225/50R17 On Z3?

[Robb Bailey]

Hey All,

I am replacing my 16" wheels (225/50R16) with some 5 series 17" wheels. The wheels came with 215/45R17s on them, and IMO, the tire is too skinny for the wheel and there is too much wheel gap. Both these setups would be around 24.6-24.9" overall height.

So, I found a set of lightly used 225/50R17s (this is a budget car) and I am thinking they will give we the width I want and fill in the wheel gap a little better. This setup should be about 25.9" overall. So the question becomes, will I run into steering issues with the added height?

Thanks

 

[Eddie Zedder]

It depends on wheel width and offset of your new wheels. I believe the standard setup for 17" is 225/45 7.5j offset 41, unless you have a staggered set of wheels. This link will give you an idea.
https://www.willtheyfit.com/

 

[g8jka]

Have you actually fitted the wheels to the car? Most 5 series wheels are not suitable with the Z3. If they do fit and you go ahead and fit bigger tyres you may get issues with the tyres rubbing the arches or even catching the front struts depending on you current suspension set up. Plus your speedo will read incorrectly.

 

[cpallenjr]

I put on the 17x7.5 rims off my 328. Tires were 225/50-17 and the offset on those rims were 37. Depends upon the offset of the rims you’re using whether or not you have any interference. The OEM 16x7 rims have an offset of 46. The tires clear the wheel wells ok and stick out around 10 mm more and the speedometer is actually a bit more accurate (+0.3 mph). There isn’t really much change in the way the car rides or handles.

 

[Robb Bailey]

I appreciate the replies, and I agree that it all depends on offset specifics. In my situation, the ultimate answer was yes and probably no!

The combo that I ended up with is:
Rear: BMW 8 1/2 J x17 EH2 with 225/50R17
Front: BMW 8J x 17 EH2 with 225/45R17

I just don't know if I could squeeze the 50 series under the front; and it was too close for me to spend the money to see. I have an easy finger+ gap around the 45 series tires at both ends at full lock, so maybe, but ........... ?

 

[Catching Zs]

I put on the 17x7.5 rims off my 328. Tires were 225/50-17 and the offset on those rims were 37. Depends upon the offset of the rims you’re using whether or not you have any interference. The OEM 16x7 rims have an offset of 46. The tires clear the wheel wells ok and stick out around 10 mm more and the speedometer is actually a bit more accurate (+0.3 mph). There isn’t really much change in the way the car rides or handles.

I am looking to install the same set up on my 2.8. 225/ 50 / 17 from a 428 offset probably 37. Any issues since you installed them?