[ryan@calgary]

Hey guys,

I purchased a used set of E46 M3 staggered 18” wheels and winter tires for my F32, and went to go put them on today and the rears fit just fine but the fronts seem to be binding on my m-sport calipers and the car won’t move. Is there something I can do to make these fit? (ie would wheel spacers or something else work?). I called the parts desk at the dealer and they confirmed 18” wheels will fit around the m-sport brakes on my F32 but couldn’t tell me what offset or other specs. From a google search my used set of wheels look like style #67.

Any thoughts?!

Thanks!!

[s3ri3s1]

There probably isn't much you can do to get the fronts to clear. Running a spacer most likely won't give you enough clearance to make a difference.

[ryan@calgary]

Thanks S3.

F32's looks like they need 30-42 offset for an 8 or 8.5" wheel, but the style 67's off the E46 M3 have an offset of 47. Thinking a 10mm (or even 12.5mm) spacer might just do the trick to clear the big M Sport callipers, but don't want to waste the money and time for shipping if people think this won't work for any reason?

[switchman8]

Where is it hitting the caliper, on the front or the outside? If the front is hitting the spokes, then a spacer would help.

[ryan@calgary]

looks like its just on the outside edge of the front. There is also marks on the inside of the rim just where it starts to curve inwards to the spokes. I want to think spacers would help, but I'm not 100%

[wdeerfield]

you need at least a 7mm spacer. I have 18x8.5 et 40 and its like 2-3mm from my front brake caliper.

Spoke design plays a lot with this as well. you could always do the washer trick to see what spacer you need. just put washers on the hub on three lugs until it clears. THen measure the thickness of the washers. DO NOT DRIVE with the washers

[ryan@calgary]

Thanks wdeerfield! Guessing you have the same blue brakes on your f30? I think the sticky says they are ~14.5" or something?

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by ryan@calgary

Thanks wdeerfield! Guessing you have the same blue brakes on your f30? I think the sticky says they are ~14.5" or something?

i do not have the 370mm front rotors or the 2 piston rear caliper. I have the unfinished gray brakes. But the caliper is the same but yours has a different mount that is further out to accommodate the larger 370mm rotor to my 340mm. I believe it is not any wider (meaning the face will remain in the same place just further out from center)

[ryan@calgary]

Thanks again for the detailed explanation. This I think is part of the issue as the calipers were rubbing the inside of the wheel on the front edge (but more of the outside of the caliper, i.e. furthest from center than the front hitting the spokes) - which begs the question, do all 18" rims fit with those blue brakes, or only a select few based on spoke design?

Sounds more and more like it is pretty risky going the spacer route vs new wheels and selling the current E46 M3 style 67's. If it was mid-August and I had the time it wouldn't be such a risk, but considering we got 12" of snow last night, time is not on my side!! hah

[kern417]

18" wheels fit fine. The problem is the offset. Either do the washer trick, or do it the lazy way and just start threading one bolt into the hub if possible and hold the wheel up, then measure the distance to the hub. add 2-3mm for safety.

[wdeerfield]

spacers are fine. i ran them on my e90 for 4+ years with no issue. the key is to pay for proper spacers like TMS, ECS, BMS, H&R, or Eibach. Dont go the ebay route

[lfepro.g]

Pics when you have them on please! I was thinking of getting the same wheels for my F32!