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[TTBear]

Thanks, all.

I am waiting for my e92, and am planning ahead.

Does anyone have the BMW part number for the M270 wheels (the ones recommended by BMW for the M3)?

That aside, does anyone know whether a set of 18" e46 M3 OEM wheels will work? I already have a set of these for winter, and it would be GREAT if I could simply throw these on the e92.

Thanks!

[milk242]

someone put the m3 19 inch wheels on the e46 and it looks okay. If you put the 18" e46 wheels you might need spacers.

[lucid]

I wouldn't buy BMW wheels from a dealer for this purpose. I suspect you can get lighter wheels for less aftermarket, which is what I plan to do.

[monsta]

I too have a set of e46 wheels laying around the garage, I've been thinking about this same thing mine aren't m3 wheels though but if they fit I'll get them powdercoated and use them for my winter set up....i forget what exact style they are...

[skierman64]

I'd go to the wheel and tire thread and look at offsets. Without looking it up, I think the offsets are the issue with using E46 wheels on the E92 M3.

I'd recommend purchasing a $3000 used Subaru for winter use and keep the salt and winter grime off the M3. Wheels and winter tires are gonna cost about $1500 or so for the M.

[mkoesel]

E46 18s are:
F: 8" offset 47
R: 9" offset 26

E9X 18s are:
F: 8.5" offset 29
R: 9.5" offset 23

270M 18s are:
F: 8" offset 20
R: same

Based on this, I'd say using four of the E46 rears would work. You have an inch more width on the wheel but I think you could still mount 245s (which is what BMW recommends for the 270M) on them if you want. Or just go with 255s (which is what the E46 uses stock) - I don't think the difference would be very noticeable. But either way I think I'd avoid using the E46 fronts due to the offset. You could use a spacer I guess, but E46 18s are really cheap now, I'd probably just pick up a couple new rears and go that route.

[TTBear]

Thanks, all. I knew you guys would come through, lol.

I am thinking that buying two OTHER e46 rear rims wouldn't be a great option - then I'd be stuck with my fronts, so likely, I 'll use the 18" e46 rims/winter rubber as a selling bonus to whoever purchases my old M3. I'm also thinking a winter beater isn't going to cut it for me, either. I treat my cars really, really, well, but at the end of the day, it's a car, and to me at least, meant to be driven. I have driven the e46 M3 through three Canadian winters, and it has been GREAT. I couldn't stand the idea of the car just sitting there, for five months+, and me putzing around in a banger.

I think I'll investigate wheel options from Tire Rack et al.

Thanks for your input!!

[GFP]

Where in Canada are you at? I have a m3 coupe on order and i plan on using it as a daily driver as well. I second guess getting this rear wheel drive monster every now and again since winter in Edmonton can be scary!!! Curious of your location since you've had past winter experience with your e46. Seriously, no Canadian winter concerns with these awesome machines? I ordered mine with the 18's so I can use them with winter tires in winter and am getting aftermarket 19's for the summer.

[sayemthree]

sounds like the 4 rears will work - I will be using the stock 19's with summer tires for winter tho.

if they fit I will be using the 4 rears wheels for the track.

[TTBear]

Originally Posted by GFP

Where in Canada are you at? I have a m3 coupe on order and i plan on using it as a daily driver as well. I second guess getting this rear wheel drive monster every now and again since winter in Edmonton can be scary!!! Curious of your location since you've had past winter experience with your e46. Seriously, no Canadian winter concerns with these awesome machines? I ordered mine with the 18's so I can use them with winter tires in winter and am getting aftermarket 19's for the summer.

I am located in Saskatchewan. South of Regina. I originally stored my e46 M3 for two winters, but then, figured "why the hell should I drive this car for only HALF of the year?" I wised up, bought some OEM M3 18" rims, put Dunlop Wintersport M3 rubber on them (245 all around - not ideal), and have been laughing ever since. Seriously, unless there is LOTS of snow on the ground, the M3 will be great in the winter. I am super picky about my cars, and the M3 is as tight as could be. Paint is perfect, no corrosion, no squeaks or rattles. With proper winter rubber, it is a GREAT winter vehicle. it doesn't come with a block heater (I don't even think there is one available), and not once has the M3 ever failed to start - not even close, and that is after sitting outside in minus 35 degree Celsius temperatures all day long.

I think in three winters, I haven't been able to drive the m3 on perhaps four days - all due to huge dumps of snow that we even had trouble with my wife's X5 on winter tires. I often pass SUVs going up even slight inclines - it's all about the rubber. With a cautious throttle, and patience, snow/ice/slush are of no concern. really. On the days that I was unable to drive the M3, conditions were such that ALL cars were having difficulties (except maybe my neighbour, who drives a Hummer on winter rubber).

The M3 is made to be driven. Why not enjoy it year-round?

[ideliver]

Sorry for the

But...should I get the OEM 18's and use for track time...and go with winter rubber on the 18's...my concern here is that the tire sizes would not be optimal (too wide) for the most efficient winter use...AND...get aftermarket 19's for the summer

OR...get OEM 19's (use in the summer) and get aftermarket 18's in an optimal size configuration for winter use

Thoughts???

[ideliver]

Originally Posted by ideliver

Sorry for the

But...should I get the OEM 18's and use for track time...and go with winter rubber on the 18's...my concern here is that the tire sizes would not be optimal (too wide) for the most efficient winter use...AND...get aftermarket 19's for the summer

OR...get OEM 19's (use in the summer) and get aftermarket 18's in an optimal size configuration for winter use

Thoughts???

bump

[GFP]

True, the oem 18 set up isn't ideal (245, 265) for winter tires since it proves difficult to find those sizes in winter tires. 245's all round like tt bear had would be better. However, i still want a nice full look in the winter, and ive done some searching and im gonna trade the oem 18 tires (mich pilot sports) for winter mich alpin's in the same sizes and run that this winter on the oem 18 rims. Ive got a good contact at a place here in edmonton and he always takes my stock tires on trade for some thing that better suits my interests. Ive been told the alpin is a pretty good performance winter tire so we'll see. If anybody knows otherwise please comment. As for summer setup, im goin with rep M6 19's on generals since i'll have no spending regrets burning through those cheapie generals as often as possible. And this way I get two complete wheel pkg's, summer and winter for the same price as the OEM 19's

Also...TT bear thanks for the vote of winter confidence!

[darkalley]

i bought a set of m5 knock-offs for my e46. they worked well but were TOAST after one winter.

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by GFP

True, the oem 18 set up isn't ideal (245, 265) for winter tires since it proves difficult to find those sizes in winter tires. 245's all round like tt bear had would be better. However, i still want a nice full look in the winter, and ive done some searching and im gonna trade the oem 18 tires (mich pilot sports) for winter mich alpin's in the same sizes and run that this winter on the oem 18 rims. Ive got a good contact at a place here in edmonton and he always takes my stock tires on trade for some thing that better suits my interests. Ive been told the alpin is a pretty good performance winter tire so we'll see. If anybody knows otherwise please comment. As for summer setup, im goin with rep M6 19's on generals since i'll have no spending regrets burning through those cheapie generals as often as possible. And this way I get two complete wheel pkg's, summer and winter for the same price as the OEM 19's

Also...TT bear thanks for the vote of winter confidence!

i was thinking about doing this as well. where are you going for your M6 reps?

[GFP]

Originally Posted by Big Windy

i was thinking about doing this as well. where are you going for your M6 reps?

I got mine from **********s. They are mounted and ready to go just waiting for me to pick up. Havent got my car yet...currently out of town for business and will be picking the car up for delivery on friday. Once I do, I'll post pics. I got the wheels sent directly to dealer so I could pick er up with the new look right from the jump. One change I made was I went with a wider tire on the back, 275's instead of the stock 265 and can't wait to see the setup in person. Supposedly they are prebalanced and have the TPMS already installed so hopefully no issues will arise when I drive 'er away. I'll let you know. My CA has let me know though, that since the wheels were mounted, the car has had gotten a ton of looks and more reactions than "anything else they have ever had at the dealership!" Can't take the waiting game... It's killing me.

[gadget]

M270 wheels

[gadget]

Originally Posted by gadget

M270 wheels

[sayemthree]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

sounds like the 4 rears will work - I will be using the stock 19's with summer tires for winter tho.

if they fit I will be using the 4 rears wheels for the track.

the e46 wheels DO NOT fit. they dont clear the front brakes.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

the e46 wheels DO NOT fit. they dont clear the front brakes.

Wow, thanks for that info, did you try?

I was actually thinking of using my E46 winter wheels (well, the rears anyway) when I get an E90. Is it because the inside diameter of the wheel is too small, or is it more of a width issue?

[southlight]

Originally Posted by gadget

M270 wheels

Searched. Some pics on bastet's car:








Best regards, south

[AMJ_77]

I like those rims, pretty sharp for winter rims