Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Spacers

What if the offset is too aggressive - can you have a machine shop shave off some of the wheel hub? Thanks.

Great info

folseman wrote

What if the offset is too aggressive - can you have a machine shop shave off some of the wheel hub? Thanks.

probably, but it would probably be easier and safer to get a set with the correct offset.

So anything over 10mm and you will have NO vibration issues? I was thinking of 12/15?

You're saying that most vibration issues are due to rust buildup or improper alignment/warped hub/etc.?

love it. Answer my question.

Do the use of spacers require you to keep retorquing them every so often??? Don't want to end up buying them and it come loose and my wheel fall off...

No that shouldn't be a problem at all. But do retorque your lugs every couple months.

rzm3 wrote

No that shouldn't be a problem at all. But do retorque your lugs every couple months.

Sweet! Thanks!

nice read!

Outstanding write up, need to find the link to your shop now

Huge help, thanks so much!

Are there any downsides to spacers? Does extending the wheel out further put any extra torque on the lugs or anything?

Someone mentioned this to me regarding spacers in general. I'm wondering if it's ever a problem on our cars?

tlr wrote

Are there any downsides to spacers? Does extending the wheel out further put any extra torque on the lugs or anything?

Someone mentioned this to me regarding spacers in general. I'm wondering if it's ever a problem on our cars?

This has been brought up a number of times, likely it would have it would appeared first on the e46 models since they touched US soil back in 2001. For example - 30mm spacers are a common first upgrade for X5 owners, which are much heavier than our M3 brethren with 0 reports of issues and have been here since 2000.

The GT4 M3 even comes pre-equipped with spacers from BMW.

BMWs are not the only vehicles to utilize spacers. With the minimal amounts we're discussing about on M3 applications, I doubt this is even an issue to be concerned about.

:clap:Thank you "teacher", it was truly a very good explanation.

Dang! I was thinking of going 10mm front and rear!

So why exactly would 10mm not work? I read it, but don't really understand the issue with the spacer bottoming while sitting on the hub lip.

But regardless, would the better bet for me to go front - 12mm and rear - 8mm?

emthreeboy wrote

Dang! I was thinking of going 10mm front and rear!

So why exactly would 10mm not work? I read it, but don't really understand the issue with the spacer bottoming while sitting on the hub lip.

But regardless, would the better bet for me to go front - 12mm and rear - 8mm?

10mm are no problem if they are made correctly. I have been using mine for a few years with no issues at all.

alpina527 wrote

10mm are no problem if they are made correctly. I have been using mine for a few years with no issues at all.

Thats good to hear! so lets say i were to get some 10mm, safest bet would be to get MS spacers?

emthreeboy wrote

Thats good to hear! so lets say i were to get some 10mm, safest bet would be to get MS spacers?

Sure thing - we'll even install them in-house for you if you drop by.

Great stuff

I want a nice flush fit....I have the stock 19" wheels on my 2009 E92 M3 so front MS (15mm) and rear (12MM) ???

FYI I noticed occasional rubbing with 15mm rear spacers on my E93 + 19" when going over large bumps with 2 or 3 passengers, all EDC settings, top up or down. Front 18mm's seem to be fine so far.

jpk774 wrote

I want a nice flush fit....I have the stock 19" wheels on my 2009 E92 M3 so front MS (15mm) and rear (12MM) ???

This is pretty much exactly what I am wanting to do. Please do post back if you end up putting the spacers on and possibly some pics. I'd love to see.