E36 Rims Rub Wheel Wells

[RedlinedRU]

I just had some e36 bmw contour rims 17" with tires put on my car yesterday and when i have any weight in the back it will rub the underside of the fender because they are wider than the stock ones. Is the M3 frame different than regular e36? Do i need to jack up the suspension or get the wells redone? Someone please help. Thanks, N

[El Presidente]

You need to roll the fenders.

[RedlinedRU]

I know this sounds stupid, but roll the fenders, does that mean shave them? can i do it myself or........?

[bitcore]

it changes the fender well's width and soemtimes height, allows for a wider\taller tire. Bodyshops should do this.

[El Presidente]

Use a hair dryer and a baseball bat.

Heat up the fender lip with the HD. Then, slowly push out from the rear with the bat, rolling it back and forth under the lip. As you work it, keep applying heat. The lip will eventually have moved far enough out that it won't rub.

The alternative is to take it to a body shop and have them do it with machine that looks like a cross between and english wheel press and tin snips.

[RedlinedRU]

Thanks for the advice man, i will get on it asap. i guess the fender is plastic though right?

[El Presidente]

its metal.

Heating it up makes it easier to bend, and also prevents the paint from cracking.

[RedlinedRU]

thanks again, one more question, will it keep relatively good shape when im doing this or is it really easy to disfigure the fender. I will do it slow so that doesn't happen. or TRY to. Man im gonnna blast myself if I mess this up hahah.

[El Presidente]

The key is to go slowly and roll the bat. As long as the bat has a good lip on it, you'll be fine.

[Cruzin 323is]

wouldn't spacers work??

[jllphan]

Rolling the fenders will, I don't think spacers would help, and if I were you I would get firmer springs. It WILL firm up the ride, but between rolling your fenders and this, this will enhance performance.

Just depends on what your going for, show or go.