16 x 9 wheels and offsets

[Gavin Martin]

Hi all, I have a question for anyone that can help me. Im looking to run 16x9/16x8 set up and was wondering what offset and tyre size to go for? Its currently lowered 60mm all round with uprated shocks (of unknown make) is it possible to go for these sizes without to many problems?

[e21-Mark]

I think you'll struggle to be honest. I'm going with 15 x 8 & 9 (F & R) and the arches had to be reworked. I think Nas ran 16 x 7's with some stretched rubber.

[Gavin Martin]

Thanks for the reply, I don't mind having the arches rolled as they are nice and solid. I think 16x8 and 16x7 (f&r) might be the better option then. I have a set of 17x9/17x8 borbets off an old e30 I had- but one they are not the look I am after and the offset is way off

[nas80]

16x8 et 15 with 195/40/16
16x9 et 19 with a 6mm spacer and 215/35/16

You dont need to do anything with the front but the rear you need to roll the arch and flare it.. I did that and got occasional rubbing and it used to get on my nerves,

Best fitment was 16x7.5 and 16x8.5 with same size tyres as above. Believe it was a 20 mm offset all round but being image billet rims i didnt know. i fitted them and they were perfect. no stretch, no rubbing, good aggression

8s n 9s



7.5 n 8.5

[Gavin Martin]

Thanks nas, I think 7.5/8.5 give the look I am after without all the rubbing issues, as I know that would quickly get ony my nerves too. I don't mind doing a little work to get the required look but not at the sacrifice of daily use ability. Off subject slightly I am a massive fan of your e21 and its given me a good few ideas of which direction I am going to take with mine. Thanks again for the info and pics

[nas80]

hey anytime mate, and good luck.

getting rims that look right and actually fit on an e21 is pretty hard work, i have had five sets of wheels and the last ones (image wheels) were the absolute best holistically.