m3 wheels

BMW325is · 12-26-2002, 10:34 PM

are the 87-91 m3 wheels 16'' bbs 4 lug?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

They are BBS-style, but I'm not 100% sure that they are BBS wheels. They are indeed four-lug. They also used these wheels on the 'is' models (Jared's car has these wheels on it)

Are these the ones that you are referring to?

-Wayne

Jeff at WallWerks · 12-27-2002, 12:09 AM

87 - 91 M3 came with 15 or 16" BBS wheels that were actually
made by bbs. They look somewhat like Jareds wheels but are a bit different.

M3 wheels are 5 lug and will not fit other e30's

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Do they fit the E36s?

-Wayne

Jeff at WallWerks · 12-27-2002, 12:15 AM

not sure if the offset is the same. might cause more trouble than its worth. Again, because that wheel was unique to that car, everyone that has them wants too much $$ for them.

Better off getting 17" M3 wheels from an e36 car.

I promise to get articles written and sleep. We are shipping the last of the not Christmas critical orders tomorrow.

I also need to do some much needed Toyota

maintenance over
the weekend

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-27-2002, 08:09 AM

I agree with Jeff. I looked into the M3 wheels for my car, and along with a 5 lug conversion, the cost is too much. They are indeed made by BBS, and the offset will not fit the E36.

Just a little clarification, the 325is came with 14 inch wheels in a 4-lug setup, the iX and M3 had the same wheel, but in a 15 or 16 inch size, with a 5-lug setup.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Is the bolt pattern the same?

-Wayne

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-27-2002, 11:11 AM

Sorry Wayne,

the bolt pattern for the 4 lug wheels is 4 X 100

the bolt pattern for the 5 lug wheels is 5 X 120, same as the E36 and every other BMW since the early 90's.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

That's what I meant, is the bolt pattern for the five-lug the same as the E36...

Thanks,

Wayne

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-27-2002, 03:59 PM

From what i understand, you really wouldnt want these rims on the E36 regardless, as they are only a 6 inch width.

BMW325is · 12-28-2002, 09:53 AM

so if i buy the 16 in bbs from an e30 m3 will they fit my 90 325is?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Nope, they will only fit the 1992 and later cars, and the earlier M3s...

-Wayne

Jared at Pelican Parts · 12-30-2002, 03:24 PM

You will only be able to fit the 14 inch BBS wheels as shown above. The difference is in the lug pattern. All E30 models, with the exception of the M3 and the iX have a 4 lug pattern. The M3 and the iX use a 5 lug pattern.

I too have thought about converting my hubs to a 5 lug pattern so i can run M3 wheels.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Might as well just buy an E36...

-Wayne

Matt Smith · 01-07-2003, 11:13 AM

I have 15" BBS wheels on mine, 4 stud. How does that fit in with the evidence so far?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

On your M3? That's not fitting in...

-Wayne

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-07-2003, 11:17 AM

Really? I hadnt heard of stock 15's. can you post a pic? Maybe only the Kiwis/Aussies got em. I know they also got such variants as the 325iT and the diesel cars that we never got in the US.

Im really curious about this. I'd love to get a set of 15's for mine.

Matt Smith · 01-07-2003, 03:11 PM

Sorry, no camera. But I just went outside (it's really hosing down out there today...), removed a 'hubcap' and now have all the requisite digits to share:

In no particular order, around the circumference of the lug nut area are 348ET24, BMW1179066, KBA41016, 7Jx15 H2, DEFINATELY 4 stud.

I'm sure you Pelican chaps can work wonders with those!

The wheels look like Jarrods and every other BBS cross spoke wheel I've seen on a beemer, although I'll admit it was hard to find a replacement 'hubcap' a while back, eventually forcing me to visit a proper BMW parts place. That's rare.
They do have a raised edge near the tire sidewall, although the M3's I've seen don't seem to have these.

Remember, this in NOT an M3, but probably closest in spec to the UK 325i Sports. Over here they're badged M325i from the factory.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-07-2003, 03:15 PM

Maybe you can clear up some of my confusion, but i was under the impression that the 325i Sports models were essentially the same as the models in the US that are labeled 325is. I thought the M3's in other markets were known as the m325i Does it have the M3 motor?

Matt Smith · 01-07-2003, 03:33 PM

Hmm, a picture would really be worth a thousand words, but I'll describe anyway.

Take a 325i coupe, manual.

Add a full M Technic body kit (sided/door skirts, double winged rear spoiler, stupidly low front one with driving lights in it -mine are missing-). The kit actually has M technic stamped on to it.

Add full M Technic suspension (lowered springs, Boge gas shocks- now Konis-, M3 negative camber bushes).

Add sports seats, M3 steering wheel & gear knob

Add exotic, rare 7x15" BBS wheels, 205x55x15 tyres. Note: I'm willing to swap these for a set of 911R wheels if anyone is keen

Add LSD, 25% slip

Black out all chrome

Two way electric sunroof, aircond.

Delete Cat

Retain 325i 6 cylinder motor. Not sure about the chip yet. Power comes in with a real hike around 3600-3700 and revs to 7k

All from factory. M325i badges on the rear, single M badge on front grille. I think the Aussies got them too. Remember, we never imported real M3's out here, so these were the next best thing. A similar price too, and still holding their value well. Bloody good fun to drive, as I was reminded this morning in the rain.