The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.
Car, Truck and SUV Forums at Roadfly
+ Bentley Forums
+ BMW Forums
+ Cadillac Forums
+ Chevrolet Forums
+ Ferrari Forums
+ Jaguar Forums
+ Lamborghini Forums
+ Lotus Forums
+ Mercedes-Benz Forums
+ Maserati Forums
+ MINI Forums
+ Porsche Forums
+ General Discussion
+ Marketplace Forums
Re: 15" wheels for '81 528i (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E12) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Lars Cousineau on December 18, 2000 at 19:32:25:

In Reply to: 15" wheels for '81 528i posted by FLIP on December 15, 2000 at 16:43:23:

I just went through this on my 80 528i. I bought (stole) a set of wheels and new snow tires ($225 complete). Took the risk. The wheels from the 3 series cars all seem to have the 38 to 41mm offset. Your car has a 12mm offset. This requires a 30mm spacer (???) on at least the front. A set of hubcentric spacers (two only) runs about 170 to 190 $$. I had a set milled out of aluminum billet at a local community college shop by the instructor (You have to know what you're doing!!!), and this was free. Only cost me $35 for the aluminum. I still need longer lug bolts (by 30 mm) at 5-6$ per.

The wheels fit fine on the rear, and have yet to mount the fronts as waiting for the lugs. Don't worry about steering geometry, as this puts the tire back in the same place as the stock wheel would have it. It's the offset you are taking care of. In addition, you are adding a little unsprung weight on the front axles, with the spacers.

I am not a performance enthusiast, so am not concerned about the U/S weight.

In all, I am into the wheels and tires with spacers, about $300. Not counting the price of new studded snows, the wheels retail for $360 each. I am happy with this arrangement.

Follow Ups:


[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E12) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.
Roadfly.com Logo © 1997 - 2009 Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.