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[ophale]

Aloha!

I'll first start out with "I've used the search tool and found conflicting information." So... I would like to ask the question again to the E90Post experts.

Here is some background info...

I have a 2009 E91 with stock BMW style 285 8x17 wheels (front and rear) and no other modifications to the suspension. I have no plans to modify the suspension in the future. I will be purchasing new tires in the next 10 to 15K miles. The current tires are the OEM Conti Pro Contact SSR 225/45 R17 and most likely will be replace with a comparable run flat or go flat tire.

My goal is to enhance the stance of sportwagon with a wider look with wheel spacers. I have found most vendor sites recommending measuring the wheel gap between the inner fender and a strait edge placed parallel with the wheel. The strait edge rests on the rubber bead that extends outward from the wheel. My measurements are 6 mm for the front wheel gap and 13 mm for the rear wheel. Culling information from this forum and other sites, it seems E90 owners and vendor sites recommend for a stock E90; 12 mm front and 15 mm rear (I've seen up to 20mm in the rear). Do you concur?

If I choose the 12 mm front and 15 mm rear will I rub? Could I go to 18 mm in the rear? I've included some photos below for further perspective.

Thanks in advance for any experience you may have with spacers on a similar setup on your BMW as mine.

[zipstic]

I don't have a wagon, but since you're not planning on lowering the suspension you shouldn't have to worry about rubbing. There's enough of a wheel gap in-between the top of your tire and the fender. The only piece to factor in is if you're trunk it packed full and you passengers in the back, how much does the suspension compress?

[ophale]

Originally Posted by zipstic

I don't have a wagon, but since you're not planning on lowering the suspension you shouldn't have to worry about rubbing. There's enough of a wheel gap in-between the top of your tire and the fender. The only piece to factor in is if you're trunk it packed full and you passengers in the back, how much does the suspension compress?

Thanks zipstic!

I thought this was the case but when I measured the fender gap I came up with a small recommended spacer size. I will keep in mind your suggestion of potential future cargo weight in a wagon, before making a decision on the 15 or 18 in the rear.

Does anyone know what spacer size will get you to an equivalent 8.5x17 wheel from a 8 x17 wheel? Is the first dimension in inches too? That would mean I could place 12mm spacer and still be factory in the rear.

Thanks in advance for any additional advise!

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

If your not lowering it, go with 12mm front 15mm rear.

Will look good, but not overly aggressive since your not lowering

[ophale]

Hi All,

I asked a spacer question a few months back and I finally had a moment to let people know what I finally ordered.

I purchased BMS Spacers from Jason at BurgerTuning.com. Transaction went smoothly and the parts arrived in the time frame of the estimate. I selected 12 mm for the front wheels and 18 mm for the rear wheels. My suspension is stock, no plans to upgrade, as I'm happy with the current performance and looks. I also have brand new Bridgestone RE050A II 225/45R17 on all four wheels.

I have drove in this configuration for about two months, NO RUBBING has been observed. This includes four people in the car and over speed bumps. I haven't had an opportunity to drive some of the big brothers around... I may rub with a couple of 400 lbs people in tow, but I may have rubbed regardless of the spacers...

I also have enjoyed the extra gap when cleaning the wheels, much easier to get the inside of the wheels clean, as the brakes are not as close to the wheel.

However, the ultimate reason why I invested in spacers was for the looks. So without further ado, here are some pictures of my E91 touring with spacers:









Thanks for all the advise, and I hope this post will help others in their decision process regarding wheels spacer.

Aloha!

[OtisDC]

As I haven't found a lot of info regarding the use of spacers on an E90 with the styling 285 wheels, I wonder if you could help me out.

I have an E90 335i with sport suspension, do you think I could run the same setup as you? (12mm front, 18mm rear)

[Digitalize]

As you're both LCI's then you should be able to run the same. E90/1 arches should be identical.

It's worth considering when measuring that the wheels camber in as the suspension compresses, so you'll have more space than you believe.

[OtisDC]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

As you're both LCI's then you should be able to run the same. E90/1 arches should be identical.

It's worth considering when measuring that the wheels camber in as the suspension compresses, so you'll have more space than you believe.

Allright, thanks for the VERY quick reply .

So even though I'm running the sport suspension vs. his stock suspension,
The same setup should be Okay?

[Digitalize]

I mean do your own peace of mind checks but essentially they'll both rub or neither will, if testing to full compression.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by OtisDC

As I haven't found a lot of info regarding the use of spacers on an E90 with the styling 285 wheels, I wonder if you could help me out.

I have an E90 335i with sport suspension, do you think I could run the same setup as you? (12mm front, 18mm rear)

I have an E90 LCI with 284 wheels (same dimensions) and 12mm and 15mm spacers. If I were to do it again, I would run 18mm in the rear. You should have no rubbing issues even on sport suspension.

[OtisDC]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

I have an E90 LCI with 284 wheels (same dimensions) and 12mm and 15mm spacers. If I were to do it again, I would run 18mm in the rear. You should have no rubbing issues even on sport suspension.

Thanks man!
I'm gonna get the 12mm and 18mm spacers .