E32 wheel compatibility with other models

[Jacksonavenue]

I have a 1988 735i and struggle to find wheels for it. Can I broaden my search to e34 or e38 wheels? Would they fit?

[Monoblock]

Googling yielded:

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/information/wheels.html

[BMWCCA1]

Just check the offset. Any E39 wheel will require a 2mm spacer for the hub (inexpensive).

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Just check the offset. Any E39 wheel will require a 2mm spacer (inexpensive).

E39 will not fit, different center bore.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by LOW4LYF

E39 will not fit, different center bore.

They will fit just fine if you purchase a cheap set of (aluminum) spacer rings to fit over the hub-centric location. I have E39 wheels on two E28s and have had them for years. I also own two E39s so I understand the issues. Thanks for your contribution.

[Jacksonavenue]

Originally Posted by Monoblock

Googling yielded:

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/information/wheels.html

Thanks for that link. Very helpful

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

They will fit just fine if you purchase a cheap set of (aluminum) spacer rings to fit over the hub-centric location. I have E39 wheels on two E28s and have had them for years. I also own two E39s so I understand the issues. Thanks for your contribution.

I own a E32 and owned one E39, there is really no need to put E39 wheels on the E32 and work with hub rings and spacers. Other wheels are plug & play.

But everyone is different I guess.

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by LOW4LYF

I own a E32 and owned one E39, there is really no need to put E39 wheels on the E32 and work with hub rings and spacers. Other wheels are plug & play.

But everyone is different I guess.

This is a very different response than "it will not fit".

OP--I don't know the offset range for e32 specifically, but you can use a variety of options as long as it's a 5x120 and has similar offsets. I have e31 turbines on my e34, it's a 5mm lower offset and looks good.

Edit: looked it up an e32 is typically around a 7" width and 20mm offset. Anything close to that will work. You can use a calculator like willtheyfit.com to visualize the differences between your stock wheels and potential replacements.

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by Vivek.

This is a very different response than "it will not fit".

OP--I don't know the offset range for e32 specifically, but you can use a variety of options as long as it's a 5x120 and has similar offsets. I have e31 turbines on my e34, it's a 5mm lower offset and looks good.

Edit: looked it up an e32 is typically around a 7" width and 20mm offset. Anything close to that will work. You can use a calculator like willtheyfit.com to visualize the differences between your stock wheels and potential replacements.

E39 will not fit without additional hardware, so what is wrong with that statement?
You can have every wheel technically redrilled but than again... what's the point?

Plenty E34 wheels out there which are plug and play for the E32.

[Bobbyl99]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

They will fit just fine if you purchase a cheap set of (aluminum) spacer rings to fit over the hub-centric location. I have E39 wheels on two E28s and have had them for years. I also own two E39s so I understand the issues. Thanks for your contribution.

I did agree with this point of yours.It ll fit with a set of aluminum spacer rings to fit over the hub-centric location.

[Bishop64]

I fit a set of X3 wheels to the E32. I did have to put spacers to correct the backspacing, but I think they compliment the car nicely as if they could have come with the car. I don't have any rubbing issues and the car rides nicely as if it were on stock wheels and tires.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Bobbyl99

I did agree with this point of yours.It ll fit with a set of aluminum spacer rings to fit over the hub-centric location.

I agree with you agreeing to the agreement.

[M-technik-3]

Here's a e32 with 16" E38 style 5's, they are cheap and plentiful and tire sizes give a nice ride.