Mounting 04 3 Series Wheels To 95 540i

[newdad52001]

Good evening all.... Seeing as this is my first post... HI My name is Tony Allison and live in the Freezing Cold state of WI. I own a 2004 325ci and a 1995 540i and yet another.... 1989 325 Convert...

I am attempting to mount 3 series 18" wheels to my 1995 540i and have an issue with clearance. The back of the tires rub on the suspension. I am looking into (hub-centric) spacers at 25mm. Is this a good idea or should I just purchase new wheels for the 5? Any input that you can help me with would be great!!!

Thanks all

Tony

[sp0rky]

a 15, 20 or 25 mm spacer may very well solve your problems. I believe the 3 series offset is 38mm (may be slightly wrong) and the 5 series is a 20mm offset. A 20mm spacer would be your best bet, but many will argue that a spacer of that size can be unsafe due to the fact that it puts added stress on the longer lug bolts that you will need to purchase.

If it were me, I'd buy a set of rims with a closer-to-stock if not exactly 20mm offset.

Oh.. and

[newdad52001]

Thanks for the input.... I thought the OFFSET for the 5 series is 20mm/front and 32mm/rear ?? I believe this is the same as the new 3 series. If I am mistaken please let me know. I really don't want to mess up the 5 series as an offset mistake can really screw up the ride and burn through tires

Thanks again.

I have found a new fav web site.... I can't believe that I have owned 6 BMW's and never found this site before...

Tony

['89 635 csi]

[sp0rky]

The 5 series is +20mm on all corners and the 3 series is ~ +38mm on all fours.

The offsets from front to rear do not differ.
The only time the rear should have a different offset from the front is when you run a staggered setup and the wider rear tires will not clear even when the rim is the proper offset.

good luck