Are spacers safe & reliable?

mscdman · 02-13-2013, 12:42 AM

I am debating adding 20mm spacers to my rear wheels for my winter setup just to bring the offset back to stock. I was thinking of turner motors sports spacers.

I asked a few tire dealers how much the spacers would be to install and they all said they wouldn't touch them and that they frequently see issues with the wheel not seating correctly with the hub.

So, how safe are spacers? Do they give more vibration than without? Do I have to go to an Indy shop to install? (I don't have the tools)

Vic311 · 02-13-2013, 12:46 AM

If installed right and wheels are torqued correctly...you should be fine

with that said I wouldnt go that big in the rear..12mm is max imo

mscdman · 02-13-2013, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic311

If installed right and wheels are torqued correctly...you should be fine

with that said I wouldnt go that big in the rear..12mm is max imo

12 won't bring them back to stock offset. I have 4 front OEM 219M. Why do you say you wouldn't run more than 12?

Vic311 · 02-13-2013, 01:11 AM

Just my preference..the larger sizes leave more chance for issues..especially to the wheels under power..

Its not a big deal if you run a slightly higher offset for the winter and the front wheels are an 8.5 width (rears are 9.5) which should mean no clearance issues

mscdman · 02-13-2013, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic311

Just my preference..the larger sizes leave more chance for issues..especially to the wheels under power..

Its not a big deal if you run a slightly higher offset for the winter and the front wheels are an 8.5 width (rears are 9.5) which should mean no clearance issues

Yeah I have all 4 8.5 width. I honestly don't know what it look like yet....I just assume it will look horrible without the 19mm spacers...

Powerbeast · 02-13-2013, 10:56 AM

Yes they are safe and reliable

THE TECH · 02-13-2013, 10:57 AM

20mm?? What wheels?

slicer · 02-13-2013, 11:08 AM

Safe and reliable if you purchase a quality hub-centric spacer with the appropriate length lugs. My favorite spacers are Turner Motorsports.

THE TECH · 02-13-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slicer

My favorite spacers are Turner Motorsports.

Hands down the best.

gatorfast · 02-13-2013, 12:52 PM

Im running the Turner 12.5mm spacers with no issues whatsoever.

Detroit M3 · 02-13-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slicer

Safe and reliable if you purchase a quality hub-centric spacer with the appropriate length lugs. My favorite spacers are Turner Motorsports.

+1

tpowerdinny · 02-13-2013, 03:37 PM

Rogue is fantastic and very lightweight. I've also used H&R and Adaptec by Motorsports-Tech which are also hubcentric with lip and appropriate longer bolts. I haven't ever had any issues with them. Just make sure they are installed properly.

mscdman · 02-13-2013, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

20mm?? What wheels?

219m OEM 18 x 8.5 fronts (offset) being run on the rear makes them about 19mm shy of what they should be.

Z K · 02-13-2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscdman

219m OEM 18 x 8.5 fronts (offset) being run on the rear makes them about 19mm shy of what they should be.

That will look terrible... just use the rear wheels in the rear. The front wheels have less concave on the spokes and are less wide .. it will make it very obvious that you have large spacers on small wheels. It's up to you, but the result is not pretty.

Vic311 · 02-13-2013, 07:01 PM

+3 for TMS Spacers.

mscdman · 02-13-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

That will look terrible... just use the rear wheels in the rear. The front wheels have less concave on the spokes and are less wide .. it will make it very obvious that you have large spacers on small wheels. It's up to you, but the result is not pretty.

Do you think if I had rear wheels I wouldn't use them? I have 4 fronts only. That's how they were bought

M3SQRD · 02-13-2013, 08:48 PM

Spacers are safe to use if installed properly and the correct length lug bolts are used.

I've used 10, 12, and 15 mm Turner and MS spacers. Not a single vibration with any of the Turner spacers yet when I switch to MS spacers on the same wheels I had significant steering wheel vibrations - Turner spacers

For a winter setup, I don't see any issue with running four 219M 18x8.5"et29 wheels. I'd definitely run the correct spacer thickness, even if it's > 12 mm, on the rear 8.5et29 to match the frontspacing of the 219M 18x9.5et23 rear wheel.

mscdman · 02-14-2013, 02:54 PM

I'm going to try putting them on the rear today and see how it looks without spacera

e1000 · 02-14-2013, 04:07 PM

Another vote for TMS spacers. Love mine. A good, high quality spacer and proper length lug bolts are perfectly safe to use. I believe adapters are suggested for anything over 20mm however.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...27#post8267827

thegeneral101 · 02-14-2013, 06:14 PM

I ran Macht Schnell 15mm back 12mm front for 3 years and never had an issue. Of course it would make sense that since the bolts are longer, there is a higher probability of failure...but not sure how material.

Detailed thread here:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262054

mscdman · 02-14-2013, 07:50 PM

Well put them on...it's too sunk in

. So I ordered the 20mm turner motor sports spacers. Hope there is no vibration

gimmethemuumuu · 02-20-2013, 08:15 AM

If the spacers don't work out, I still have a full set of 219's in satin finish for sale. Given that there's a bit of rash on two of the wheels, my price will reflect that.

You could get these for your car. Then, you could unload your existing four fronts on the non-M guys, who'd be glad to have 'em

PM me if you're interested

02-13-2013, 12:42 AM	#1
mscdman Private First Class Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 146 iTrader: (0)	Are spacers safe & reliable? I am debating adding 20mm spacers to my rear wheels for my winter setup just to bring the offset back to stock. I was thinking of turner motors sports spacers. I asked a few tire dealers how much the spacers would be to install and they all said they wouldn't touch them and that they frequently see issues with the wheel not seating correctly with the hub. So, how safe are spacers? Do they give more vibration than without? Do I have to go to an Indy shop to install? (I don't have the tools)
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02-13-2013, 10:57 AM	#7
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 11,906 iTrader: (39)	20mm?? What wheels? __________________ Check us out on Facebook at BPMsportLabs

02-13-2013, 11:08 AM	#8
slicer Lieutenant Colonel Drives: '13 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,608 iTrader: (3)	Safe and reliable if you purchase a quality hub-centric spacer with the appropriate length lugs. My favorite spacers are Turner Motorsports. __________________ '13 SSII M3 Coupe - KW Clubsport 3-way, Akrapovic Evolution, ESS Tune, HRE R43, StopTech Trophy, IND Euro Front Bumper, TMS Studs/Lugs, BMW Performance Spoiler, BMWPedals Extended DCT Paddles, BMW Edition Grills/Gills

02-14-2013, 04:07 PM	#19
e1000 that's what SHE said! Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: OC Posts: 966 iTrader: (0)	Another vote for TMS spacers. Love mine. A good, high quality spacer and proper length lug bolts are perfectly safe to use. I believe adapters are suggested for anything over 20mm however. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...27#post8267827 __________________

02-14-2013, 06:14 PM	#20
thegeneral101 Colonel Drives: '13 M3 LRE,'11 535i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Miami/Michigan Posts: 2,231 iTrader: (0)	I ran Macht Schnell 15mm back 12mm front for 3 years and never had an issue. Of course it would make sense that since the bolts are longer, there is a higher probability of failure...but not sure how material. Detailed thread here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262054 __________________ 335i Coupe, Titanium Silver, Black Leather, Alum. trim, Auto, Sport Pkg, Premium. Ordered: 5/15/07 Entered Production: 6/21/07 On Franconia: 7/4/07 Unloaded in SC: 7/18/07 VPC: 7/18/07 Picked Up: 7/25/07

02-13-2013, 12:46 AM	#2
Vic311 Zen Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: CA Posts: 842 iTrader: (0)	If installed right and wheels are torqued correctly...you should be fine with that said I wouldnt go that big in the rear..12mm is max imo

02-13-2013, 01:11 AM	#4
Vic311 Zen Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: CA Posts: 842 iTrader: (0)	Just my preference..the larger sizes leave more chance for issues..especially to the wheels under power.. Its not a big deal if you run a slightly higher offset for the winter and the front wheels are an 8.5 width (rears are 9.5) which should mean no clearance issues

02-13-2013, 10:56 AM	#6
Powerbeast Major General Drives: E90 M3 Dakar Yellow Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 5,395 iTrader: (4)	Yes they are safe and reliable

02-13-2013, 12:52 PM	#10
gatorfast Lieutenant Colonel Drives: MR E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoFla Posts: 1,808 iTrader: (3)	Im running the Turner 12.5mm spacers with no issues whatsoever.

02-13-2013, 03:37 PM	#12
tpowerdinny Specialist Drives: A Tricycle Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NYC ---> Lima Posts: 381 iTrader: (3)	Rogue is fantastic and very lightweight. I've also used H&R and Adaptec by Motorsports-Tech which are also hubcentric with lip and appropriate longer bolts. I haven't ever had any issues with them. Just make sure they are installed properly.

02-13-2013, 07:01 PM	#15
Vic311 Zen Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: CA Posts: 842 iTrader: (0)	+3 for TMS Spacers.

02-13-2013, 08:48 PM	#17
M3SQRD Colonel Drives: E92 M3s, R56 Cooper S Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: EC Posts: 2,347 iTrader: (2)	Spacers are safe to use if installed properly and the correct length lug bolts are used. I've used 10, 12, and 15 mm Turner and MS spacers. Not a single vibration with any of the Turner spacers yet when I switch to MS spacers on the same wheels I had significant steering wheel vibrations - Turner spacers For a winter setup, I don't see any issue with running four 219M 18x8.5"et29 wheels. I'd definitely run the correct spacer thickness, even if it's > 12 mm, on the rear 8.5et29 to match the frontspacing of the 219M 18x9.5et23 rear wheel.

02-14-2013, 02:54 PM	#18
mscdman Private First Class Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 146 iTrader: (0)	I'm going to try putting them on the rear today and see how it looks without spacera

02-14-2013, 07:50 PM	#21
mscdman Private First Class Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 146 iTrader: (0)	Well put them on...it's too sunk in. So I ordered the 20mm turner motor sports spacers. Hope there is no vibration

02-20-2013, 08:15 AM	#22
gimmethemuumuu Private First Class Drives: '08 M3 Sedan & '07 328i Wagon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 136 iTrader: (1)	If the spacers don't work out, I still have a full set of 219's in satin finish for sale. Given that there's a bit of rash on two of the wheels, my price will reflect that. You could get these for your car. Then, you could unload your existing four fronts on the non-M guys, who'd be glad to have 'em PM me if you're interested Last edited by gimmethemuumuu; 02-20-2013 at 08:59 AM.

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