5 lug conversion ?

[bimma_318iS]

I really really want to do a 5lug conversion. I just love the BBS's that 5 and 7 series got or any other million 5 lug options. I hate the limited amount of 4 lug for beemers. Is there an easier way than what people write about. I think I saw an easy "bolt on conversion" somewhere but not sure.

Anybody know of the easiest and cheapest way?
thanks...

[D. Clay]

Easiest on the rear is buy new 5-lug hubs and wheeel bearings or, buy used trailing arms from a Z3. Used M3 stuff is really rare and would cost about $1000. For the front there's E36 stuff. A set of wheels for the E30 that cost less than $2000 would put you about even dollarwise. Tirerack has BBS RX in 17" for the E30 for $1200. They bolt on.
Although there is a larger selection of 5-lug for BMW they are 5X120 - not the most common size.

[flyguy91318]

hey guys I was just surfing around ebay and came across this for a 4 to five lug conversion    not sure what size the 5 lug bimmer wheels are, and not sure how well this would work considering its looking like a wheel spacer what does everyone else think?

[bimma_318iS]

I knew I had seen something like this. Looks simple and lots cheaper than the e36 swapp in front and z3 in rear. Thanks for digging it up:).  All I need now is to measure everything and see if it will work.

What do you guys think of these adapters?

[StreetSpec_iS]

do it properly or dont bother mate.

[bmwman91]

Using those adapters is asking for an accident.  Aside from the crazy offset it will give you, I asure you it is not safe for any sort of spirited driving.  Sorry, this is just one of those things that doing right is sorta difficult!

[D. Clay]

BMW 5-lug is 5X120. Adapter 5-lug size is 5X114.3. It won't get you the BMW 5-lug wheels. You will also have a monster offset of 44.45 mm just from the spacer. Offset for an E30 is 18-25 OEM 14". Total offset will be about 60-70 mm. In plain English it will look like a ricer with the wheels sticking out past the fenders and they will have to be small not to rub. You know the look. Plus the safety is iffy.
There are several 15", 16" and 17" BBS wheels for the E30 plus a lot of other attractive wheels that are for sale on the forums. ebay lists a lot of 17" BBS Knock offs in 4X100 lug pattern with the correct offset.

[e9nine]

You're gonna end up using FWD wheels for the most part because of our suspension configuration. You can use e36 wheels if you desire but you might have to roll the fenders if you desire some wider rubber.

Adapters are a huge debate. Other vehicle applications use it but it's not popular in the BMW community. You will bear all responsibility if something goes wrong and they will point and laugh at you :p. You will most likely put more stress on your bearings for sure. Would I do it if I  had the chance? Yes. Have I done it? No! I have 5 lugs the right way.