Author Topic: Wheel Offsets (Read 8511 times)

fixierider84 · « **on:** March 10, 2010, 12:03:26 PM »

I had a question about some wheels, and being somewhat ignorant of the details, I thought I would ask y'all. A friend is getting rid of a set of wheels, and they look pretty nice. The offset is 38mm. I have done a little looking into, and I have read that the stock bottlecaps are about 35mm of offset. Is the three mm a big deal? What would that little bit do to the car? I went on tire rack just to see what their offerings in wheels for our cars are, and the offset varies a little bit. Would I need wheel spacers? Also what about back spacing? Is this the same as wheel offset? My concern is that it seems the 4x100 bolt pattern is most popular on front wheel drive cars, and that makes the offset different then on a rear wheel drive. Any insight is much appreciated.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2010, 02:20:56 PM »

3mm isn't a big deal. More offset will put the rim in further, so measure twice before you buy once.

3-series rims oddly are much like front wheel drive rims, with larger offsets around 35mm. Many RWD cars (including the bigger BMWs) are ~20mm. The stock wheels have measurements cast into the rim, mine say something like "14x6 E35." Also verify if the rims are hub-centric, it's far better than relying on the lugs to hold the rim centered. Audi, VW and BMW 4x100 wheels share 56.1mm hub sizes, but no Japanese 4x100 cars do. IIRC they're all larger.

You'll see a lot of "universal" rims drilled with eight lug holes to fit both 4x100 and 4x125 with huge hub openeings. IMHO avoid them, there isn't a lot of metal to hold up the car, and the very narrow holes require a very thin-walled socket prone to breaking for wheel removal.

Chalino · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2010, 06:17:22 PM »

How wide of a wheel?

fixierider84 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2010, 07:11:25 PM »

Thanks for the insight, Dave. I can see how a hub-centric wheel would be sturdier than a wheel that relies solely on the lug nuts for support. Than being said, what aftermarket wheels are hub centric? These wheels are a brand called Konig, which I know very little about. Chalino, they are 6 inches wide, or so says the inside of the wheel. They are not a universal fit, but rather strictly a 4x100. It says 14x6JJ and then, 535kg on the other. I have no idea what that may mean.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2010, 09:56:18 PM »

I'd guess 535 kilos is the expiration date? JK...about 1200 pounds loading per wheel. I'll bet it's underrated, but I'd not be pushing it.

Check out post 10 here, these hubcentric rings would be the business. Plastic has a tendency to melt, but I'm sure someone makes aloonium rings for the 56mm BMW/VAG hubs.

I have a set of crap 17" tuner rims, I hadn't though about doing this but I'll post results & links if I do. Frankly I wasn't looking forward to bleeding kidneys from the 40-series rubber but I'll bet the handling would be awesome.

fixierider84 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2010, 10:07:52 PM »

Are those the black wheels you pulled off that rolled E30? The hub Centric Rings look like the ticket. All this work in the sake of vanity! Those bottlecaps are looking prettier and prettier!

4banger · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2010, 10:15:12 PM »

17's are a harsh ride dave. even on a big car like my stratus r/t it rides like a tank. not to mention it costs me $1000 a year to put new meat on those 17's. i tried 16's on it but it throws the traction control and anti locks off. not a good combo haha. ive got 15x7's on my e30's and it seems to be a happy meduim between looks and performance. ymmv

Chalino · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2010, 01:36:16 AM »

IMO 16's are just right...

Fixie, those 3mm are nothing to worry about. You'd want to pay attention to offsets when dealing with wider wheels.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2010, 12:06:00 PM »

Quote from: fixierider84;89259

Are those the black wheels you pulled off that rolled E30? The hub Centric Rings look like the ticket. All this work in the sake of vanity! Those bottlecaps are looking prettier and prettier!

Yep, those are the ones. They're really meant for a Civic. I don't mean that as snobbery...I have a lot of respect for our ricer boyz around here. They're far better at practical engineering than I am. Besides, a ragged Del Sol, Impreza RS or se-r could blow my doors off.

Helps that I ride a Honda too...I like the split personality thing.

Chalino · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2010, 01:13:48 PM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;89284

Yep, those are the ones. They're really meant for a Civic. I don't mean that as snobbery...I have a lot of respect for our ricer boyz around here. They're far better at practical engineering than I am. Besides, a ragged Del Sol, Impreza RS or se-r could blow my doors off.

Helps that I ride a Honda too...I like the split personality thing.

Being a previous ricer myself, I can atest that Honda engines are quite sweet. The biggest advantage they have is the availabilty if "performance" parts as well as interchangeabilty among many platforms.

4banger · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2010, 04:14:30 PM »

dave you will have to drive my 4door next time im coming thru pittsburg.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2010, 04:19:47 PM »

Absolutely. Unless I get down your way first!

4banger · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2010, 04:26:44 PM »

its sitting in my inlaws back yard right now because thats where i decided to tear the intake a part at and work picked back up so its just sitting there lol gotta get it back together soon tho. its making a trip to indiana next month. see how shitty my milage is with these cams 22lb/hr injectors and bumped fuel pressure. plus side i did take the PS off and its on stock sixed rubber. down side is its a 4.10 rear lol

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:31:49 AM »

Quote from: Chalino;89266

IMO 16's are just right...

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE! Problem is, finding some 16's that I like, and with a workable offset!

4banger · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:00:15 PM »

problme ive had with rims is finding a affordable rim that dosnt look boyracer or like it came off a front wheel drive.