Re: bmw-digest V9 #1540

[APZjd@xxxxxxx]

The bolt pattern is the same for E36/46 3-series as for E28/34/39 5-series.  
The hub hole on the E39 5-series is larger, which would require the use of a 
hub -reducing ring in order to fit properly. However, the offset for the 
5-series is numerically smaller (i.e. sticks out further) than the 3er's.  
Spacers can be used to make 3er wheels fit 5ers because they push the wheel 
further outward.  Since 5er wheels would already be further outward on a 3er, 
spacers won't help.

In short, 5er wheels won't fit on 3ers.

- -Drew Zacharda
'90 535i 5-speed
'94 530iT
'89 325iX for sale

In a message dated 8/2/2000 9:08:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
owner-bmw-digest@domain.elided writes:

> >Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 11:34:42 -0500
>  >From: Richard Coker <RichardCoker@domain.elided>
>  >Subject: Swapping wheels
>  >
>  >I was at my dealer yesterday and he told me none of the 5 series or 7
>  series wheels
>  >will fit on my 3 series.  Can anyone verify this???  He says the bolt
>  pattern is
>  >totally different for each series? I really wanted those nice wheels of 
the
>  540i so
>  >I could perhaps take advantage of the new larger rotors on the 3 series.
>  (I have
>  >16in and the rotors require at least 17s)
>  

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