Anyone using spacers on stock wheels for a tad wider stance?

[jjcools]

I just wanted to see if anyone was using spacers on their stock wheels and if so what size? I might go this route until I can pick up some new wheels next year.

Thanks

[mimalmo]

5mm up front to clear my coilovers. If you're running stock suspension you could go bigger than that like 10mm-12mm

[danewilson77]

I had 15mm's in rear....then I movd them tp front....then I took off...when I dropped.

The negative on spacers (some say) is tat it changes the center of gravity on the wheel, and can make your wheel bearings go bad,,,faster. No prob though....cuz I got a diy for that...lol.

I think if you go any < 10mm it is a waste....anywhere.....and also realize proper stance should be achieved through wheels, offset, and tiresize....

But....with all that said...I still endorse spacers....just throwin some info out there...

[Alphatek45]

Dane, I plan on doing your exact coilovers. (Provided they don't fall of your car in the next few weeks) Did you HAVE to use spacers to accommodate them?

If so, what size?

[mimalmo]

Most guys that do coilovers will need at least a 5mm spacer to clear the adjustment collar when using the OEM ZHP wheels.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Let me find what I wrote about spacers.

Ok. Found it.

Simply put, spacers can create issues -- regardless of mm size. You'll want a good hubcentric (and possibly wheelcentric) spacer that fits well. A 15mm spacer would likely fit more flush on the hub (whereas a 10mm spacer might not fit just right).

A spacer, in general, will accentuate any balancing issues that you already have, which will result in wobble (you'll feel it in the steering wheel).

I recommend that you do your homework before you install any spacers.

Finally, if you pull the wheel out too far, you could experience rubbing. You'll need to roll your fenders.

I've done just about everything to my BMWs over the years. I've run spacers on some of my cars. Others I never put any spacers on. I've had to roll my fenders on several of my cars so that they can accommodate my wider track (tires plus spacers).

[danewilson77]

Dane, I plan on doing your exact coilovers. (Provided they don't fall of your car in the next few weeks) Did you HAVE to use spacers to accommodate them?

If so, what size?


Nope...no spacers required for me. My rims are 18 x 8 though. I doubt they will fail with lifetime guarentee....and plus...

"You know the Germans make good stuff"

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/images-2.jpg

[mimalmo]

The only reason why those that are using the OEM ZHP wheels with coilovers need a small spacer is due to the wheel's high offset. Lower offset wheels (+40 ET or lower) won't have a problem clearing. My bet is that Dane's wheels are lower offset than the OEM ZHP wheels.

[danewilson77]

Mine are ET +42mm offset.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=4428801242BSAT&wheelMake=Enkei+Performance&wheelModel=EKM3&wheelFinish=Bright+Satin+Sil+Paint&showRear=no&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=330i+Performance+Pkg&autoYear=2004&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=Enkei+Performance&filterNew=All&sort=Brand

[jjcools]

Yeah 5-10mm was all i was thinking about doing and that would be temporary until i got some new wheels. I like the wider stance and the tire being closer to the well.

Just curious to see if anyone was running and what size before rubbing was an issue with OEM set up.

[zhp43867]

I tried 12mm spacers on my stock zhp wheels with 255/35/18 Dunlop Star Specs on stock suspension and it rubbed. I now have a 235/225 front/rear stagger on my stock wheels and I'm going to try 15mm spacers for both the front and back. I'll report back.

[danewilson77]

I will sell you my 15mm spacers and lugs for a good deal....

[zhp43867]

PMd thanks!

[jjcools]

I guess I will have to wait until I make the jump to coilovers to check on spacing and such. I would like to try out a 265 in the rear but fear it might rub, especially in the future with coilovers.

[zhp43867]

Every time you widen the tire you obviously decrease the size of spacer you can use. I'd estimate you couldn't use more than a 5-8mm spacer maximum without rubbing on a 265, seeing as with my 255s 12mm rubbed.

[jjcools]

Yeah, I do not plan on running spacers in the rear if I go with 265. I just thought it would give a tad better ride and a nice aggressive stance. I might try 5mm if the 265s work.

I hope to get some 5-8s in the front too.

[danewilson77]

If you go 225's in the front....you'll wanna go 15's or you won't even notice. This is my ride with 225's and 15's up front (before the drop though).

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC03649sz1200.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC03601.jpg[/IMG]

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC03624sz1200.jpg

[zhp43867]

Like Dane said I'd do 15mm in the front with a 225.

[danewilson77]

^Unless you plan to drop....then your 15's will be sitting in your tool box like mine...

[330iZHPftw]

I was thinking about putting spacers on my sedan

I have just started my research and keep going back and forth on if I want to put 'em on or not..most say they're fine though don't suggest using them unless you need them for clearance issues in which case they're fine..?!

anyways..I just want a bit more of an aggressive stance is all I'm after..I don't want to go the coil-over route yet as I'm very satisfied with the look/ride height of the OEM ZHP suspension.

I was considering 10mm in the rear and 5mm in the front..I don't want to roll the fenders or have any rubbing issues

[danewilson77]

I was....and I loved the way it looked, and drove......but when I dropped...they had to go. I had 15mm in froont and rear.

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[330iZHPftw]

wow 15 front and rear..I thought 12 was a gamble!

did you have any rubbing or vibration issues?

also..what are your thoughts on running larger diameter in the rear? in my head I think that it will look "cooler" / more aggressive to accentuate the offset in the rear with a larger spacer than in front.

[danewilson77]

yes....now that i am dropped.... the 15's had to go. i think i could do 10's on the front.....and maybe 5's on the rear....to be safe....

having said the above.....keep in mind i have 245's on the rear.

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[Radarcontact]

Hello, hello, hello...hello!

I've got an 06 ZHP Vert with the stock wheels (those are the "135"s, right?)

Wondering if anyone has added spacers to them to push em out a little.

If so, what sizes did you use and would you use the same size again?

I had some H&R on my last car and they looked great.

Thanks,
radar

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Radar, yep. We have the 135M wheels on our cars. FTW.

If anyone wants to know about random stuff on our cars, be sure to check here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1789-Frequently-Asked-Questions-%28FAQ%29-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option).

Radar, hope you're doing well.

I know that people have added spacers. They'll likely chime in soon.

[mimalmo]

I run 10mm spacers in the winter with the OEM wheels but could easily fit a 12mm to 15mm.

[Mike V]

I have 1/4" on mine since I already had them laying around in the garage. If I were to buy a set, I'd go with at least 1/2" (~12mm).

[johnrando]

Sorry, really don't know much about suspension. Would spacers change the handling at all? Also, would the look be that different with the same wheels... perhaps before and after pics? John

[09mageec]

Im keepin my eye on this thread, I am interested in doing spacers as well!

[danewilson77]

Spacers will increase understeer I believe.

OP....how much room do you have?

[iZHP]

Subscribed. Looking for spacers :)

[danewilson77]

I had 15's on my 325 and I loved the way it looked.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[az3579]

Spacers will increase understeer I believe.

OP....how much room do you have?

I don't know if I can agree with that. I had spacers on my E30 at one point and on the track it felt pretty much the same. Of course, I say "pretty much" because this was right after the swap and was my first time out with the new engine. lol
Understeer didn't pop out as an issue to me.

[zhpnsnv]

Spacers will increase understeer I believe.

OP....how much room do you have?

This depends on where you put the spacers. On my fwd mini, spacers up front = less understeer. I don't know enough about actual suspension dynamics or geometry to tell you exactly why, but I can't say that spacers in general increase or decrease under/oversteer all the time.

I put spacers up front on my mini because people who are better/more experienced track drivers told me to try it. I did; it worked.

I think most people put spacers on for looks, though.


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[danewilson77]

Was talking about rear 15's only........

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Cadeez]

I plan to get some soon as well, was thinking 12 up front and 15 in the rear from ECS...

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Wheels/Spacers/

The only thing holding me back, and this is gonna sound faggy, is I live in a very wet climate and currently I have virtually no tire spray down the side of my car in the rain. I'm afraid if I push the wheels/tires out more then more of the tire will hang out of the well, increasing the spray down the side of my rig. I'm pretty OCD with the cleanliness of it, not sure I can handle it being dirty all of the time. Plus I would think it would kick up more rocks, road shit, etc as well as water. Maybe I'm just high, or weird. Whatev...

My girlfirend might leave me if I wash it any more times per week. She hates the car. Chicks man.

[zhpnsnv]

I plan to get some soon as well, was thinking 12 up front and 15 in the rear from ECS...

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Wheels/Spacers/

The only thing holding me back, and this is gonna sound faggy, is I live in a very wet climate and currently I have virtually no tire spray down the side of my car in the rain. I'm afraid if I push the wheels/tires out more then more of the tire will hang out of the well, increasing the spray down the side of my rig. I'm pretty OCD with the cleanliness of it, not sure I can handle it being dirty all of the time. Plus I would think it would kick up more rocks, road shit, etc as well as water. Maybe I'm just high, or weird. Whatev...

My girlfirend might leave me if I wash it any more times per week. She hates the car. Chicks man.

I'm going to check those out, too. Not sure about the way you describe your concern.

[az3579]

I actually get spray down the side even though my wheels are spaced normally the way it came from the factory. You must have gotten super lucky to not have this issue...

The look is worth it, though, IMO.

[mimalmo]

Just throwing this out there:

I have a set of the ECS spacers (back) and Turner Motorsport's (front). I prefer the Turner spacers because I can order them with black bolts instead of silver like the ECS kits, build quality and the ECS spacers are almost too tight of a fitment on the hub. The Turner ones are nice and light too.

[Cadeez]

Just throwing this out there:

I have a set of the ECS spacers (back) and Turner Motorsport's (front). I prefer the Turner spacers because I can order them with black bolts instead of silver like the ECS kits, build quality and the ECS spacers are almost too tight of a fitment on the hub. The Turner ones are nice and light too.

Good to know. Too bad you have to pay so much extra for the bolts through Turner, $133 shipped vs. $108 through ECS for one set of 12.5mm.

[mimalmo]

Small price to pay to have the correct looking black bolts IMHO. Otherwise it would bother me everytime I looked at the car.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

For the stage-five anality that I have, the $25 extra is worth it.

[zhpnsnv]

For the stage-five anality that I have, the $25 extra is worth it.

Yep, me too.

So what's the consensus on spacing the 135s? 15 rear, 10-12 front?


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[mimalmo]

Well, I'm running a 19x9 ET28 front on a lowered suspension and I'm not rubbing so I would be inclined to buy one set of 15mm spacers and test fit them on front and back before ordering the second set.

[danewilson77]

I like the way you think. He may not be rolled though?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[mimalmo]

Hence the test fitting. We know 15mm will fit in front with stock suspension. I'm inclined to believe that 20mm in the rear with an all stock car may be possible and definitely possible if the fenders are rolled.

[Dean]

15MM IN THE REAR IS TOO WIDE IF LOWERED. I have Coilovers, and 15mm will push the stock 135's and stock tires into the rear bumper. Trust me, it will rub like crazy. Now 15MM in the rear is OK if you are on STOCK SPORT or higher suspension in the rear, but still will rub over large bumps and with passengers in the rear! I will be ordering 10mm for the rear and It will hopefully fit without rubbing.

15mm in front, no issues

:)

[az3579]

15MM IN THE REAR IS TOO WIDE IF LOWERED. I have Coilovers, and 15mm will push the stock 135's and stock tires into the rear bumper. Trust me, it will rub like crazy. Now 15MM in the rear is OK if you are on STOCK SPORT or higher suspension in the rear, but still will rub over large bumps and with passengers in the rear! I will be ordering 10mm for the rear and It will hopefully fit without rubbing.

15mm in front, no issues

:)


Beware; I was reading on Turner Motorsport's site that with 10mm spacers, it's considered custom fitment. Something to do with the lip of the hub not being long enough or something? They mentioned that for a 10mm, it would be dangerous to run that size because of the lip, and that it's not a problem with 12mm and larger spacers.

Could anyone confirm that this really is an issue? 10mm would seem like the ideal amount for my car considering it being pretty low, and don't want to get it if it's dangerous.

[mimalmo]

Beware; I was reading on Turner Motorsport's site that with 10mm spacers, it's considered custom fitment. Something to do with the lip of the hub not being long enough or something? They mentioned that for a 10mm, it would be dangerous to run that size because of the lip, and that it's not a problem with 12mm and larger spacers.

Could anyone confirm that this really is an issue? 10mm would seem like the ideal amount for my car considering it being pretty low, and don't want to get it if it's dangerous.

What you need is a spacer that extends the hub. I know the Turner spacers I have on the front of my car extend the hub but they are 20mm spacers. A quick call to Turner in the morning should clear it up for you. The 10mm ECS Tuning spacers I have in back do extend the hub.

Also, as I mentioned before, with Turner's spacer kits (spacers and extended wheel bolts) you can specify black bolts (FTW!). So far, ECS is only offering silver bolts with their spacer kits (boo!).

[billschusteriv]

I need to install the spacers I got from Dane. They are sitting on the table in my garage... I think it will make the back end of the touring look sweet.

Slightly concerned about aforementioned wheel bearing wear.

[danewilson77]

In for pics.

[mimalmo]

I can confirm that a 20mm spacer in front works with no rubbing - even with an aggressive drop.