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In Reply to: wheel offsets posted by michael on February 06, 2000 at 12:33:41:
The offset is explained on the tirerack site under "Wheels - Wheel tech" (includes a diagram). Because the offset is the difference between the tire centre line and the wheel mounting face, changes in offset will vary the amount the tire protrudes beyond the fender. If the tire sticks out too far, additional strain can be placed on the bearings and suspension components, as you are moving the centre of load further out on the spindle. If it is pulled in too far, the tire can start to rub on the strut tower, particularly under cornering load.
The six is approximately 19mm to 22mm negative offset, depending on the wheel width specified. Therefore, if you use a numerically higher negative offset (say 40mm or so as I think is specified for a three series with the same 120mm five bolt pattern), you have to watch out for rubbing problems. This is alleviated by inserting spacer plates to locate the tire further outboard, and bring the offset into the specified range. I have seen posts where guys report using 17mm offset in the wider rims, presumably to prevent rubbing.
The tricky part to remember is that the offset specification changes with rim and tire width. Hard to explain, but easier to see if you draw a sketch. Basically, the offset is varied to prevent rubbing or the tire sticking out too far.
As to what happens in terms of the handling of the car, I don't know from personal experience. I might expect it to follow ruts and grooves in the road surface more, and possibly initiate suspension shimmy problems. Others have reported this type of problem with wider rims in general.
Hope this helps. Others may have a better explaination of their experience.
Stu
: what difference does it make to use a wheel with an offset different than the stock e-24 offset? is it a handling problem? 120mm fit is a 120mm fit.
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