Basic Wheels Questions

[Artsoap]

I am rather new to the BMW world, I have a '91 525i with stock wheels. I would love to get new wheels for the car but am at a loss. I have no idea what off set means, what would fit my car or even where to begin to look. I pulled the wheels off of the car to check the brakes and didn't even realize they didn't attach to the car like a regular (US) wheel. Do I have to modify the hubs or anything? Please don't slam me on this, I really don't have a clue any idea where to look would be great as I have googled bmw wheels and other terms and have gotten nowhere- Thank you in advance for any help-

Red-

[Qube]

No problem. By US wheel, do you mean the difference between bolts and nuts/acorns?

Bolt
http://www.upgrademotoring.com/wheels/40574.gif

Acorn/Nut
http://www.mustangsplus.com/images/02787.jpg

Offset explained in a nutshell...

The offset, measured in millimeters, can be negative or positive, and is the distance from the mounting surface to the rim's true centerline. A positive offset means the wheel is front of the mounting surface, closer to the center of the fender; a negative offset means the wheel is away from the mounting surface and projecting from the fender. Offset affects the scrub radius of the steering and it is advisable to stay within the limits allowed by the vehicle manufacturer. However, if tires are fitted which are significantly wider than those specified by the manufacturer, a compromise may have to be adopted whereby a wheel with less offset is used to prevent the tire rubbing on the suspension. (thanks Wiki)

See here for more information on wheels for your car:
http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/wheels_upgrade.htm

In general, anything 19" and under is acceptable. Standard sizing (non-staggard, that is... wider rears than fronts)

225/55-16, 235/45-17, 235/40-18

[shogun]

here is more about offset etc
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/299547