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[RL in Florida]

I'm looking for a wheel upgrade for my M3 and was using the Tirerack online configurator for BBS and Rays/Volk wheels.
The online configurator usually gives me a 35+ offset for the front and 25+ offset on the rear. But then it recommends spacers for the front, and sometimes for the rear.
Wouldnt it be preferable to go with a lower offset so you can skip the spacer, and get the wheel more flush with the fender?
It seems that you could safely go with an offset anywhere from 15 to 35 on the front (with a 8.5inch width).
So...question is: Does the Tirerack online configurator simply try to match the factory offset, which is why it gives high offsets, or does it consider other factors like wheel width, fenders, and such.

thanks in advance!
Rick

[Kev]

Originally Posted by RL in Florida

I'm looking for a wheel upgrade for my M3 and was using the Tirerack online configurator for BBS and Rays/Volk wheels.
The online configurator usually gives me a 35+ offset for the front and 25+ offset on the rear. But then it recommends spacers for the front, and sometimes for the rear.
Wouldnt it be preferable to go with a lower offset so you can skip the spacer, and get the wheel more flush with the fender?
It seems that you could safely go with an offset anywhere from 15 to 35 on the front (with a 8.5inch width).
So...question is: Does the Tirerack online configurator simply try to match the factory offset, which is why it gives high offsets, or does it consider other factors like wheel width, fenders, and such.

thanks in advance!
Rick

It's probably because they don't stock the lower offsets. Try some other vendor on the board for M3 specific wheels.

[askiles]

They are doing that to be more conservative. They also stock the low offset wheels, they just don't list them for that car. I believe if you read the fine print, they provide spacers for you though. I think Tire Rack should allow you to search for wheels by sizes, not just make and model of car. Search for wheels for a 2008 M6, and you will get wheel that have good offsets for the E9x M3.

-Andy

[RL in Florida]

Originally Posted by askiles

They are doing that to be more conservative. They also stock the low offset wheels, they just don't list them for that car. I believe if you read the fine print, they provide spacers for you though. I think Tire Rack should allow you to search for wheels by sizes, not just make and model of car. Search for wheels for a 2008 M6, and you will get wheel that have good offsets for the E9x M3.

-Andy

That's a great idea...thanks!
(Or I guess I could join the Monolites group buy for a perfect fit, right?)

[askiles]

PErfect fit is a relative term. To someone it is a perfect fit.

-Andy