19" M3 Alloys on 330Ci Cabrio

[jammykam]

Hi Guys

My first post but regular visitor to the site. Just recently bought my E46 2003 330Ci Auto Convertible (Euro Spec) and having now saved up a bit I'm wanting to make some upgrades to the car!

I've been offered a genuine set of 19" M3 Alloys but hear that there are problems getting these onto the stock e46's due to the width and offset of the rear wheels. I currently have 18" MV wheels but they are not in the best of conditions, the previous driver was obviously far too friendly with the kerb Since my current rear wheels are 255/35 r18 I assume the M3's 265/35 r19s are not going to be a problem but the offset is going to cause some headache! I'm right in saying that the MV has an offset of 40 and the M3's have an offset of 27 right?!?

Now, I've been given a few options for getting these onto the car (too good a bargain to miss!). What you guys reckon? All thoughts welcome, even if it's just to tell me I'm mad!!!

I can roll the arches, fit undersize tyres and stretch them onto the wheel (so the edge of the tyre is like a V as opposed to being flat), get the hubs or the alloys machined so the offset is correct!).


thanks guys

Kam [driving2]

 

[hosagod]

I've never seen it done, I have no idea. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen 19"s on any 330 ever...

 

[hosagod]

Might I suggest some 18" Breyton Visions...they are absolutely hot!

Only problem is that they are heavy wheels...so they hurt performance, but I think their look makes up for it.

Here's some pics:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2204&stc=1

http://368s.com/photos/photo001353_large.jpg

[headbang]

 

[jammykam]

Might I suggest some 18" Breyton Visions...they are absolutely hot!

Only problem is that they are heavy wheels...so they hurt performance, but I think their look makes up for it.

Here's some pics:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2204&stc=1

http://368s.com/photos/photo001353_large.jpg

[headbang]

Mmmm... very tasty, excellent choice

Fuuny you should mention these, my mate was telling me about these same Breyton's last night as well. Anyone know how much they go for? As much as I like the performance of the car, I never go racing in the car and hardly ever get to do any decent speed anyway!!!

Anyway, had the car up on the ramp yesterday and gave the M3 wheels a try. Theoretically possible but I think it would be a lot of work, meaning rolling the arches and machining the wheels AND hubs. Yuk!

I did try they other suggestion of putting the narrower front M3 wheels on the back but they just looked very wrong! It's a slightly different design and the wheels just did not have the same presence in the arches!!!

And the wheels were not in as good as condition as the guy made out anyway, need 2 new front tyres now, and 2 new back ones soon as well. Plus all the rims were kerbed and I hear it's very difficult to get a factory finish from a refurb. The guy made out they were in perfect condition!!!

Back to the drawing board...

 

[lilbimmer]

I've never seen it done, I have no idea. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen 19"s on any 330 ever...

I beg to differ - I have 19" on my 330ci. they were installed by the prev owner and it is a tight fit, but I don't get any rubbing!

 

[jammykam]

lilbimmer,

what are size of your 19", front and back. Don't suppose you know what the offsets are?

The M3 wheels were 225/40 front and 255/35 on back. This is the same as my current MV 18"s but the offset of the M3 on the back is 27 (as opposed to 42 on the MV's?!?!?)

I think I can get away with 19" but need to get the correct width/offset...

Or start saving again for an M3 :-(

 

[Section_8]

I would get 4 front wheels, the M3 rears are a pain w/ that offset. if you do not get any suspension work done, the rears would work with just a fender roll. If you plan to lower it any, you might need to look at a widebody, or some serious fender flare. Don't machine the wheels...

I had 4 fronts at one point, 18's tho:

 

[hosagod]

You can check out the Breytons and many other rims at www.tirerack.com.

The Visions are about $400 each, so quite expensive...