18s on 328i

[EuroBeem]

Got a quick question... Im most likely gonna buy 18 inch rims for my 328i but i wanted to know if 18 x 8.5 wheels will fit all around (even in the front)? Or do i need to get 18 x 8 in the front and then 18 x 8.5 in the back. I would prefer to have 18 x 8.5 all around though.


Which is better to have?
Thanks

[El Presidente]

18x8 is about as tight as you go up front. You might be able to fit 18.5, but they would rub. Personally I prefer staggered anyway.

[clubin]

Staggered? What does that mean with regards to wheels/tires?

[Mr White G]

I think he means thinner fronts and wider rears.

You could get away with 8.5s but you'd need spacers on the axels. I know a guy with an E36 318 turbo with 9s on the front and 10s on the rear..... but he had to have his arches flared.

[robbins6103]

I have a 328i....you said 18x8.5 on the front is a good fit, but what about the back. Can you get away with 9.5?

-Dustin

[Mr White G]

I don't think so....

Depending on the rim and the use of spacers, you might squeeze them on but they'd probably protrude from the arches and look poo.

If you graft on some M3 wheel arches then it'd be easy.

[asianboy101]

i have spacers that fits e46 models, let me know if your interested.

[collin]

i just put 18x8.5 all the way around on my 97 328i. and they work very well.

collin

[leibniz]

... and the front tyres don't rub in the wheel well when you are trying to turn so sharply that your power steering squeals?

[collin]

nope

[bigred318]

staggered it gives it way more of an aggresive look!

David

[leibniz]

@collin:

I'm gonna remember that when I go for a larger wheel...

You know, maybe its that camera angle (was that pic taken with a fish-eye lens?) or maybe it's your wheels; is your car lowered? Or maybe it's just me, but your car looks much different from mine, which is also a 1997 328i.

Just an observation.

[collin]

yea its just the angle that makes it look really low...i'm going to take another pic and just havent gotten around to it yet.

collin