18x8.5 ET35 Front Wheels

GazHyde

GazHyde

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Any one running the above fitment on their Z3 at the moment?

I'm looking (or rather drooling) over a set of 18x8.5's but the offset is 35. I'm currently running ET41 on the same fitment with 225 width tyres (slight stretch) and I'm just over the line of the arches. The site I'm looking at say they are Z3 fitment, but I'm just a little concerned...

upload_2015-5-14_17-51-13.webp
 
GazHyde said:
Any one running the above fitment on their Z3 at the moment?

I'm looking (or rather drooling) over a set of 18x8.5's but the offset is 35. I'm currently running ET41 on the same fitment with 225 width tyres (slight stretch) and I'm just over the line of the arches. The site I'm looking at say they are Z3 fitment, but I'm just a little concerned...

View attachment 15729
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I'm running the same set up as you Gaz and don't like the slight stretch. I'd be interested to see the results if you go ahead.
 
I'm running 18 inch 8j with 225mm tyres and 35mm offset all round, the backs fine could even put 10mm spacers on the front really fills the arches and the tyre tread is flush with the top of the arch theres no rubbing but it does throw more s**t down the side of the car, handling is fine :-)
 
swappy said:
I'm running 18 inch 8j with 225mm tyres and 35mm offset all round
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Ok, working that out you are the same position on the outside as mine. Are yours in line with the arches then? Got any pics to share?

upload_2015-5-14_18-40-58.webp
 
The edge of the tread is inline with the top of the arch the tyre wall and rim stick out slightly, looks good I think.
I'll take some close up pictures and try and post them.
My Avatar photo doesn't really show it,
 
swappy said:
The edge of the tread is inline with the top of the arch the tyre wall and rim stick out slightly
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Yeah, that seems to be very similar to mine then. I'm not sure how they would look though with another 6mm outside the arch. It's this bit I'm trying to get straight and the only thing which is stopping me making the tough decision between the two different styles I like!
 
I really wanted staggerd rims 8.5j rear et35 245 tyres on the rear and what I have got now on the front. 6mm more would look good but might be boarderline on legal and stretching tyres alters the rolling circumference which will effect your speedo.
 
I've done my best to photograph how mine sit at the moment. The tread is inside the arch, but the wall is just outside - if it wasn't for the minor stretch they might look a bit odd.

6mm out further from there makes me a bit nervous...

Front wheel looking backwards from bumper
2015-05-15 09.38.05.webp


Front wheel looking from drivers door
2015-05-15 09.38.20.webp
 
IMG_20150517_113036.webp
Finally got round to taking a picture. Looking from above down, doesn't look that much different to yours Gaz, think you will get away with another 6mm. Are you keeping the 225's on the front on 8.5j rims.
 
I've spoken to a company who sell the wheels and he says "they are a more aggressive fit and they will sit more flush to the arch with the 8.5" et35 and 9.5" et40 but there is loads of room in the arches to be able to run this without a problem".

I was hoping to keep my 225's on as I've only done 500 miles on the fronts, and plenty of meat on the rears. I'm thinking by "aggressive" he means I will need to stretch the tyres a little more perhaps. I've emailed him back for more info on what he means. I've know someone near him who may be able to pop and try one on for size if he has any in stock.

Watch this space, although I still need to sell both sets of wheels I have...
 
Could you not get some washes and shim out the existing rims to get an idea, if its only to see fit its not a saftey thing as its a fit drop and see . would this not answer your question?
 
Antm72 said:
Could you not get some washes and shim out the existing rims to get an idea, if its only to see fit its not a saftey thing as its a fit drop and see . would this not answer your question?
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Yeah, that's a good idea but I have a feeling it's gonna end up with some extra stretch on the tyres. Not a big fan of that, possibly a little old for that kind of malarkey! hahaha
 
Your definatly going to have more stretch if you have it already. Its going to be at least the 6mm more stretch possibly more the only way to remove that would be wider tyres but then suppose it may exagerate the 6mm further offset , the shimming will show that though as i suppose you could get slightly wider tyres and live with the same stretch you have at the moment?
 
Too much outside the wheel arch for my liking, you car will get covered in shhhhh....dirt at a moments notice. Do the wheels come in other sizes?
 
swappy said:
View attachment 15874 Finally got round to taking a picture. Looking from above down, doesn't look that much different to yours Gaz, think you will get away with another 6mm. Are you keeping the 225's on the front on 8.5j rims.
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Sorry to disagree - out another 6 mm and the car would look like its on stilts - I think lowering would be more productive, but there are consequences, especially for rear tyres - the stance however, would look exceptional.:racecar:
 
Got a reply back from the company. Looks like the ball is back in my court again =))!

"I can see what you are saying, it is pretty flush,we have done 8" et35 a few times and it has been fine so thought the 8.5" et35 would also be ok, but as you say it will push out 6mm over what you have so maybe if you dont want to come out any more will have to look at other wheels."
 
GazHyde said:
Got a reply back from the company. Looks like the ball is back in my court again =))!

"I can see what you are saying, it is pretty flush,we have done 8" et35 a few times and it has been fine so thought the 8.5" et35 would also be ok, but as you say it will push out 6mm over what you have so maybe if you dont want to come out any more will have to look at other wheels."
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You will be buying wheels that you know will be difficult to live with! find a different set that will fit properly and you will not regret buying. (of course this is just my opinion :) )
 
Good of the co to come back and give you such an honest opinion. What a PITA to find wheels you really like only to find out you can't use them. JIM
 
Brian H said:
find a different set that will fit properly
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As always Brian, you are the voice of reason! I'm probably 20 years too old to run that kind of stretch :oops:

I've ditched the idea for now, and am tempted to get my Breytons refurbished again, but perhaps in a different style to what I have now. There are so few alloys styles I actually like, to come across ones I actually want is unusual.

Of the remaining choices on my list it leaves either Style 108 or Style 71 split rims. Sets are available mint for £750-1000, or completely whipped for £350-£700 plus the cost of a refurb. Will most likely need new tyres as well. Ho hum...
 
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