rake, or to be able to lower the car as much as possible, the 225/40 is the way to go.

The difference between them is .900 inch or ~23mm.

Note this is the mathematical difference. Various tire brands in the same size will vary slightly in these dimensions.

REMEMBER THIS: if you run these wheels on a stock suspension (or sport suspension) ti they will rub in the front on full lock. You want to install the M3 caster tops to avoid this, or you need to run spacers (which I am not a fan of). Probably 5mm spacers will do it, but not positive on that. Check around the forum (do a search!) and you should find what you need...

Rears should fit OK, but you might need a slight roll to prevent a rub under full compression.