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[RLe92335]

Ok, I have read countless articles on wheel spacers and still can't figure this out (it's probably me, not the articles).

I have an e92 335xi and am looking for a more aggressive look. I have the M-sport package with 193 styles 18" staggered setup. All suspension is stock for the AWD. I'd be happy with the rear sitting wider than the front, or all sitting flush to fender, but the current looking of front looking wider than rear is killing me.

When I follow the instructions for measuring the current spacing, I am getting 5mm in the front and 10mm in the rear (going from inner lip of fender to widest part of wheel, which is basically where the rim meets the tire). Everything I read says don't go lower than a 12mm spacer to avoid issues with current lip. But that doesn't compute with my measurements. I also checked with VRSF and they said I can go 12mm in the front and 15mm in the rear, which is in line with most of what I am reading in the forums.

What am I missing? Is this because the shock/strut will never compress far enough to hit the widest part of the tire??? Is this a RWD vs AWD thing?

I do not intend to roll the fenders, and would rather not 'wing it' with my purchase and deal with returns.

(newbie here, thanks for the help)

[Bahooki]

I have an E92 328i with wheels that are the same size/offset. 15mm spacer in the back rubs pretty bad with a 255/35/R18 pilot super sport. I know it doesn't directly answer your question, but I read a lot of stuff on here of people saying to run a 15mm rear spacer. From my experience, the rubbing was horrendous. 12mm in the front was fine. The only problem is if you run a 12mm front and back, it kind of makes the front track width look wider. I threw 12mms on the back and just left the front stock and was happy with the look.

[RLe92335]

Thanks Bahooki. That definitely helps confirm things for me. I'm with you on wanting the appearance of a wider track width in the rear. Guess I will try 12mm in the rear and 10mm or nothing in the front. Sounds the like 12mm in the back made enough of a noticeable difference...

[SoCalR]

I'm using 12mm/f and 15mm/r on my 328 coupe with 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 and it just barely rubs on the rear passenger tire. Here's some before and after pics.

[RLe92335]

Thanks SoCal. Good pics. I picked up a pair of 10 and a pair of 12. Will see how it goes and swap 10 for 15 if not happy.

[satz]

Why do BMWs, even in their supposed performance models, have wheels that are so sunken in? Unlike most Audis or VW GTIs where the wheels are usually nicely flush?

It would save so much hassle (not to mention illegal use of spacers in Australia), just to get this appearance that should have been standard...

[Underground6t9]

Originally Posted by RLe92335

Ok, I have read countless articles on wheel spacers and still can't figure this out (it's probably me, not the articles).

I have an e92 335xi and am looking for a more aggressive look. I have the M-sport package with 193 styles 18" staggered setup. All suspension is stock for the AWD. I'd be happy with the rear sitting wider than the front, or all sitting flush to fender, but the current looking of front looking wider than rear is killing me.

When I follow the instructions for measuring the current spacing, I am getting 5mm in the front and 10mm in the rear (going from inner lip of fender to widest part of wheel, which is basically where the rim meets the tire). Everything I read says don't go lower than a 12mm spacer to avoid issues with current lip. But that doesn't compute with my measurements. I also checked with VRSF and they said I can go 12mm in the front and 15mm in the rear, which is in line with most of what I am reading in the forums.

What am I missing? Is this because the shock/strut will never compress far enough to hit the widest part of the tire??? Is this a RWD vs AWD thing?

I do not intend to roll the fenders, and would rather not 'wing it' with my purchase and deal with returns.

(newbie here, thanks for the help)

You have the measureing right, Basically anything more than 12mm in the back will rub. I recommend running the 10mm Front and 12mm Rear.

[RLe92335]

Thanks guys. I ended up going 10F 12R. I would give it a 7 out 10. Much better than before, and no rubbing to think about.

Unfortunately I forgot to take 'before' pics :/

[4 Doors]

Would like to see pics on the XI (AWD) versions to see the height. Thinking about spacers myself.