wheel upgrade time

"sgfan3" wrote

In summary,

Cheers,

Pete

the offset on E46 M3 wheels is much smaller than the 3 series and that is why they are not compatible.

BMW makes the same look but in 3 series offset if it's a BMW wheel.

snipped-for-privacy@canada.com

Thanks for the helpful answer. Is the reason for the smaller M3 offset because the M3 rear axle is longer than the 330?

I can't think of any problems. I have an '94 E36 (formerly a sedan, now a convertable) and I use wheels from a '95 M3. They fit fine.

"sgfan3" wrote

The M3 rear axle is shorter.

Regards,

Pete

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 08:07:31 -0700, "Jeff Strickland" waffled on about something:

Sorry I think the summary of this is...

E36 - Yes E46 - Only the front cos the rear axle on an E46 M3 is shorter than on the standard E46.

Dodgy.

Thanks All, for the helpful replies. Everyone seems a bit more civilized this time around! :)

I believe you can use an E46 M3 front wheel on the rear of a E46. That is, four front M3 wheels should work for you.

However, finding four fronts will be bloody expensive, and they're pretty soft and easily damaged. No performance advantage over normal E46 sport package wheels. I'd go with something like the SSR Competitions - cheaper and much lighter.

Is this an option for me: aftermarket (maybe 18x8 Mille Miglia MM-11s) that are intended for the front of an '01 M3...use these on all for corners of my '01 330ciSP?

why not look at BBS, superior quality and strength, sexy wheels

"sgfan3" wrote

Well, the MM-11 is already available in that size for the 330ci (according to TR site), so why would you want them specifically off of an M3?

For 330ci, you need four 18x8 ET40. For M3, you need two 18x8 ET40 on the front and two 18x9 ET20 on the back.

Pete

i agree with the aftermarket route

there are some great quality wheels that are lighter and better priced i run 0Z racing, the SSR's and BBS are all excellent shop to your taste

snipped-for-privacy@canada.com

They aren't the same size wheels. I have an E46 with 18" M3 wheels from the factory. No problem with offsets, clearance, etc. Those Michelin Pilots didn't last very long. Great performance, however. I have the Eagle F1's now and they are outstanding.

Dan