18" rims

NTB99 · 09-18-2004, 11:23 AM

I have a 93 BMW 325is and I want to put 18 X 8.5 wheels on with 225-40-18 tires. Will these wheels fit in the wheel well without any body modifications needed?

RS1060 · 09-18-2004, 09:42 PM

Perhaps you should consider 17" wheels. It will definitely improve your handling characteristics, there will be no fitment issues (i.e. u don't have to worry about tires rubbing), and you get to add a little bling to your car. Plus, it will probably save you a couple hundred bucks. However, that being said, It is my understanding that most 18"s will work without major fitment issues. Just my .02 cents.

318i · 09-20-2004, 06:32 AM

18"s will go on a treat and will look gorgeous

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I'm more familiar with the 95+ E36's but as long as the 93 is the same as the other E36's I've seen then no problem. I think 225 is a little narrow for an 8.5" rim and the 40 aspect ratio is going to make the clearance very tight. You should really put a 235/35R18 on the rims.

Also, make sure you get the proper offset which should be 41mm or slightly greater. It better to have a too large offset and use a small spacer than too small offset which cant be corrected.

Metroporter · Metroporter's Garage

I am considering the following rims and tires. 18 x 8.5s w/ (2) (235/40/18) for the front, and 18 x 9.5s w/ (2) (265/35/18) for the back. Does anyone know if these will fit? It sounds like the front tires will fit, but what about the back ones? Thank you!

'97 Silver 328I

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Front should but I'd bet the back will rub.

My experience and knowledge with E36' is with M3's but I think your 328 is the same RE tire sizing.

It is very important to get proper offset. Most people I know run around 40mm in the rear and 40 to 35mm in the front. The largest width I've seen is 255 all around on 9" rims. Many people use this size.

Why run stagggered? From a handling standpoint you should run the same width all around.

From what I've heard the rear is the tightest area. You can actually get wider in the front if you go with coilovers that have smaller diameter springs. The main rub point in the front in on the lower spring stanchion.

Metroporter · Metroporter's Garage

Thanks for the info! I love the look of the staggered wheels. Does it really make that big of difference for handling? And if I leave the suspension stock can I expect to see the 18s w/ the 235s work in the front?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Yes, it makes a difference but you may not notice depending on how you drive.

235's should be no problem in front, I've seen 245 and 255 run in the front.

I still suggest if you are buying rims to not get staggered. Get 8" to 9" width with a 40-45mm offset. You will also need at least one pair of spacers depending on what you get.

I would get 18x8.5 ET41 and 245/35R18. You should be able to run this w/o spacers or rubbing.

blkongry · 01-26-2005, 11:58 AM

I run 18x7.5 with a +42 offset... I have no problems with clearance what so ever, no spacers needed. Staggered wheels look cool, but really aren't that practical. I got my wheels and tires for a song, otherwise I would have stepped up to an 8" or 8.5" rim... 9" is getting a bit wide. A +42 offset pretty much leaves the face of the rim flush... as you drop down on offset, you start to get a lip on the face of the rim. All depends on your preference. Like Jeron said, make sure you get the right offset and you should be fine regarding clearance.

Just a side note... 18"s are cool looking, but I've already bent the lip of my rim twice due to rough road conditions... it pushed right through my tire to bend the lip of the rim. I never had that with my 17" rims, since there is just more tire there. It's all a trade off my friends.