I'm Lost on OFFSET!

[nakadian]

It might be funny but I've looked through the forum and I dont think I get what offset exactly is. Not good with english terminology. I found two early 5 series rims which I need for my 98 TI. They are 16x7.5, 5x120(i know thats right). The offset is 20. Thats what the guy said. Will it be ok with my TI's front?

[tiFreak]

the fronts, maybe, the rears, probably not

the lower the number is, the farther out the wheel will stick

[spidertri]

On the stock 15 inch ti wheels the offset is ET47. If the 5 series wheels you are looking at are ET20 then that means that the 5 series wheels will be further away from the hub and closer to the fender.

Here is a link to an offset calculator, plug in the stock width and offset (7 inches, ET47) and plug in the values for the 5 series wheels to see what the new clearances will be.

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

When I plug in 7.5 inch width and ET20 for the 5 series wheels it shows that the wheel will have 21mm more inner clearance and will stick out 33mm closer to the fender. The trouble lies in the wheel being closer to the fender. It can cause the tire to rub which will destroy the sidewall of the tire and potentially cause bigger problems.

[nakadian]

Well, I am running 5 series 16" stock 10 double spokes. I'm sure you guys know which ones I'm talking about. I have no problems whatsoever. Enough space everywhere. I will double check the offset on them and if it's the same, I know that I'm not gonna have problem. Thanks for the help! Now everything's clear

[nakadian]

That's the rims I have on now:
http://www.detroitwheelandtire.com/p...&model=&page=2
Same offset, no rubbing or anything. So 20mm offset works for the TI, depending on springs, lowered, not lowered. I am pretty happy about that! Thanks again!
Ilin

[roadrash]

The Tech Center at Tire Rack has lots of good info. Here's the page on offset.