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[Malek@MRF]

A quality spacer like the TMS brand will never have an issue, as long as the spacer is compatible with the wheel. This is something that is often overlooked and can be very dangerous, especially in high load and dynamic uses of the car. Installation must also be perfect. Wire brush cleaning of the mating surface (not a sanding disc on an aluminum hat rotor!!!), no anti-seize on the face of the spacer and proper torquing technique and sequence.

[m3aviator]

I just installed a set of TMS spacers. No vibrations what so ever. I think those who are having issues are not installing properly, or the front tires are not balanced properly and the spacers exacerbate the vibration issue.

Proper wire brushing of the hub ring and surface are extremely important.

I would also recommend all M3 owners should be getting their tires road force balanced.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by TTSam

So - do you figure they are OK to use?

On closer inspection there seems to also be a rub line past the gouging. Maybe it wasn't caused by the removal process?

I would be concerned if the gouges protrude from the surface of the spacer preventing it from sitting perfectly flat. Where there is a gouge there is metal that was removed and had to go somewhere.... Usually it is at the edge of the gouge. At a minimum I would sand any metal protrusion flat.

The best way to prevent spacers from sticking is to thoroughly clean the car's hub protrusion to make sure that it is free of anything that would prevent the spacer from sliding on smoothly. Use a wire brush, sand paper and/or steel wool as Malek suggested. For example rust on the hub will prevent the spacer from sliding on smoothly. Once it's cleaned, put a small amount of anti-seize on the protrusion ONLY. Don't let the anti-seize get onto the face of the hub or the face of the spacer. Even after doing all of the above, sometimes a spacer will be difficult to remove if you leave it on for a long period of time and/or your car is used in a harsh environment (ie - roads that are salted).

[TTSam]

Originally Posted by slicer

I would be concerned if the gouges protrude from the surface of the spacer preventing it from sitting perfectly flat. Where there is a gouge there is metal that was removed and had to go somewhere.... Usually it is at the edge of the gouge. At a minimum I would sand any metal protrusion flat.

The best way to prevent spacers from sticking is to thoroughly clean the car's hub protrusion to make sure that it is free of anything that would prevent the spacer from sliding on smoothly. Use a wire brush, sand paper and/or steel wool as Malek suggested. For example rust on the hub will prevent the spacer from sliding on smoothly. Once it's cleaned, put a small amount of anti-seize on the protrusion ONLY. Don't let the anti-seize get onto the face of the hub or the face of the spacer. Even after doing all of the above, sometimes a spacer will be difficult to remove if you leave it on for a long period of time and/or your car is used in a harsh environment (ie - roads that are salted).

Thanks Slicer...........for your excellent advice.

The damage does protrude measurably and would likely prevent it from sitting flat.

I am just going to order a new set to be on the safe side.

[thegeneral101]

I've used Macht Schnell spacers (12 and 15mm) for 4 years, no issues.

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by thegeneral101

I've used Macht Schnell spacers (12 and 15mm) for 4 years, no issues.

My car came with MS spacers on them and they have been fine as well. I have even removed and reinstalled them with no issues or vibrations.

However, if I were in the market to buy spacers, I would get the TMS. I feel they are better quality and machined more precisely than MS spacers

BTW... the trick to removing them without gouging them, is to soak the hub with brake cleaner. If that doesn't work, then a little heat.

[1LRM3]

does anyone have pics of TMS spacers 15/12.5 on oem gts 19's?

have read the threads on spacers and TMS www. just wish to see some pics

[wildwestm3]

Sounds like a lot of effort, worry and potential problems to gain just over a whopping 1/2" (and that's at the larger 15mm). I guess I just don't get it. That 1/2 inch doesn't seem worth it to me. Doesn't it also throw off the suspension geometry and handling? You would be hard pressed to be able to tell 1/2" difference once a tire is on there. Am I missing something here? I mean, it's not like the grossly tucked in rear wheel/tires of the SN-95 Mustangs...

[slicer]

Originally Posted by wildwestm3

Sounds like a lot of effort, worry and potential problems to gain just over a whopping 1/2" (and that's at the larger 15mm). I guess I just don't get it. That 1/2 inch doesn't seem worth it to me. Doesn't it also throw off the suspension geometry and handling? You would be hard pressed to be able to tell 1/2" difference once a tire is on there. Am I missing something here? I mean, it's not like the grossly tucked in rear wheel/tires of the SN-95 Mustangs...

1/2" is huge when it comes to wheel fitment. Some people don't notice or care about wheel fitment but those of us who do notice even a 5mm difference. All of the small details add up to something special. Some people don't notice those sorts of things, consider yourself lucky if you fall into that category. You will save your self a ton of time and money by not modifying your car!

Spacers are not an issue if you buy a quality spacer and install them correctly. The problem is that lots of people don't take the time to learn how to install them. Porsche sells spacers as an option on their cars from the factory. I have never once had an issue with a spacer but I take the time to install them right and I only buy quality products. And no you are not going to mess up your suspension geometry. Widening your track is generally a good thing for handling.

All that being said, it's better to have a wheel with the offset you desire without needing a spacer. It just makes things simpler.

[kawasaki00]

Originally Posted by slicer

1/2" is huge when it comes to wheel fitment. Some people don't notice or care about wheel fitment but those of us who do notice even a 5mm difference. All of the small details add up to something special. Some people don't notice those sorts of things, consider yourself lucky if you fall into that category. You will save your self a ton of time and money by not modifying your car!

Spacers are not an issue if you buy a quality spacer and install them correctly. The problem is that lots of people don't take the time to learn how to install them. Porsche sells spacers as an option on their cars from the factory. I have never once had an issue with a spacer but I take the time to install them right and I only buy quality products. And no you are not going to mess up your suspension geometry. Widening your track is generally a good thing for handling.

All that being said, it's better to have a wheel with the offset you desire without needing a spacer. It just makes things simpler.

Listen to this guy...

[lsmkr01]

Originally Posted by kawasaki00

Listen to this guy...

+2

Spacers (18F/15R) made a BIG difference on my car running stock 220s. Just dropped the car and the two together make a world of difference with anyone with 2 good eyes.

The people that claim to not be able to tell the difference are the same people like my sister that claim to hardly tell the difference between standard def and HD TV! To me its night and day

[wildwestm3]

Oh, I agree with the look if there is a lot of space. To me, there just isn't that much w/o the spacers. Remember, I'm accustomed to Mustangs, which have what looks like a 3-4" gap in the rear (pre-05 cars). That little inset on the BMW just doesn't affect me that much... Do you have a pic of your car b/f the install to see the difference?

[lsmkr01]

Originally Posted by wildwestm3

Oh, I agree with the look if there is a lot of space. To me, there just isn't that much w/o the spacers. Remember, I'm accustomed to Mustangs, which have what looks like a 3-4" gap in the rear (pre-05 cars). That little inset on the BMW just doesn't affect me that much... Do you have a pic of your car b/f the install to see the difference?

Ask and ye shall receive! Before with spacers and stock non-ZCP EDC springs

[Cbozz]

Originally Posted by Ilikemike

Yipes! Reading an earlier post about spacer related vibration problems has me wonderIng if this is a worthwhile modification. Anyone else have post spacer problems?

I have 15mm spacers all around and I have minor vibration when going 80+mph
even though I did alignment... I guess I need new wider rims instead of spacers

[kawasaki00]

Originally Posted by Cbozz

I have 15mm spacers all around and I have minor vibration when going 80+mph
even though I did alignment... I guess I need new wider rims instead of spacers

What brand of spacers

[Cbozz]

Originally Posted by kawasaki00

What brand of spacers

not sure

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by Ilikemike

Yipes! Reading an earlier post about spacer related vibration problems has me wonderIng if this is a worthwhile modification. Anyone else have post spacer problems?

I ran 15/12 on both my E46 and E92. I used the Macht Schnell ones and never had any issues during autoX on the E46 and tracking the E92. (Most people will say not to track with them, but I had no problems in my 5 years)

[W///]

I ran spacers when I had ZCP's too. I don't know, I guess I never felt comfortable with them. In the back of my mind, I always thought my car was going to do this on mountain runs:


I know it's not very rational. But it was one of my many excuses I used to get aftermarket wheels

P.S. My E36 has spacers up front so maybe it'll just be the 2 front wheels haha

[kawasaki00]

Originally Posted by W///

I ran spacers when I had ZCP's too. I don't know, I guess I never felt comfortable with them. In the back of my mind, I always thought my car was going to do this on mountain runs:


I know it's not very rational. But it was one of my many excuses I used to get aftermarket wheels

P.S. My E36 has spacers up front so maybe it'll just be the 2 front wheels haha

Its all in your head. LOl If they are the correct fit and torqued correctly they are not going anywhere.

[W///]

Originally Posted by kawasaki00

Its all in your head. LOl If they are the correct fit and torqued correctly they are not going anywhere.

Oh I know. But I've laughed at the video too many times. Plus like I said, we all needed an excuse to get aftermarket wheels!

Speaking of which, aren't you overdue for some???

[kawasaki00]

Originally Posted by W///

Oh I know. But I've laughed at the video too many times. Plus like I said, we all needed an excuse to get aftermarket wheels!

Speaking of which, aren't you overdue for some???

Yes I am, almost convinced the wife to let me give her left arm for a set of p101s

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by wildwestm3

Sounds like a lot of effort, worry and potential problems to gain just over a whopping 1/2" (and that's at the larger 15mm). I guess I just don't get it. That 1/2 inch doesn't seem worth it to me. Doesn't it also throw off the suspension geometry and handling? You would be hard pressed to be able to tell 1/2" difference once a tire is on there. Am I missing something here? I mean, it's not like the grossly tucked in rear wheel/tires of the SN-95 Mustangs...

The handling should be improved (assuming you're installing spacers on all four corners to keep the car's track on both axles relatively square). This widen's the car's track to improve the overall handling of the car. A bunch of professional motorsports cars run them.