Want new rims and tires...

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cristian1la

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... but have no idea where to start. I am new at this kind of vehicle. Ask me about a chevy, I will answer. This car is way different.

I inquired about some M3 rims on the classified here and one of the guys told me they would not fit my 323. So that means that the axle on M3's are shorter or the entire body is wider in the rear, or maybe the fenders on M3's flair out more than a regular 3's. I dont know. So my question is, what would be a nice looking rim for my 323? I really like the M3 look. If I go to a wheel store, what is the correct offset? I might lower it and I dont want any rubbing going on. Please help. Post some pictures so I can visualize the future.

Here is my 323i
 
Zchild

Zchild

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[thumb] I've got M3 Replica wheels on my bimmer. You've just got to do some homework. It easiest on-line. I'm running 18" M3 Relica wheels I got from AAA Rims. Reading Wheel Sizes: Example Size: 15x7 4-100 40S, 15 - Rim diameter in inches.
7 - Width of rim in inches. 4-100 - Bolt Pattern. 4 - Number of lug holes in wheel.
100 - Distance between lug holes (in millimeters). Some wheels have multiple bolt patterns.
15x7 4-100/108 This wheel fits cars with both 4-100 bolt patterns and 4-108 bolt patterns.
40S - Offset and finish 40 - Measures in millimeters how far back or forward the mounting surface (face) is from the center of the wheel. S - Silver Finish. There are many different finish designations. For a detailed description, click on the specific wheel of interest. Further information on all of these topics can be found at Discount Tires “Info Center”. My bimmer which is a 2000 323i takes a 18X8.5 5-120 40C in the Beyern Mesh Chrome which is what I'm buying her for Christmas. Every wheel depending upon it's design and manufacture will require a slightly different offset. Hint: Shop on-line and look for sites that allow you to put in your cars specific specs, therefore you will know that you are getting a wheel that will fit your car. I believe there are some pictures of my bimmer in the gallery, check it out if you like, I'm currently running the EVO M3 Replica's. Happy Motoring...

[driving2]
 
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cristian1la

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Zchild said:
[thumb] I've got M3 Replica wheels on my bimmer. You've just got to do some homework. It easiest on-line. I'm running 18" M3 Relica wheels I got from AAA Rims. Reading Wheel Sizes: Example Size: 15x7 4-100 40S, 15 - Rim diameter in inches.
7 - Width of rim in inches. 4-100 - Bolt Pattern. 4 - Number of lug holes in wheel.
100 - Distance between lug holes (in millimeters). Some wheels have multiple bolt patterns.
15x7 4-100/108 This wheel fits cars with both 4-100 bolt patterns and 4-108 bolt patterns.
40S - Offset and finish 40 - Measures in millimeters how far back or forward the mounting surface (face) is from the center of the wheel. S - Silver Finish. There are many different finish designations. For a detailed description, click on the specific wheel of interest. Further information on all of these topics can be found at Discount Tires “Info Center”. My bimmer which is a 2000 323i takes a 18X8.5 5-120 40C in the Beyern Mesh Chrome which is what I'm buying her for Christmas. Every wheel depending upon it's design and manufacture will require a slightly different offset. Hint: Shop on-line and look for sites that allow you to put in your cars specific specs, therefore you will know that you are getting a wheel that will fit your car. I believe there are some pictures of my bimmer in the gallery, check it out if you like, I'm currently running the EVO M3 Replica's. Happy Motoring...

[driving2]
Click to expand...
Your car is nice. I love the rims. That is the style I am looking for. How much did you spend on them. Thanks for all the info.
 
Section_8

Section_8

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Replica rims work, as well as Real M3 front wheels. The problem, is the offset of the rear wheels on a M3 - it does not match the offset of a normal 3 series.

I used to have 4 front M3 wheels - worked like a charm, 18x8 all around.



Due to the wife hitting a darn pothole and ruining the left side wheels for the most part, I got a new lighter set (woot)



Lost easily 4lb's per wheels, and I can feel the difference from the M3 ones.
 
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cristian1la

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Section_8 said:
Replica rims work, as well as Real M3 front wheels. The problem, is the offset of the rear wheels on a M3 - it does not match the offset of a normal 3 series.

I used to have 4 front M3 wheels - worked like a charm, 18x8 all around.



Due to the wife hitting a darn pothole and ruining the left side wheels for the most part, I got a new lighter set (woot)



Lost easily 4lb's per wheels, and I can feel the difference from the M3 ones.
Click to expand...
what size are the rims on the second picture? Do you have a drop? Your 3 series looks real good. Thanks for the pictures.
 
Zchild

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[thumb] The most important thing to remember is to maintain the total diameter size of your wheel tire size. Basically, in going bigger in wheel size you are going to trade off the distance between the wheel and the tire; meaning less tire side wall. I'm running 18" wheels therefore my tire size is 225/40WR18. My stock E46 was running a 16" wheel and that included a 225/50WR/16 tire size. I traded a 50 side wall for a 40 side wall. The side wall is the distance between the outside of the wheel, the tire and the ground. Professional tire folks will advise you with good reason that you never ever want to go to wheels above 20" because your side wall is almost non-existent. The tire wall along with your suspension system is what protects you going over bumps, ditches and rough roads. Any-who, that's my two and a half cents... Happy Motoring...
[driving2]
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Zchild said:
[thumb] The most important thing to remember is to maintain the total diameter size of your wheel tire size. Basically, in going bigger in wheel size you are going to trade off the distance between the wheel and the tire; meaning less tire side wall. I'm running 18" wheels therefore my tire size is 225/40WR18. My stock E46 was running a 16" wheel and that included a 225/50WR/16 tire size. I traded a 50 side wall for a 40 side wall. The side wall is the distance between the outside of the wheel, the tire and the ground. Professional tire folks will advise you with good reason that you never ever want to go to wheels above 20" because your side wall is almost non-existent. The tire wall along with your suspension system is what protects you going over bumps, ditches and rough roads. Any-who, that's my two and a half cents... Happy Motoring...
[driving2]
Click to expand...
So am i good with 235/35/19 fr, and 265/30/19 rear?
 
Section_8

Section_8

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cristian1la said:
what size are the rims on the second picture? Do you have a drop? Your 3 series looks real good. Thanks for the pictures.
Click to expand...
18" on both shots. Yup I run Koni SA Dampers and Eibach sportline shocks. A bit more aggressive drop than the pro-kit, not much rougher at all in my opinion (Driven and rode in both).

15" 195x65x15
16" 205x55x16
17" 225x45x17
18" 235x40x18
19" 235x35x19

All these wheels have approx the same diameter, and would not require a change to your speedo really. Keeping your original wheel diameter in mind, and the less 'tread' as the wheel gets bigger and the tire gets 'smaller' - can help you figure out what will fit under there w/o adjusting your speedo.

Unless you get really outrageous, you won't likely need to worry about it. The more important thing is the 'offset' of the wheel, and if you have a drop - will it rub. When you get into the 19"-20" range (On E46's) you start raising the possibility/need of also needing a fender roll - generally because the tires are also getting wider as you get 'bigger'.

All tires are not created equal. I've seen 235x40x18's that fit, while another brand of 235x40x18's did not w/o rubbing.

Just a few quick opinions on the matter. Money makes anything fit under there tho.. [;)]
 
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cristian1la

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have any of you guys tried true M3 wheels on a 323i. For some reason I think they will fit. I found a real good deal, but I dont wanna have issues. I know the rears are wider, but wouldnt the offset help fitment. Some one on this board said they would fit. But I dont know. Maybe I'll ask the dude with the rims if I can test fit the rears before purchase.
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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cristian1la said:
have any of you guys tried true M3 wheels on a 323i. For some reason I think they will fit. I found a real good deal, but I dont wanna have issues. I know the rears are wider, but wouldnt the offset help fitment. Some one on this board said they would fit. But I dont know. Maybe I'll ask the dude with the rims if I can test fit the rears before purchase.
Click to expand...
Hey I have the replica M3 rims on my 330ci - 235/35/19 fr. and 265/30/19 r. I dont have any major issues ie. rubbing. I did find out my occasional minor problem is probably tram lining.
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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cristian1la said:
What is tram lining?
Click to expand...
Here is a quote:

The term 'tramlining' describes the errant automotive behaviour where the car wants to follow longitudinal grooves in the road, rather than obey the driver's steering input. The reason for some drivers always experiencing it and others not even being aware that it's a problem with the car is related to one factor - tyres. All other things being equal, it is the tyres that determine how badly a car will tramline. And not only is the tyre design important, but so is the amount of tread left on the tyre.

You can read the rest from this link - http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_879/article.html
 
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cristian1la

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So M3 wheels would fit? Maybe i'll go aftermarket. Maybe even 19" wheels. Seems easier and might even be cheaper than real M3 wheels. Thanks for all your help.

Regaurding bump steer, I've been having that problem as well and I am running original tires and rims. I guess I am looking at new bushings right? Any one from the LAX area know of a good reputable shop to make my permanent repair shop?
 
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