Maybe this subject has been “beat to death” but I’m having some difficulty researching the information.

To call myself a “newbie” would be an understatement! HaHa!
I have a 2006 S R53, completely stock. Recently did a complete suspension overhaul; new bushings, shocks, struts, etc...all the way around. Would like to get (visually speaking) a more aggressive look from the factory 17” rims.

The subject of wheel spacers kept popping up.
That being said, since I don’t understand how the offset info is calculated, ideas on how I can “push” the rims outward without compromising handling, etc...Not really in a position (financially) to change the rims / tires.

Any help / advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

Depending on the size of spacer you plan to run, new lug bolts are required. Many people have stated you can run 5mm on stock length. Others say they "seen a guy" running them and the wheel fell off

I believe in better safe than sorry. I like my wheels on the car (as I'm sure many do). I have 5mm h&r spacers, and plan to swap in studs before I run them.

One piece of advise I can give you that everyone will agree on. Don't cheap out on anything you get (studs, bolts, or spacers)

​​​​​​https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tires-wheels-and-brakes/162457-aggressive-fitment-minis-post-pics.html

This might help you get an idea of the offset you want
Sorry I suck at posting links...

 

I would not run spacers. Period.

The steering and handling can easily be disturbed - including dartiness under braking on uneven traction, poor wheel feedback, increased torque steer.

I have run and raced R53 on wheels from OEM to 15x8, and never used a spacer.

What wheels and tires are you running at present?

And by the way, all the work you mentioned should have you grinning when you drive - are you grinning?

Cheers,

Charlie

 

...what? I mean, sure, you COULD do that, but it's not often the case. Otherwise, all those STX folks who bought lower offset wheels but kept the same width made their cars darty and added torque-steer?


OP, it's pretty straight forward... a spacer will push the wheels towards the outside of the vehicle by the thickness of the spacer. If the spacer is essentially a large thick washer, then it simplifies things. If the spacer includes pressed in wheel studs, then it gets slightly more complicated.
You will want to switch to a lug studs, instead of wheel bolts though, since studs allow you to put on spacers without having to buy new wheel bolts for the length of the spacer you purchase.
Don't let the neurotics scare you from wheel spacers though, 95% of the people who run them have little to no issues.

Ultimately though, you want the proper wheel/tire fitment and avoid using wheel spacers.

check: https://www.willtheyfit.com/ to plug in some numbers of what would work best.

 

I’m grinning every time I get in and drive! The current setup are the factory 17’ wheels and Ventus V2 205/40/17 (I think those are the right tire dimensions)(maybe 45)
I just think they should be pushed outward, equal to the fender edge...

I guess it’s really just a matter of appearance...

 

See, there in lies my dilemma...How do you determine the correct spacer size?

 

Running OEM 17” on Ventus V2 205/45/17 (or 205/40) can’t remember as I type this right now...
I did buy ECS 20mm spacers and new wheel studs, but they may be too wide. I simply took a rough measurement from the tire edge to the fender lip...

 

15-20mm is about right the bring the OEM wheels and tires oil line with the fender. If you get any rubbing with the 20mm spacer, just add a little camber to bring it back in.

 

Try to get a wheel you don’t have to use spacers. I’m using spacers to get my wheels where I want them and don’t have a problem with them.

 

Spacing the front wheels away from center, screws with the "scrub radius". This in turn slows the turning action of the car, or...scrubs the tires, rather than having them turn properly and not scuff the tires around the corners.

Changing wheels is fine, just try to keep the center of the "rim" where the BMW/Mini guys designed it to be.

Mike

 

Just make sure you don't do this



Some guy at a car meet in Nashville TN showed up with it

 

Rulers.
Measure the top of the wheel's outer most edge to the fender. that's the space you want to reduce, buy the appropriate thickness spacer.

 

We have the video here.

 

That’s the look I am going for! Love the pic!