Re: E30 alloy wheel questions

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"Gregory Bradbury" <gregory891@domain.elided> wrote:
> 
> There are two factory alloy wheel options for the E30 (non-M3):
> 6.5J x 14 or 7J x 15. 

Those are extremely rare. 
They were either optional or came with a separate sports package on IIRC 
'91 MY year only E30s. 
IMHO, they are very plain looking and not worth the hunt.

> I have a line on the 7J x 15 wheels but 
> they appear to be the Xi wheels.  My car is 2WD (325i touring).

E30 offsets: 
E30     6     14"   =   35mm
        6.5   14"   =   30mm 
        6.5   15"   =   30mm
        7           =   24mm 
E30iX   6     14    =   47mm
        7     15    =   41mm
E30 M3  7     15"   =   30mm
      7.5     16"   =   27mm

BMW parts CD lists the following weights:
5.5x14 steel:                 7.9kg  (17.38 lb)
6x14 alloy (bottlecap style): 7.5kg  (16.5 lb)
6.5x14 alloy (cross spoke):   6.35kg (13.97 lb)

> The 7J x 15 is called the cross spoke (style 5).  The 2WD cars use 
> 36.11.1.179.066 with 24 mm offset, 325iX uses 36.11.1.179.140 with
> 41 mm offset.  Is it possible to use the iX wheels on a 2WD E30 or
> do zou need spacers? 

It is NOT possible to use iX wheels on a regular E30s. 
iX and M3 hubs and wheels have 5 lug bolts (5x120? pattern). 
Regular E30s are 4 bolt with 4x100mm bolt pattern.

> I understand that the reverse (2WD wheels on a 4WD car) isn't 
> possible.

Right, but just not because of the offset.

Generally speaking, it's usually better and cheaper to shop for 
aftermarket wheels. BMW wheels are generally narrow, overpriced and cast 
(heavy and soft).

alex f

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