Author Topic: Compatable wheels? (Read 2982 times)

16v of E30 · « **on:** November 21, 2008, 02:31:15 AM »

Ok so I used to drive a Mk2 Jetta, (FF) and had some pretty kick ass snowtires on steel rims. I now drive a 91 318is, (FR) and still have the tires and rims.

So the rear rims fit the hub, but the front ones dont, the offset is different and the caliper stops the wheel. These rims were designed for the jetta, and by running a 5mm spacer on the front Im hoping to clear the caliper. Are the Rims on the back still ok to run for a RWD car?
thanks

16v of E30 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2008, 02:32:19 AM »

snowtires are 175/70/14 studded

16v of E30 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 24, 2008, 02:15:28 AM »

bump anyone?

how does the offset affect the wheels from a FWD to a RWD car? will steel rims from a FWD car work just as well for a RWD?

i got 5mm spacers for the fronts to clear and thats fine now.

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #3 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:02:46 AM »

I don't think this will generate any problems. Most new wheels are set up for FWD. I've got spacer for the wheels on the car in the pic below. You MUST USE longer wheel bolts (I hope you did), and remember to take stock size bolts for the spare if you have a front flat...

Jtuner · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2008, 03:31:09 PM »

Quote from: Choking Hazard;62276

I don't think this will generate any problems. Most new wheels are set up for FWD. I've got spacer for the wheels on the car in the pic below. You MUST USE longer wheel bolts (I hope you did), and remember to take stock size bolts for the spare if you have a front flat...

I actually just threw on some 17" flik wheels.. they came off of an integra, but they are quite beautiful and look nice with the new carbon fiber hood,, anyhoo, they had big enough holes for my stock wheel studs, and even with spacers, the stock lugs worked.. That's just my application however,, my 84 with spacers had to use replacement studs with tuner lugs... no adverse effects tho so far with the FWD rims.. Only better traction, which has been smashing whilst hugging turns

Deftones · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2008, 10:13:23 AM »

i think with only 5mm spacers there isn't any problem... problems starts with 20mm spacers or more, expecially if on the rear tyres, making car oversteer much more!

papercutout · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2008, 03:04:23 PM »

You're fine to run 'incorrect' offset wheels on the front and rear. Obviously, as you've noticed, you'll have to spacer the fronts out.
As for the rears, if they don't touch anything, (might be worth dropping a wheel off, dropping a spring out and undoing a shock, then putting the wheel on and lifting the wheel up to see if it touches the inner arch at all, if it does, is it anywhere near the point your suspension would travel to?).

Personally, I think they'll probably not look very good, unless they happen to be particularly wide dishy wheels (thinking 9J+ ET20 here), but they should be fine, if you want them, just chuck them on!
Out of interest, what wheels are they?