Wheel Spacers? Cosmetic only?

I see a lot of people use wheel spacers. Is this a cosmetic only mod or does it actually improve the performance in a measurable way? Are their issues that can arise from using spacers?

H&R spacers. yes only cosmetic

knifegun wrote

I see a lot of people use wheel spacers. Is this a cosmetic only mod or does it actually improve the performance in a measurable way? Are their issues that can arise from using spacers?

Spacers are a cosmetic mod, and YES there are issues that can arise by using them...

wider track will def change handling...

not cosmetic ONLY.... altho mostly cosmetic...

there's plenty of threads on this..

KINGLEH wrote

wider track will def change handling...

not cosmetic ONLY.... altho mostly cosmetic...

there's plenty of threads on this..

+1

Try searching as there are a lot of threads on the pros/cons of spacers.

Wheel spacers are not only for cosmetics.

Pros

• Wider Track
• Less Weight Transfer
• More Brake Clearance

Cons

• More Stress on Studs
• Less Fender Clearance
• More Stress on Bearings

cosmetic only, unless you do something extreme

don't fall for the marketing hype saying your wider track will give you any better handling.

knifegun wrote

I see a lot of people use wheel spacers. Is this a cosmetic only mod or does it actually improve the performance in a measurable way? Are their issues that can arise from using spacers?

Thanks for creating this thread. I've read many threads on spacers.......But I'm still lost. All of a sudden when I had my mind set on using 15mm spacers all around, now I'm debating whether I should use spacers or springs since the stock suspension is brilliant already.....And I'd hate to mess with it.

J08M3 wrote

cosmetic only, unless you do something extreme

don't fall for the marketing hype saying your wider track will give you any better handling.

I would say its 99.5% for cosmetic and that last 1/2 a percentage in regards to wider track will help with the overall stability.

Most people will not even feel any difference and on the track, you probably wont even see too much of a difference in times (if anything depending on the track it's going to be around less than a 10th of a second).

But it's not purely cosmetic, there are other slight benefits with it. For the most part though, what we market is the fact that it gives you that bulldog stance:

yea, it definitely looks better with spacers. I went 10mm all around. I didn't want to go too wide cause I think it looks ridiculous when the tires stick out past the fenders. Although I could've gone wider without that problem. Also the more your tires stick out, the more risk you run to throwing rocks and debris up from the tires onto the side of the car.

But it definitely looks better.

^^So do you think I'll degrade my M3's stock handling by going with H&R 15mm spacers all around combined with RD springs? (sorry, I'm very nervous on this decision since I would love to have the improved look, but I don't want to degrade the stock handling).

the spacers won't degrade it. The Springs probably will, but not to a point where it's going to make a difference unless you're on the track. In fact I wouldn't worry about it at all. Just get an alignment after everything is done and I'm sure you'll be happy with the handling.

The look will be great though

J08M3 wrote

the spacers won't degrade it. The Springs probably will, but not to a point where it's going to make a difference unless you're on the track. In fact I wouldn't worry about it at all. Just get an alignment after everything is done and I'm sure you'll be happy with the handling.

The look will be great though

Man, it's a tough decision since I give more importance to performance compared to improving looks. If the springs or spacers affect the handling in the slightest negative way, I most likely won't get the springs/spacers. It's still a tough decision man.

Nawaaz wrote

Man, it's a tough decision since I give more importance to performance compared to improving looks. If the springs or spacers affect the handling in the slightest negative way, I most likely won't get the springs/spacers. It's still a tough decision man.

Do you track your car or is it mostly city driven?

Most use them on factory wheels or wheels that are not the correct offset to make them flush with the fender. They are for the most part cosmetic although some race applications use it to widen the track. For street use, they are entirely cosmetic.

I recommend going with a solid set like H&R which are forged alloy and will be resistant to cracking under stress.

D1911 wrote

Do you track your car or is it mostly city driven?

I don't track my car yet, but I may in the future.

I will drive my M3 extremely hard very often. That's for sure.

I'm now thinking of leaving the stock set-up alone...

Another question about spacers- will 18 front /15 rear give me a flush appearance with my fenders or will they be sticking out past the fenders.

I'm trying to get the flush look but don't know what size to order

Khurram wrote

Another question about spacers- will 18 front /15 rear give me a flush appearance with my fenders or will they be sticking out past the fenders.

I'm trying to get the flush look but don't know what size to order

Check our Macht Schnell Reference guide for spacers, so you can check out what looks like what:

▀▄ eas - Macht Schnell wheel spacer reference thread
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262054

That should really help out!

Khurram wrote

Another question about spacers- will 18 front /15 rear give me a flush appearance with my fenders or will they be sticking out past the fenders.

I'm trying to get the flush look but don't know what size to order

That's fairly aggressive for the factory wheels. I typically recommend a 10mm front and 12mm rear but many do 15mm front and 12mm rear.

Khurram wrote

Another question about spacers- will 18 front /15 rear give me a flush appearance with my fenders or will they be sticking out past the fenders.

I'm trying to get the flush look but don't know what size to order

15/18 is perfectly fine, we install that combo almost daily here.



The link in Jurrian's post has plenty more pictures.

tom @ eas wrote

15/18 is perfectly fine, we install that combo almost daily here.



The link in Jurrian's post has plenty more pictures.

15/18 looks good in those shots..almost flush..

So no issues with rubbing during turning at 15/18?

Khurram wrote

Another question about spacers- will 18 front /15 rear give me a flush appearance with my fenders or will they be sticking out past the fenders.

I'm trying to get the flush look but don't know what size to order

18/15 looks great with 19"OEM wheels. I was concerned that the look would be too aggressive, but I went for it anyway. I couldn't be happier. The wheels look flush and do not stick out beyond the fenders. I haven't seen any damage from rocks hitting the rear fender, but that is somewhat of a concern. IMO, OEM wheels look alot better with spacers.