E21 15" Wheel Fitments

Received: 10/6/96 9:11 AM From: Larry Hoffman, 104541.344@compuserve.com To: Yuris Dolgikh, yuris@ozemail.com.au From: 104541.344@compuserve.com (Laurence G. Hoffman) To: yuris@ozemail.com.au (Yuris Dolgikh (E21)) CC: e21digest@aol.com (Philip Clark (E21 Digest)

Since Yuris asked, I guess it's time for a reprint, or not...

If you're looking for E21 15" rims the following info may help. Typically, any 4 lug wheel with a 100 mm lug diameter,7" wide or narrower, with an offset of 12 or 13mm will work. I have seen up to 20mm offset work, but it will dependon the rim profile design and width. Basically, with too much offset, the front rim hits the tie rod end/steeringarm. Almost any offset will work in the back. With the right offset, 8" rims could probably be squeezed into the rear wheelwells. Most rims have the offset dimension cast somwhere near the center of the rim, around the lug holes. The offset is usually stated as "Exx" or "ETxx", as in "ET13" or "E13" or "7x15J2ET13" or some other variation. (The 13 signifies 13mm offset. 25 & 28mmare common offsets, but won't work on the front of an E21.) The only 20mm that I've seen that will fit is a BBS rim (part no. KBA 41615). There may be others. If you can find a 20mm rim that will fit, you'll probablyhave less problem with front tire to fender rubbing. I have seen some 7" wide x 13mm offset rims with 205/50 &195/50 tires that rubbed under extreme loads/cornering. Almost any width tire will work ok in the back. (Have I seen 245? For sure 225.) One last, but important consideration is the center hole on the rim. I forget the required diameter, but it is important that the center hole be a snug/close tolerancefit on the hub. This provides the actual wheel centering. The following is a list of rims that I've either owned or actually seen on an E21. ET12 or 13 Mahle BBS 6" & 7" x 15 ET13, cast cross spoke/mesh Melber 7Jx15H2 L141 ET12 KBA40927, cast cross spoke/mesh MiM 7Jx15H2-E13 12 spoke MiM 7x15 (E 12 or 13?), cast cross spoke/mesh MSW type 1962A 7Jx15H2 E12, cast cross spoke/mesh Viking (King?) 7x15H2E12, 20 spoke Alpina look-a-like Alpina KBA40266 7Jx15H2 ET12 20 Spoke Alpina KBA40265 6Jx15H2 ET12 20 Spoke BHS Type 02A 6Jx15H2 E12 20 Spoke BHS Type 03A 7Jx15H2 E12 20 Spoke Aluline 7x15 Rial 7Jx15H2 E12 KBA40552 cast cross spoke/mesh ET20 BBS KBA41615 7x15 ET20 cast cross spoke/mesh Also, I believe the illustrious and revered Mr. Clark has found a Motoform Cobra (?) wheel that is a good fit and looks super. Happy hunting. Larry Hoffman '82 323i

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