17" Wheels Fitment Question

Terry989 · 03-28-2012, 10:44 AM

Just picked up a 2009 128I with the M-package earlier this month and I would like to move to a lighter wheel set and non-run flats. I'm thinking of:

Rims: D-Force LTW5
Front: 17x8.0, ET40, 225/45
Rear: 17x8.5, ET40, 245/40
Tires: Falken FK-452

Would this set up rub with a slightly lowered suspension (<1" front and back) and stock alignment (maybe some moderate camber).

This is a street setup that may see a Autocross or two during the year.

Thanks for the help

Disco Stu · 03-28-2012, 04:37 PM

I just picked up some Apex Arc 8s in a square setup and I'm pretty pleased. Daily driver with 3 or 4 track days per year. I got 18x8.5 ET45 all around with 235/40/18s. They fit fine with M sport suspension and definitely make the car feel a bit more balanced. Bonus with 8.5" wheels is that i you do decide to go staggered after, you can fit 225/245 on them.

Wheels were exactly as advertised at 18.2lbs each. I will be adding Dinan plates before hitting the track. Give Eddy at Apex a call and chat. He knows his stuff, and the product is very good. Oh, and they look pretty badass too. Can't post pics from my phone

Terry989 · 03-28-2012, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the response. The ET45 offsets for of the APEX wheels are much more forgiving then the ET40 for the D-Force wheels. The APEX wheels really do look great by I would like to stick with 17" rims since my goal is to reduce unsprung weight as much as possible.

Their just doesn't seem to be any 17" wheels around with an ideal fitment that are super light. If I get nervous about possible issues with the D-Force wheels, I guess my next best bet will be Team Dynamics Race 1.2 wheels:
17x7.5, ET45
17x8.0, ET48

Let me know how the Dinan camber plates work out, I have been considering these if I need to get more camber than drilling out the alignment pin will give me.

1speedbike · 03-28-2012, 07:06 PM

My instinct is that they won't rub, especially if you're adding some negative camber. With the stock equipment you can easily get about -1.5 to -2 degrees. I don't want to screw you over, though.. so I would check on the big fitment thread. I know it's a lot to go through, but you can use the "search this thread" option for "ET 40" or something similar and see if anyone with a setup close to yours is having any issues:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216413

But my first instinct, especially with those Falkens which have pretty rounded shoulders, is that you will be fine, even with a 1" drop.

Kim Schwartz · 03-28-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry989

Just picked up a 2009 128I with the M-package earlier this month and I would like to move to a lighter wheel set and non-run flats. I'm thinking of:

Rims: D-Force LTW5
Front: 17x8.0, ET40, 225/45
Rear: 17x8.5, ET40, 245/40
Tires: Falken FK-452

Would this set up rub with a slightly lowered suspension (<1" front and back) and stock alignment (maybe some moderate camber).

This is a street setup that may see a Autocross or two during the year.

Thanks for the help

I use 18"x 8" ET 40 with 225/40 up front and they fit just fine with a 128i with the sport suspension. Even with the 18" set up I saved around 13 lbs per corner over the stock 17" wheels and the run flats.

Disco Stu · 03-29-2012, 04:57 PM

Apex makes Aero 7s in a 17 fitment, and this is what I was going to go with until I chatted with Eddy at Apex. It's worth your time to give him a call.
FWIW, the 18s I got are only 1 pound heavier than the 17s, and are 8lbs lighter than the BMW 313 'Performance' wheel.

crex · 03-30-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Stu

Apex makes Aero 7s in a 17 fitment, and this is what I was going to go with until I chatted with Eddy at Apex. It's worth your time to give him a call.
FWIW, the 18s I got are only 1 pound heavier than the 17s, and are 8lbs lighter than the BMW 313 'Performance' wheel.

Why did you get the 18's over the 17's? Just curious

Terry989 · 03-30-2012, 02:11 PM

Thanks to all that have replied - - - more room for thought.

I see some are recommending 18's. While I agree that they look better, there are very few road conditions and driving situations where a 18's will perform better than 17's. The stiffer sidewall of the 18's hurts ride quality and tires are more expensive. Since I'm trying to keep my modifications within a budget, I'll put the extra money saved on wheels and tires into some swift springs.

The next question is whether or not to install TPMS? I've never had it before - - - so it is not something I would miss. When I look at the stock rims, they have balancing weights all over them. Seems counter productive to buy light weight wheels and tires, only to add in hardware, and then balance out that hardware by adding an equal amount of weight to the opposite side for the wheel!

Kim Schwartz · 03-31-2012, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry989

Thanks to all that have replied - - - more room for thought.

I see some are recommending 18's. While I agree that they look better, there are very few road conditions and driving situations where a 18's will perform better than 17's. The stiffer sidewall of the 18's hurts ride quality and tires are more expensive. Since I'm trying to keep my modifications within a budget, I'll put the extra money saved on wheels and tires into some swift springs.

The next question is whether or not to install TPMS? I've never had it before - - - so it is not something I would miss. When I look at the stock rims, they have balancing weights all over them. Seems counter productive to buy light weight wheels and tires, only to add in hardware, and then balance out that hardware by adding an equal amount of weight to the opposite side for the wheel!

Regarding ride quality, the tire choice matters as much as rim size. 17" wheels with run flat tires are similarly stiff as 18" wheels without runflats. I use Continental DW and the sidewalls are not so stiff and the ride quality is similar to or softer than the 17" with run flats. A Micheline sport tire often has a stiffer sidewall than the Contintntals. As the BMW rims are rather heavy, it is not that difficult to get 17" or 18" rims that are lighter. The 18" wheels can noticably quicken steering response.

Disco Stu · 03-31-2012, 12:08 PM

There are a few reasons I went with the 18s.
-The offset and fitment was better with the 18s from Apex if I wanted to run 235 rubber all around.
-The suspension was made to run on run-flats. I wanted to go non-run-flat, and I hate squishy sidewalls and squirmy handling so I figured a 18 non-rft would feel similar to a 17 rft. I'm trying to keep from buying an entire M3 front suspension so I am working with what the car has for now. Ride is much improved over 17rfts with 235 40 18 Sumitomo HTR Z IIIs. Turn in on the Sumis is excellent due to their stiff sidewall. Was going to go Star Specs, but not tracking enough this year, and wanted to see how the square setup worked for balance before blowing a big wad on tires.
-Again, not tracking enough to warrant the tradeoff in looks using 17s instead of 18s. This is my DD first and foremost. I'm using my 17" 207M wheels for a winter setup with 205s all around.
-Weight penalty was not as large as I had initially thought going with the Apex 18s, and the Sumi tires are a pound or two lighter than some of the big hitters (same load rating) as well.

Tires are still too new to tell for sure anything about ultimate grip and balance, but so far I can happily say I can finally get some throttle off oversteer

I'll report more once the mold release is worn off and I get it out to the track.

Eyeman · 04-01-2012, 09:32 AM

I'm 99% sure that will not rub with Falken tires. Actually I get you could go up one size wider, in which case you might want to drop the profile height and then I'd still bet that would not rub either. Can you get D Force Empowers in those sizes, I like them better.

John_01 · 04-02-2012, 08:02 AM

I'd expect the 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 combination to clear the fender ET40. I've got that combination in Michelin PSS on my 135i, except my wheels are 17x8" ET45 all around. In my case there seems to be easily 10mm fender clearance on the rear with stock fenders, camber and stock height. I don't think there is much to worry about in terms of rubbing. My car had a lot of rear camber from the factory which I since had adjusted.

With 225/45/17 PSS on the front, I also think it would be fine with ET40, but it could be closer than the rear when you go over big bumps at full steering lock. The Michelin PSS are NOT incredibly wide tires in my observation, but no doubt fatter than the Falken 452s.

03-28-2012, 10:44 AM	#1
Terry989 First Lieutenant 593 Rep 314 Posts Drives: 2019 X1 xDrive M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Puget Sound iTrader: (0)	17" Wheels Fitment Question Just picked up a 2009 128I with the M-package earlier this month and I would like to move to a lighter wheel set and non-run flats. I'm thinking of: Rims: D-Force LTW5 Front: 17x8.0, ET40, 225/45 Rear: 17x8.5, ET40, 245/40 Tires: Falken FK-452 Would this set up rub with a slightly lowered suspension (<1" front and back) and stock alignment (maybe some moderate camber). This is a street setup that may see a Autocross or two during the year. Thanks for the help
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03-28-2012, 04:37 PM	#2
Disco Stu Private 6 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2012 128i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Waterdown, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Vote for Arc 8s I just picked up some Apex Arc 8s in a square setup and I'm pretty pleased. Daily driver with 3 or 4 track days per year. I got 18x8.5 ET45 all around with 235/40/18s. They fit fine with M sport suspension and definitely make the car feel a bit more balanced. Bonus with 8.5" wheels is that i you do decide to go staggered after, you can fit 225/245 on them. Wheels were exactly as advertised at 18.2lbs each. I will be adding Dinan plates before hitting the track. Give Eddy at Apex a call and chat. He knows his stuff, and the product is very good. Oh, and they look pretty badass too. Can't post pics from my phone __________________ 2012 128i M Sport Le Mans Blue / Apex Arc 8 18x8.5 wheels with 235/40/18 tires all around / Dinan camber plates / alignment / BMWP front brakes / BMWP exhaust / K&N air filter/ BMW SSK
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03-28-2012, 06:03 PM	#3
Terry989 First Lieutenant 593 Rep 314 Posts Drives: 2019 X1 xDrive M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Puget Sound iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the response. The ET45 offsets for of the APEX wheels are much more forgiving then the ET40 for the D-Force wheels. The APEX wheels really do look great by I would like to stick with 17" rims since my goal is to reduce unsprung weight as much as possible. Their just doesn't seem to be any 17" wheels around with an ideal fitment that are super light. If I get nervous about possible issues with the D-Force wheels, I guess my next best bet will be Team Dynamics Race 1.2 wheels: 17x7.5, ET45 17x8.0, ET48 Let me know how the Dinan camber plates work out, I have been considering these if I need to get more camber than drilling out the alignment pin will give me.
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03-28-2012, 07:06 PM	#4
1speedbike Brigadier General 732 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2022 X4 M40i, 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MKE iTrader: (15)	My instinct is that they won't rub, especially if you're adding some negative camber. With the stock equipment you can easily get about -1.5 to -2 degrees. I don't want to screw you over, though.. so I would check on the big fitment thread. I know it's a lot to go through, but you can use the "search this thread" option for "ET 40" or something similar and see if anyone with a setup close to yours is having any issues: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216413 But my first instinct, especially with those Falkens which have pretty rounded shoulders, is that you will be fine, even with a 1" drop. __________________ 2022 X4 M40i - 2008 135i - 2015 F700GS On Order - 2024 i4 M50 Scruffy's gonna die the way he lived... Mmhm.
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03-29-2012, 04:57 PM	#6
Disco Stu Private 6 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2012 128i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Waterdown, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Apex makes Aero 7s in a 17 fitment, and this is what I was going to go with until I chatted with Eddy at Apex. It's worth your time to give him a call. FWIW, the 18s I got are only 1 pound heavier than the 17s, and are 8lbs lighter than the BMW 313 'Performance' wheel. __________________ 2012 128i M Sport Le Mans Blue / Apex Arc 8 18x8.5 wheels with 235/40/18 tires all around / Dinan camber plates / alignment / BMWP front brakes / BMWP exhaust / K&N air filter/ BMW SSK
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03-30-2012, 02:11 PM	#8
Terry989 First Lieutenant 593 Rep 314 Posts Drives: 2019 X1 xDrive M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Puget Sound iTrader: (0)	Thanks to all that have replied - - - more room for thought. I see some are recommending 18's. While I agree that they look better, there are very few road conditions and driving situations where a 18's will perform better than 17's. The stiffer sidewall of the 18's hurts ride quality and tires are more expensive. Since I'm trying to keep my modifications within a budget, I'll put the extra money saved on wheels and tires into some swift springs. The next question is whether or not to install TPMS? I've never had it before - - - so it is not something I would miss. When I look at the stock rims, they have balancing weights all over them. Seems counter productive to buy light weight wheels and tires, only to add in hardware, and then balance out that hardware by adding an equal amount of weight to the opposite side for the wheel!
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03-31-2012, 12:08 PM	#10
Disco Stu Private 6 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2012 128i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Waterdown, Ontario iTrader: (0)	There are a few reasons I went with the 18s. -The offset and fitment was better with the 18s from Apex if I wanted to run 235 rubber all around. -The suspension was made to run on run-flats. I wanted to go non-run-flat, and I hate squishy sidewalls and squirmy handling so I figured a 18 non-rft would feel similar to a 17 rft. I'm trying to keep from buying an entire M3 front suspension so I am working with what the car has for now. Ride is much improved over 17rfts with 235 40 18 Sumitomo HTR Z IIIs. Turn in on the Sumis is excellent due to their stiff sidewall. Was going to go Star Specs, but not tracking enough this year, and wanted to see how the square setup worked for balance before blowing a big wad on tires. -Again, not tracking enough to warrant the tradeoff in looks using 17s instead of 18s. This is my DD first and foremost. I'm using my 17" 207M wheels for a winter setup with 205s all around. -Weight penalty was not as large as I had initially thought going with the Apex 18s, and the Sumi tires are a pound or two lighter than some of the big hitters (same load rating) as well. Tires are still too new to tell for sure anything about ultimate grip and balance, but so far I can happily say I can finally get some throttle off oversteer I'll report more once the mold release is worn off and I get it out to the track.
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04-01-2012, 09:32 AM	#11
Eyeman Colonel 121 Rep 2,037 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	I'm 99% sure that will not rub with Falken tires. Actually I get you could go up one size wider, in which case you might want to drop the profile height and then I'd still bet that would not rub either. Can you get D Force Empowers in those sizes, I like them better. __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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04-02-2012, 08:02 AM	#12
John_01 Colonel 232 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I'd expect the 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 combination to clear the fender ET40. I've got that combination in Michelin PSS on my 135i, except my wheels are 17x8" ET45 all around. In my case there seems to be easily 10mm fender clearance on the rear with stock fenders, camber and stock height. I don't think there is much to worry about in terms of rubbing. My car had a lot of rear camber from the factory which I since had adjusted. With 225/45/17 PSS on the front, I also think it would be fine with ET40, but it could be closer than the rear when you go over big bumps at full steering lock. The Michelin PSS are NOT incredibly wide tires in my observation, but no doubt fatter than the Falken 452s.
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