Ahh... ET=Offset.Wheel help needed

[GM525]

Just looking at an excellent e34 link on thread.Noticed that my 525ix touring wheels have an offset of 54mm compared with the 2WD tourers 20mm - why would this be? What wheels would be compatible and would I have to use spacers(would rather not)?
The worst part is that I only rally need one wheel, as one is badly buckled. Hmm....wonder if these can be repaired??

[Rigmaster]

here's a quick answer + some more things to look for. Offset depends on the width of the wheel- it's basically the distance from the wheel's centerline to the actual mounting hub (where the wheel seats on the rotor hub). I assume your 525iX wheels are probably 15 or 16"x7", the 54mm offset (vs 20mm on the stock 525i wheel) means that the wheel's mounting surface is 34mm farther away from the centerline of the 7" wheel. If you tried to fit 20mm offset 7" wide wheels with spacers, they would have the opposite effect than what you need. In other words, you could use a 54mm offset wheel on a standard E34 with a 34mm spacer (54mm-34mm= 20mm).

Sorry if this is confusing, it's a bit hard to explain, and can be even harder to grasp (especially with a crappy description!!!!!).

I would think you could get the bent/damaged wheel repaired for less $$ than a new wheel- where are you located?? (I'm assuming you are NOT in USA......) I know there are wheel repair specialists here that claim they can repair any alloy wheel for ~$100-150 or so.



Bret.

[pmlmotorsports]

Just looking at an excellent e34 link on thread.Noticed that my 525ix touring wheels have an offset of 54mm compared with the 2WD tourers 20mm - why would this be? What wheels would be compatible and would I have to use spacers(would rather not)?
The worst part is that I only rally need one wheel, as one is badly buckled. Hmm....wonder if these can be repaired??

YOU CAN USE ANY E36, E46 or anywheel with a 3 Series offset, factory offset is +47; aftermarket is(+40) to (+50) depending on width. I can show/offer you several 17"x8" choices for under $400 a set delivered. Basically anything 17x8" wide with a +38 offset will fit a 235/45-17 tire or a 18x8" +38 offset will fit a 235/40-18 with no rubbing issues.....hope this helped.
Good luck