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[josh]

I have a set of 17" winter wheels from my old M3 and am wondering if they'll fit. TireRack, (who I bought them from) tells me they have no information on the 135i and therefore can't help me.
What are the relevant dimensions that determine whether a wheel will fit? I've heard talk of offsets, and there's probably an inside diameter or somesuch.
What is the process of determining whether a wheel will fit without physically trying to mount it? Thanks in advance.

[ehnaych]

The wheels may fit as they have the same centerbore and bolt pattern and probably an offset in the low 40's. The E36 M3 wore a 41 offset all around fron the factory, so finding out the exact offset of your winter wheels would be important to deciding if these will likely fit. If they have enough backspace to fit the 135i brakes would be my concern.
To determine if a wheel will fit without a test fit is really a guessing game. You're looking for something with a 5X120 bolt pattern and a 72.Xmm centerbore (the hub onto which the wheel mounts). For the new coupe we're not really sure what kind of variance will work on the offsets. Also, the appropriate offset will be different based on the width of the wheel.
Check out the wheel and tire forum on E90 post. They have an offset calculator that will tell you based on the wheel width and offset how much more/less clearance you'd have on the inside and how much further out/sunk in the wheel would be on the outside compared to another measurement you put in. The stock 135i wheels are around 18X7.5 ET47 front and 18X8.5 ET51 rear, for reference.
For the 135i you're likely looking for something in the 8-8.5 inch range with an offset of 43-50. I've see a Oner hatch wearing a 38 and it sticks out from the front fender, whereas 43 is about even. In a winter wheel, so more likely 7-7.5 inches width, BMW lists wheels for the Oner that have an offset of 47, so you'll want to stay around there. Hope that helps.


~Noel

[josh]

Thanks for the informative reply. They are 17X7.5 ET37, so I guess I'll use them for something else.

[larryn]

I'm using 17x7.5 M Contours (w225/45/17 Blizzaks) on my e90, that normally don't fit, but I also have a stack of various thickness hubcentric spacers and am running 10mm all around. They work perfectly, and I didn't have to buy new wheels.

I figure I'll likely have to do someting similar with the e82.

[ehnaych]

You're welcome, too bad they won't work.

Larry, if they are original M Contours then they have an offset of 41 and although they'd be a bit further out in the wheel well than the factory 264's, they likely would fit. Spacers of course would push them further out and make them fit less well. My concern on the M Contours is clearing the 135i brakes. I haven't seen any 1ers fitted with older style BMW wheels that weren't designed for multi-piston brakes. Time will tell I suppose.


~Noel

[desmat]

Still nobody with E36 M wheels on their 135i ?