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      07-24-2012, 08:26 AM   #1
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Wheel Spacers - Good or Bad?

Hi All -

Very quick question. I have a 335i M Sport on order w/ 19" M Sport Rims. After looking at all the various pics, seems as though the tires sit "in" on the car a tad too much (read that all BMWs leave 15-20 mm space between the fender to allow for the use of tire chains as winter tires or chains are mandated in Germany, so subsequnetly this room in b/w the fender will always be there when the car is designed).

Those who have gone w/ wider rims + tires (245 front + 275 rear) seem to have gotten that "flush" w/ the fender look. Sooo much better IMO. I am already getting a set of 19" winters (which is going to run me close to $2700), so I'm thinking wheel spacers is a good (and cost efficient) way to get a wider stance + flush look that will work w/ both sets of wheels without having to get a wider set of rims+tires.

I did some research and seems as though the only horror stories regarding wheel spacers have been from 1 of 2 things:

1 - Use of cheap (made in china) low grade material wheel spacers that have "failed"
2 - extremely large spacers 30mm+

I am thinking about going w/ 20mm H&R Trak+ BMW 3 Series Wheel Spacers (link below).

http://www.**********s.com/HR-BMW-3-...92-E46-E36.htm

Question is:

1 - has anyone put wheel spacers on their F30 (or past BMWs)
2 - any issues?
3 - what size would work best (flush look) on the F30 (as I don't have my car yet, I can't mesassure)

Would love input. Thanks guys.

Last edited by martinf79; 07-24-2012 at 09:03 AM..
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      07-27-2012, 10:44 PM   #2
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Anyone???
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      07-27-2012, 10:58 PM   #3
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I've been running spacers for over 7years never had an issue. Go 15mm rear and if you want it more flush in the front too use a 10mm. Get a good set like rogue engineering. Obviously you need the new size longer bolts as well.
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      07-27-2012, 11:22 PM   #4
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Thanks.

Was thinking of using H&K spacers (w bolts). Are the sizes you've quoted for a flush look using stock rim + rubber setup ( ie 225 + 255)?
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      07-28-2012, 12:57 PM   #5
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spacers are not a bad thing at all, is simply getting a good quality spacer H&R are very good, also make sure you have the proper spacer ( hub centric to the wheel and to your car) also ones you have a spacer you need longer Bolts to have a few safe turn plus to keep your recommended torque. all this plays a part on how well your expirience will be with spacers.
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      07-28-2012, 08:57 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martinf79
Thanks.

Was thinking of using H&K spacers (w bolts). Are the sizes you've quoted for a flush look using stock rim + rubber setup ( ie 225 + 255)?
Yup
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      08-10-2012, 11:24 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fotios335i View Post
I've been running spacers for over 7years never had an issue. Go 15mm rear and if you want it more flush in the front too use a 10mm. Get a good set like rogue engineering. Obviously you need the new size longer bolts as well.
Hi Fotios - are there any concerns using a 10mm spacer on the F30? I read that on the e90, 10mm spacer was a safty concern because the lip of the hub + the spacer left a 1mm gap. Do you know if this is an issue on the F30?
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      08-11-2012, 06:55 AM   #8
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Only problem is that they might ad rotational mass. So if you're going to get a set of light weight wheels to reduce rotational mass they might add it. Just my 2 cents.
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      08-11-2012, 12:46 PM   #9
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UPDATE - okay, so I went to the dealership to measure the fender gap on a F30 335i Sport w/ Sport Suspension + 19" stock rims (should be same suspension drop + rim size as M Sport rims/tires).

Found out that the best way to measure fender gap is to tape a quarter to the end of a piece of tape (like 12" long) and tape it to the edge of the fender and let it hang. Then w/ a ruler, simply measure the furthest point of the tire wall to the piece of tape.

Turns out maximum fender gap is 12mm front and rear. For those experts out there, should I then go w/ a 10mm spacer (as I'm thinking going w/ 12 mm would mean it would be right on w/ the fender and still hit, or does the suspension compress into the car, and a 12mm spacer would still clear???).

Would appreciate any insight from those that have done this before. Thanks.
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      08-11-2012, 11:09 PM   #10
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Hi Fotios - are there any concerns using a 10mm spacer on the F30? I read that on the e90, 10mm spacer was a safty concern because the lip of the hub + the spacer left a 1mm gap. Do you know if this is an issue on the F30?[/QUOTE]





10mm will NOT work with the f30. The oem hub lip is too long. I found out the hard way. The f30 has a longer hub lip than any previous 3 series. It won't meet the hub. Very bad.
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      08-12-2012, 04:03 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martinf79 View Post
UPDATE - okay, so I went to the dealership to measure the fender gap on a F30 335i Sport w/ Sport Suspension + 19" stock rims (should be same suspension drop + rim size as M Sport rims/tires).

Found out that the best way to measure fender gap is to tape a quarter to the end of a piece of tape (like 12" long) and tape it to the edge of the fender and let it hang. Then w/ a ruler, simply measure the furthest point of the tire wall to the piece of tape.

Turns out maximum fender gap is 12mm front and rear. For those experts out there, should I then go w/ a 10mm spacer (as I'm thinking going w/ 12 mm would mean it would be right on w/ the fender and still hit, or does the suspension compress into the car, and a 12mm spacer would still clear???).

Would appreciate any insight from those that have done this before. Thanks.
You could probably fit a 15mm spacer as the wheel will naturally camber (I measured too). But fotios335i has a good point about the longer hub lip.
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      08-12-2012, 01:20 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tremolo View Post
You could probably fit a 15mm spacer as the wheel will naturally camber (I measured too). But fotios335i has a good point about the longer hub lip.
Do either of you know how long the hub lip is on the F30?

Both the 10 and 12 mm spacers on Rogue have a warning:

Note that the hub contour height for use with our 10mm/12mm spacers requires a maximum dimension of 11.5mm. Anything taller (such as rust buildup or dust caps) can damage the spacer or even break off the hubcentric lip machined onto the spacer. Please measure your hub to ensure compatibility before ordering.

Do we know if the hub lip is less than 11.5mm? Either of you measure it?
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      08-12-2012, 01:22 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fotios335i View Post
Hi Fotios - are there any concerns using a 10mm spacer on the F30? I read that on the e90, 10mm spacer was a safty concern because the lip of the hub + the spacer left a 1mm gap. Do you know if this is an issue on the F30?




10mm will NOT work with the f30. The oem hub lip is too long. I found out the hard way. The f30 has a longer hub lip than any previous 3 series. It won't meet the hub. Very bad.[/QUOTE]

Fotio - not trying to put you on the spot, but didn't you recommend I put a 10mm spacer on the front a few posts up??? lol
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      08-12-2012, 09:42 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martinf79 View Post
Do either of you know how long the hub lip is on the F30?

Both the 10 and 12 mm spacers on Rogue have a warning:

Note that the hub contour height for use with our 10mm/12mm spacers requires a maximum dimension of 11.5mm. Anything taller (such as rust buildup or dust caps) can damage the spacer or even break off the hubcentric lip machined onto the spacer. Please measure your hub to ensure compatibility before ordering.

Do we know if the hub lip is less than 11.5mm? Either of you measure it?
Sorry if I misled you. I did not measure the hub lip. I just never thought of it before and was commenting on fotios335i point. If I ever take off the wheel, I'll be sure to measure it for you.
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      08-13-2012, 08:14 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tremolo View Post
Sorry if I misled you. I did not measure the hub lip. I just never thought of it before and was commenting on fotios335i point. If I ever take off the wheel, I'll be sure to measure it for you.
Thanks ... everyone seems to be reppty confident the 12mm spacer should work. I may just go ahead and buy a set for the front and back and take my chances.
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      08-13-2012, 12:49 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martinf79 View Post
Thanks ... everyone seems to be reppty confident the 12mm spacer should work. I may just go ahead and buy a set for the front and back and take my chances.
Sounds good. Let us know. I'm sure many folks are wondering as well.
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      08-13-2012, 12:54 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tremolo View Post
Sounds good. Let us know. I'm sure many folks are wondering as well.
Will do (won't have my car until October ... but will let everyone know then).

and by the way ... the above had a major typo .. should say "really" as opposed to "reppty"
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      08-14-2012, 02:30 AM   #18
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If you just daily the car, spacers would be fine. But, if you ever track your car, take them off for the session. The addiontional distance from the hub and axle shaft adds more stress and makes things more likely to break.
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      08-14-2012, 06:44 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F30 Pilot View Post
If you just daily the car, spacers would be fine. But, if you ever track your car, take them off for the session. The addiontional distance from the hub and axle shaft adds more stress and makes things more likely to break.
Don't ever plan on taking it to the track... but quick question... wouldn't this be the same case for those w/ wider rims (as more weight would be distributed to the outside)? More a curiousity question.
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      08-14-2012, 08:01 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martinf79
Quote:
Originally Posted by fotios335i View Post
Hi Fotios - are there any concerns using a 10mm spacer on the F30? I read that on the e90, 10mm spacer was a safty concern because the lip of the hub + the spacer left a 1mm gap. Do you know if this is an issue on the F30?




10mm will NOT work with the f30. The oem hub lip is too long. I found out the hard way. The f30 has a longer hub lip than any previous 3 series. It won't meet the hub. Very bad.
Fotio - not trying to put you on the spot, but didn't you recommend I put a 10mm spacer on the front a few posts up??? lol[/QUOTE]
That was before I knew how much longer the hub lips are on the f30. I believe burger motorsports 12mm fits on front and 15mm fit on rear. I'm stuck with a bunch of very nice spacers that don't fit
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      08-14-2012, 08:04 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tremolo
Quote:
Originally Posted by martinf79 View Post
Thanks ... everyone seems to be reppty confident the 12mm spacer should work. I may just go ahead and buy a set for the front and back and take my chances.
Sounds good. Let us know. I'm sure many folks are wondering as well.
No 12 mm spacers will reach the hub on the rear. It has to be the correct 15mm. Only bms's works afaik. The others leave a 1mm gap. The f30 is a bitch for spacers. I have 4 different sets of spacers and only 1 set works.
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      08-14-2012, 09:38 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fotios335i View Post
No 12 mm spacers will reach the hub on the rear. It has to be the correct 15mm. Only bms's works afaik. The others leave a 1mm gap. The f30 is a bitch for spacers. I have 4 different sets of spacers and only 1 set works.
Oh really? Will 15 rub though (given that the fender gap is only 12mm)? Can I use 12mm in the front though?

So Fotio - I was going to go w/ rogue spacers, are you saying I should go w/ BMS's? 15 rear, 12 front?
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