Re: offset and bolt pattern

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"Paul Frederick" <pfrederi@domain.elided> wrote:
> Looking to get some wheels for my 95 M3. Already have racing dynamic 
> springs and koni sport shocks (not installed yet). I am shopping around
> on the internet but I want to make sure that the wheels that i like will
> fit my car. 

Paul,
Give TireRack a call (www.tirerack.com). 

> I don't have my manual with me at the moment and was wondering what the 
> offset and bolt pattern is for wheel fitting on 95 M3. 

5x120mm bolt pattern.
Stock offset is (IIRC) 41mm on the 17x7.5 wheels.
Generally, anything in the 35-45mm range, 17x8" wheels will fit as long as 
the tire is 235-245mm wide (some are much wider in reality than others).
Front wheels rub on the strut tower (inside), so lower range of the offset 
or spacers are beneficial.
Rear wheels rub on the outside wheel well lip, so rolling those fenders or 
higher offset wheels help.

> I currently have the 10double spoke pattern motorsport wheels(17 x 7.5).
> I would also like to stagger the wheels possibly 18 x 8 fronts and 18 x 
9
> in rear. 

Bad idea.
You will not be able to rotate the wheels/tire and narrower front wheels 
will promote understeer.

> What's the max (width and diameter) I can go in rear without having to 
> roll fenders?

Wheels do not rub rear fenders, tires do. 
You can have a 17x10 wheels with pimp-ass skinny tires that might clear 
the fenders ;-)
Normally, 17x8.5 with 235-245 tires and perfect wheel offset (41-43mm) 
will no rub. Sooner or later you will be rolling those rear fenders.
No experience with 18" wheels as nobody seams to run them on track. Too 
heavy (both wheels and tires) and too restricted tire options.

HTH,
alex f

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