Z4 (non-M) Definitive Wheel Spec Thread

[DSC_OFF]

Originally Posted by donoman

It's more of a streetability and tire life issue... I'm still deciding whether I should copy your setup (17x9.5ET35+camber_plates) or just go 17x19.0ET30. I really don't want to start heavily modifying my street car ... especially since "my other car is a 911"

Check with the guys at Apex, all those wheel fitments were on stock suspension so you may be able to get away without camber plates. But if you used those fixed plates I was referring to, your tire wear wouldn't be excessive. In fact I think I may have had less than 1.8*, maybe closer to 1.5* which is totally streetable.

[TAL2GK]

This is a great thread. Buying a new set of wheels is more involved than I would have guessed, especially since I'm trying to keep a stock look.

[lrcigar]

Hello all,

I need help deciding what tires to get.

I have 2.5i non sport with Apex arc-8, 18x8.5 et38 with Hankook ventus V12 225/40/18 up front, on the rear I have 18x9 et42 with V12's 255/35/18. When I first got them, I had a stock suspension. I recently installed a set of H&R street performance coilovers. There is no rubbing with this set up. But the tires just look too skinny for my liking. I'd like to replaced the tires with meatier looking tires to fill in the wheel well. I'm considering for the front 235/40/18 or 225/45/18. for the rear 265/35/18 or 255/40/18. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks

[StigJ]

235/40 on 8,5 is perfect. I think 265/35 also would look good on 9". A nice meaty look.

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by StigJ

235/40 on 8,5 is perfect. I think 265/35 also would look good on 9". A nice meaty look.

Thanks,

I'll give that size a try and post some pictures in a couple of weeks.

[DSC_OFF]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

Thanks,

I'll give that size a try and post some pictures in a couple of weeks.

235/40 may rub up front with 38 offset.

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

235/40 may rub up front with 38 offset.

Would spacers help?

[DSC_OFF]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

Would spacers help?

No, spacers if anything might worsen it. Spacers will push the wheels out, and would only be helpful if you were rubbing against the inside, ie the suspension parts.

Your issue with a 235/40 on 8.5" and 38 offset is that

1) the wheel is sticking further out than it normally would
2) the 235/40 tire is 1/3rd" TALLER than a 225/40

I think it'll rub because I once ran a style 197 (oem sport wheel off the e90 328i) and that had a 8" front and high 30 offset. I too ran a 235/40-18 and I rubbed against the outer fender liner, right by the sidemarker. So given that you're running a rim that's 0.5" wider, I would think you'd encounter the same issue.

I would stick to a 225/40-18 up front and 255/35-18 in the rear. It'll look a tiny bit stretched but nothing to be overly concerned with. If you're set on running a 235/40, adding negative camber may help.

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

No, spacers if anything might worsen it. Spacers will push the wheels out, and would only be helpful if you were rubbing against the inside, ie the suspension parts.

Your issue with a 235/40 on 8.5" and 38 offset is that

1) the wheel is sticking further out than it normally would
2) the 235/40 tire is 1/3rd" TALLER than a 225/40

I think it'll rub because I once ran a style 197 (oem sport wheel off the e90 328i) and that had a 8" front and high 30 offset. I too ran a 235/40-18 and I rubbed against the outer fender liner, right by the sidemarker. So given that you're running a rim that's 0.5" wider, I would think you'd encounter the same issue.

I would stick to a 225/40-18 up front and 255/35-18 in the rear. It'll look a tiny bit stretched but nothing to be overly concerned with. If you're set on running a 235/40, adding negative camber may help.

Thanks, I think your right, it will rub up front. I can live with the front with 225/40/18. But the rears just look too thin for me. I may just replace the rears with 265/35/18, and raise the coil overs 1/2" since they are 1/3" taller.

[Hocken]

Hi all

Planning to get new wheels and like the wide look..
I have found following:

8,5x19 et38
10x19 et33

I believe it will work if i run 225/35 and 235/35 ?
Got the m-tech chassi... But like an additional drop.

What you think ?

[Hocken]

I prefer to run 215/35 and 245/30...
But the 245s are a pretty expensive dimension :/

[Aries326]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

Thanks, I think your right, it will rub up front. I can live with the front with 225/40/18. But the rears just look too thin for me. I may just replace the rears with 265/35/18, and raise the coil overs 1/2" since they are 1/3" taller.

Thanks for sharing a pic of your car. I think your wheels look great. It really helps me decide on what to get. I'm now convinced to stick with the EC-7s I've been wanting to get with the stock tire sizes - 225 in front and 255 in rear. It has the stretched look I'm looking for without going to 19" wheels.

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

Thanks, I think your right, it will rub up front. I can live with the front with 225/40/18. But the rears just look too thin for me. I may just replace the rears with 265/35/18, and raise the coil overs 1/2" since they are 1/3" taller.

I decided to take a chance and went ahead got 235/40 front, and 256/35 rears. Raised the coilovers 3/4" front and 1' rear. I'm very happy with the look. and no rubbing at all.

[Hocken]

No rub...

[Aries326]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

I decided to take a chance and went ahead got 235/40 front, and 256/35 rears. Raised the coilovers 3/4" front and 1' rear. I'm very happy with the look. and no rubbing at all.

Looks great! I wonder how much more you can lower your coilovers without rubbing.

[DSC_OFF]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

I decided to take a chance and went ahead got 235/40 front, and 256/35 rears. Raised the coilovers 3/4" front and 1' rear. I'm very happy with the look. and no rubbing at all.

Just becareful the running isn't noticeable at first (not static) but develops over time as you drive the car, go over bumps, turn full lock, etc.

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by Aries326

Looks great! I wonder how much more you can lower your coilovers without rubbing.

Thanks,
I might go 1/2" lower in the future, but I like the way it looks now.

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

Just becareful the running isn't noticeable at first (not static) but develops over time as you drive the car, go over bumps, turn full lock, etc.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep everyone posted if any thing changes.

[Aries326]

Originally Posted by lrcigar

Thanks,
I might go 1/2" lower in the future, but I like the way it looks now.

Where'd you buy your wheels and tires? My run flats are getting to the point where they need replacing. I'd like to get the tires already mounted.
Can anyone else recommend a reliable place?

[lrcigar]

Originally Posted by Aries326

Where'd you buy your wheels and tires? My run flats are getting to the point where they need replacing. I'd like to get the tires already mounted.
Can anyone else recommend a reliable place?

I got the wheels from apex, and the tires from tire rack. I took the car to precision auto works in long island city, NY. They also had installed my coilovers, and made the final adjustments.