98 318ti RD lowering springs 1.2 drop. Can I run 18's?

[98 318Ti(m)]

I am new do the club and also new to German engineering. I just bought my first German car and is a 98 318ti 5sp, leather blah blah blah. I wanted this specific model car. Now I need a hand in customizing it. I just bought some RD lowering springs 1.2 drop all the way around. I am thinking of running 18" wheels. Will I have any clearance issues? Anybody know needed wheel offset to make wheels sit flush with fender tops? Thanks

[Alexandre VTS]

Just use correct ET for e36. Go for it, will fit perfectly. It seems that in rear you even can use 245/35/18

[98 318Ti(m)]

Originally Posted by Alexandre VTS

Just use correct ET for e36. Go for it, will fit perfectly. It seems that in rear you even can use 245/35/18

This may sound stupid but not sure what correct et is for e36? Not sure what et even means? Thanks

[spidertri]

ET is the wheel offset. Stock ti offset is around 45~47mm. Lots of aftermarket wheels can be in the 38~40mm and should be ok it just pushes the wheel out a bit more in the wheel well to look more aggressive and run wider wheels/tires.

To make it sit flush you generally will need spacers. Basically, get the wheels you want and then measure how much farther out you want it to go to be flush. Then buy the appropriate sized spacers and lugs.

[98 318Ti(m)]

I am looking at the Sacchi s75's maybe in 18"x8.5 all the way around and debating 9.5's in rear only. They are a et 35mm. Can I run these wheels and a lowering kit with non adjustable 1.2 drop. Thanks

[Alexandre VTS]

I believe that 9.5 in rear you will get some rubbing issues

[98 318Ti(m)]

Originally Posted by Alexandre VTS

I believe that 9.5 in rear you will get some rubbing issues

Well then maybe I should re evaluate then with that being said. Thanks

[spidertri]

I know that BMW_Hatchback runs 18x8 front and 18x9 rear and he has the RD sport suspension. He doesn't have rubbing issues that I know of and I'm pretty sure he hasn't rolled the rear fenders.

[budget76]

I'll be running 18x8.5 front and 18x9.5 rears this summer, if I get the money for new tires for them. Haven't had a chance to test-fit them yet though

[98 318Ti(m)]

Originally Posted by spidertri

I know that BMW_Hatchback runs 18x8 front and 18x9 rear and he has the RD sport suspension. He doesn't have rubbing issues that I know of and I'm pretty sure he hasn't rolled the rear fenders.

Well that sounds like I may just wanna run the 18"x8.5 wide on all corners being wider in back rubs with lowering kit? I can get the wheels I want in 8.5 or 9.5 only. No 8 or 9 which sucks. Oh well thanks for any tips

[98 318Ti(m)]

Will a 35mm ET be fine with lowering kit of 1.2 inch drop with 18"x8.5 wheels? Thanks

[briansol]

my 235's on 7.5" wide contours JUST make it. I don't think i could run a 245 without rolling the fender.
i'm on the rd kit

[BMW_Hatchback]

as Dave said, you should be good to go.

[lkwd318ti]

Originally Posted by 98 318Ti(m)

Will a 35mm ET be fine with lowering kit of 1.2 inch drop with 18"x8.5 wheels? Thanks

Yeah it should fit. I'm running 18x8.5 ET40, with 225/40/18 tires on them.
I'll check later, but I think there's enough space for a few more mm.
If not, just run a skinnier tire.

[98 318Ti(m)]

[QUOTE=lkwd318ti;227970]Yeah it should fit. I'm running 18x8.5 ET40, with 225/40/18 tires on them.
I'll check later, but I think there's enough space for a few more mm.
If not, just run a skinnier tire.[/QUOTE

Not sure who Dave is but I am assuming he commented on thread stating it should work with 1.2 drop and 18"x8.5 all the way around. I am still debating 8.5 in front and 9.5 in rear. Someone on here said the 9.5 in rear will have clearance issues and will rub??? That is only remaining question then. So 35mm et is fine whith what I am doing? Thanks