OEM M3 RIMS...FIT 325xi???????? - BMW Forum

NoBa · 04-03-2006, 03:01 PM

Hello all...I am a newbie to this group. I own a 2004 325xi with the performance package and am interested in upgrading the wheel/rim package. I have a friend who is willing to give me his stock M3 rims for my 325xi as long as they fit. I've been reading some of the postings and some people stated that the fronts would fit without a problem, however the rears won't due to the offset. I REALLY want to be able to fit these rims on my car. So my question is two-fold. Is there anyone who can confirm that the rears will not fit? Is there anyone that can confirm whether I can make them fit by either expanding the wheel well, which I saw someone mention, or adding spacers? please help....

Cruzin 323is · 04-03-2006, 03:47 PM

are they the 19's or the 18's??

325isBaby · 04-03-2006, 06:10 PM

I have some 18" M wheels for my 330xi, to get it to look right though I had to buy 4 fronts...the M rears backspacing looked funny but they did fit.

drz · 04-03-2006, 08:20 PM

looked funny and was not safe.

SpeedInfusion · 04-03-2006, 09:29 PM

they should fit...

325isBaby · 04-03-2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drz

looked funny and was not safe.

Sure...not that I knew what I was doing. Sure it's not the best on the bearings and what not, but that's why I test fit before purchase. I guess you haven't driven around in Phoenix (AZ in general), Cali, or anywhere with latino drivers

drz · 04-03-2006, 10:37 PM

There is a Hispanic driver in my car everywhere I go

drz · 04-03-2006, 10:39 PM

Actually, yes they should fit. The rears are trouble on e36s. Should work on an e46.

NoBa · 04-04-2006, 10:31 AM

Thanks! I was worried b/c I noticed everywhere that people were saying they wouldn't fit. DRZ - you mentioned that it wasn't safe. What exactly is not safe about them? The way they fit? Do you guys also know about tires? The tires he has on them are 225/45ZR/18 on the fronts, which are 18x8, 47 offset. The rears are 255/40ZR/18, 18x9, with a 27 offset. Since I don't know crap about rims, I figured it would be best to also confirm the tires. Thanks again for the help and info!!!

325isBaby...I would have to concur with DRZ...a latino is always driving in my car everywhere I go!

drz · 04-04-2006, 11:03 AM

Having the wrong offset will put extra stress on the wheel hubs. This can also cause wheel bearing failure, or worse total hub failure. Spacers add stress to the wheel bearings. I don't know how sturdy/big the bearings are on an e46, but if they are small, you may not want to use spacers.

I know I am going back and forth a lot, but if I were you I would call the dealership aand ask what the recommended range is for the wheel offset for your car. My understanding is that it should be 35mm to 45mm.

325isBaby · 04-04-2006, 06:30 PM

Not trying to be racist, not hating either...but take a look around, yes it's not the best for your ride and it does add stress to the wheel bearings you will eat right through bearings but there are LOTS and LOTS of rides out there with incorrect offset rims on thier rides and they were mostly for the latin looking rides. Is it going to destroy your ride driving 45miles round trip (like I did) to test fit the wheel before purchase NO.

But back to the original question, like I said before I ended up purchasing 4 Motorsport Front wheels. The most important thing on an AWD vehicle the front and rear wheels have to have the same rolling diameter or you will destroy your transfer case.

NoBa · 04-04-2006, 06:51 PM

Thanks 325isBaby....I completely understand what you mean. Although I am Latin, I do not like that whole ghetto fabulous look either. I am trying to make the car appear more luxury sport.

It looks like anything I try with these specific rims will cause some sort of issue. So I may just take the two fronts and order two more for the rear. Do you know any other place besides Bav Auto that sells the OEM rims for a good price? In any event, thanks again!

drz · 04-04-2006, 08:26 PM

You may try turnermotorsports (not even sure) or your dealership. There really aren't very many options when it comes to getting OEM wheels.

325isBaby · 04-04-2006, 11:58 PM

Check your dealer! I got mine from the dealer, some guy bought aftermarket wheels for his M3 and didn't have anyplace to put the OEM wheels so he gave them back to the parts department (I picked em up for $35/ea) I just had to wait for another opertunity to pick up another set of fronts...also search E-bay. See em for sale once in a while for a decent price there.

///M Power · 04-05-2006, 01:27 AM

What? Someone gave his stock wheels back to the dealrship? Are these kind of deals availible to the public or just BMW tech employs only?