Spacers for BMW 108 rims

[Aries326]

So, I was thinking of getting VMR 701s for my Z4 this year but due to budget constraints (new baby on the way) I'm going to make do with what I have. Plus I'm starting to like these rims more and more.

I've decided to just get H&R Coilovers and maybe some spacers so my OEM 108 rims are a bit more flush. I'll keep these rims maybe for another year or so and then I can buy new rims and tires down the road.

Any suggestion as to what kind and size spacers I should get so I can achieve more of a flush look? When I get the alignment done, I will stick with -2.5 camber. I currently have the OEM run flats on my rims. Thanks for the help!



Henry

[jra]

I can't help on the spacer size but when i first got my car i was on a forum with a lot of euro z4's (2005). They came standard with 108's. From the pics ive seen with 108's, lowered and spacers...looked awesome. You probably won't buy new wheels.

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When I had oem e90 328 sport wheels, they were somewhat flush. I believe same widths but the offsets were 34 and 37mm for front and rears. So compared to oem z4 wheels, that's probably a difference in offset by 12mm front and rear.

Don't sweat the VMR's... they're ridiculously heavy, 108s are 10x better.

[BIMMERGUY91]

the 108s are great looking wheels IMO

[partlowr]

A ruler or caliper and a straight edge or yard stick long enough to span from the top of your fender/wheel well opening to the ground is all you will need. Set the straight edge up against your fender and measure from your tire side wall to the straight edge and that's the width of spacer you will need. If you don't want them to come all the way out to fender just measure how far out you do want them to go and order those size spacers. After 2.5mm most spacers come in 5mm increments so if the size you need is not in an increment of 5 be sure to round down or they might stick out too far.

If you are planning on changing your tire size be sure to account for that in your calculations. Some people will tell you to measure from the wheel and not the tire but I prefer to measure from the tire since it is the widest point, this is especially important up front to ensure you will have no rubbing up there.

[Aries326]

Thanks for the input, guys! And thanks for teaching me how to measure for proper spacers! Now to measure for spacers and order the stuff. Any input on which spacers to go with based on fit and finish and durability.

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Originally Posted by Aries326

Thanks for the input, guys! And thanks for teaching me how to measure for proper spacers! Now to measure for spacers and order the stuff. Any input on which spacers to go with based on fit and finish and durability.

Go with Rogue Engineering, I like their lightweight design and they include extended lugs for free. They even have a program where you can send back if it doesn't fit (just leave deposit).

[partlowr]

One other trick a buddy of mine who build custom street rods showed me is to go out and purchase a bunch of 1mm thick washers and 3 or 4 stud bolts. Remove one wheel, screw in the stud bolts and then slide washers on until you get the desired clearances/look you desire. This is probably a little bit of overkill for most of us but he is always dealing with unknowns of custom axles, wheels and custom fenders so each and every wheel fitment is different. If you are real particular about how you want it to look this is the way to do it without having to purchase a couple sizes of spacers or deal with shipping different sizes back and forth.

[Aries326]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

Go with Rogue Engineering, I like their lightweight design and they include extended lugs for free. They even have a program where you can send back if it doesn't fit (just leave deposit).

Thanks for the heads up. Speaking of Rogue Engineering, should I get the Rouge Engineering suspension mounts for the rear while I'm in there. I've read people recommend them but there was one particular post here that a member mentioned it didn't fit right. I'd have to find that post.

Thanks to the other posters who recommended a method on finding the right spacer size.

[jra]

absolutely

[Aries326]

I just thought of this. Does it make more sense to install the coil overs, get my new alignment, then figure out what spacers to use and then install the spacers last?

[kklin]

Turner Motorsport - Measuring for Wheel Spacers.

I have nice 17.5mm and 20.mm if they fit your needs.

[kklin]

Originally Posted by Aries326

I just thought of this. Does it make more sense to install the coil overs, get my new alignment, then figure out what spacers to use and then install the spacers last?

You could take the approach I've taken ...

My spring plan is to get 1) wheels/tires/studs, 2) camber plates, and 3) suspension. However #3 won't be available until a month or so from now. So one approach you could take is to get mount studs, so you don't have to mess with PITA bolts and worry about lengths. Just installed mine last night so 1) is done . #2 and #3 will be done at the the same time by Phoenix Performance when #3 arrives.

Studs are easy to install and if you do one or more wheel changes a year, you will not regret it. Trying to line up holes (or use the pin), raising and balancing the tire with your toe, all are a thing of the past.

[Aries326]

Originally Posted by kklin

You could take the approach I've taken ...

My spring plan is to get 1) wheels/tires/studs, 2) camber plates, and 3) suspension. However #3 won't be available until a month or so from now. So one approach you could take is to get mount studs, so you don't have to mess with PITA bolts and worry about lengths. Just installed mine last night so 1) is done . #2 and #3 will be done at the the same time by Phoenix Performance when #3 arrives.

Studs are easy to install and if you do one or more wheel changes a year, you will not regret it. Trying to line up holes (or use the pin), raising and balancing the tire with your toe, all are a thing of the past.

Got everything measured out. I'm going with 12mm and 18mm spacers in the front and back. I can probably go for 15mm and 20mm if I add more camber to the front and rears. I'll be ordering some Macht Schnell wheel spacers from European Auto Source when I order the coil overs. They've got this set of wheel studs. Should I go for it? How necessary are these? I don't think I'll be swapping out tires regularly.