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[SlowLeak]

Hi. I'd really like to get a Stoptech 380mm BBK but I've run into one stumbling block. Since I do run the car in the winter I currently have a set of snow tires. Running Blizzak LM-60 245/40-18 on Sport Edition A7 18x8 ET20 wheels in a square setup. This combo works well but I measured the rims using the template from Stoptech and they will definitely not clear the ST-60 brakes. The 355mm kit will work just fine though.

So I'd like to get an inexpensive set of 18" rims that I can mount the snow tires on. The tires have plenty of life left in them so I'd really like to keep them if I can. According to Tire Rack, the tires will fit rims from 8" to 9.5" with 8.5" the ideal width.

It looks like Apex has a 18x9.5" that will fit and should clear the brakes but that is a bit wider than I'd like to go. Would their 18x8.5 ET35 fit? It isn't listed as an M3 fitment. Would I just need spacers? Is there another option besides Apex that would work? I'd like to keep it in the $300 or less per wheel range since these are going to take a beating with all the salt and sand they put down around here. Not to mention the potholes in the spring.

In case it matters the car is a 2011 E90 with ZCP.

Thanks.

[slicer]

Call Apex for info on clearance. I know their 18 x 9.5 EC7 wheels clear BBK. I have a set of EC7's and they look fantastic but I have had an extremely difficult time getting them balanced.

You can also use OEM 219M 18 x 8.5 with 15mm spacers (do a search there are a couple of threads showing the 18 x 8.5's fitting with stoptech trophy brakes), or 18 x 9.5 without spacers (OEM rear wheels). People are often selling their 219M wheels in the for-sale section of this forum. I would probably choose the 219M's in 18x9.5 for all 4 corners. Your 245/40's will be a little stretched but I think that's your best option. You could also sell your current wheels / tires and run the 18 x 9.5 set with 255/40's which would be a better fit for 9.5" wheels. Another option is a square set of 18 x 8.5 219M's with spacers front and rear. I may have a set available in February.... I plan to buy two sets of 219M wheels to create a square 18 x 9.5 set for the track.

BTW - the fact that you have potholes is a good reason to get a quality wheel (not the other way around). You can buy cheap stuff and deal with replacing bent wheels or buy something decent that has some strength. I have learned this lesson the hard way.

[SlowLeak]

Originally Posted by slicer

Call Apex for info on clearance. I know their 18 x 9.5 EC7 wheels clear BBK. I have a set of EC7's and they look fantastic but I have had an extremely difficult time getting them balanced.

You can also use OEM 219M 18 x 8.5 with 15mm spacers (do a search there are a couple of threads showing the 18 x 8.5's fitting with stoptech trophy brakes), or 18 x 9.5 without spacers (OEM rear wheels). People are often selling their 219M wheels in the for-sale section of this forum. I would probably choose the 219M's in 18x9.5 for all 4 corners. Your 245/40's will be a little stretched but I think that's your best option. You could also sell your current wheels / tires and run the 18 x 9.5 set with 255/40's which would be a better fit for 9.5" wheels. Another option is a square set of 18 x 8.5 219M's with spacers front and rear. I may have a set available in February.... I plan to buy two sets of 219M wheels to create a square 18 x 9.5 set for the track.

BTW - the fact that you have potholes is a good reason to get a quality wheel (not the other way around). You can buy cheap stuff and deal with replacing bent wheels or buy something decent that has some strength. I have learned this lesson the hard way.

Thanks for the info. I talked with David at Apex and it sounds like either the 18x9.5 ET22 or the 18x9 ET31 would work. I failed to realize that the 18x9 is the same width and offset as the stock ZCP fronts so they should fit without a problem. They don't list them for the M3 since most people are looking for wider wheels for track use.

I understand what you are saying about going with quality wheels. Perhaps I have been lucky but this is my fifth winter with the A7's (I also used them on my '08) and I have only had to replace one so far. And I didn't even realize that one had a problem until I took it off in the spring.