So I just picked up a set of 16x7 buddy clubs with a 42mm offset.
Even with the slightly wider tires I'm getting mounted on them, I feel it's going to tuck too much for my liking.

I've seen too many posts on here about spacers putting strain on the axles, and other complaints.

I don't think a 5mm spacer on each corner would be any worse than running a lower offset wheel, or a wider wheel, or a heavier wheel.

Any thoughts? And what, where, and how should I be shopping for 5mm spacers?

 

I agree with you on 5mm spacers are no different the using a wheel with with an equivalent offset. My only concern is that the wheel bore having a large enough bevel/chamfer that does not allow the wheel to center on the hub. Though the studs will do a fair job centering the wheel, dont like to rely on the studs alone.. Ive ran 5mm spacers for awhile with no issues. I must say they do little to make a visual difference on how the wheel looks on the car, i just needed for shock clearance

04 R53, Alta 15% pulley, Alta CAI, Alta Exhaust, MSD, Megan Coilovers, Alta Swaybars, JCW Injectors and much more on the wish list

 

I agree with you on 5mm spacers are no different the using a wheel with with an equivalent offset. My only concern is that the wheel bore having a large enough bevel/chamfer that does not allow the wheel to center on the hub. Though the studs will do a fair job centering the wheel, dont like to rely on the studs alone.. Ive ran 5mm spacers for awhile with no issues. I must say they do little to make a visual difference on how the wheel looks on the car, i just needed for shock clearance

04 R53, Alta 15% pulley, Alta CAI, Alta Exhaust, MSD, Megan Coilovers, Alta Swaybars, JCW Injectors and much more on the wish list

 

The debate is kinda just like lowering and the extra stress on axels...the more you varry from stock, the more of a chance you have of having an issue....and spacers ARE just adaptors for the rim to adjust offsets...one negative is you MAY need longer lug bolts, or (depending on the spacer desgin) a stud conversion....
Fact, you are changing the stress lines where the weight is carried by the hubs...maybe shorten their life a bit...but an exact number...who knows....but still a easier/cheaper fix than a cv joint imo!!
I think the important thing is you took the time to ponder the consquesances of doing it, and imo, doing a 5 mm spacer for clearance is fine...heck, compared to what some folks do to get the "stance" look, it sounds pretty mild...and may be a great way to save $$ on the rims!!

 

I wasn't thinking about it for clearance... was I? 16x7 et 42 should clear no problem right? R50 brakes, no coilovers.
I wanted the 5mm for looks.
My previous rims were 7" wide and 35mm offset, and I loved how flush it was, minor rubbing, but still.

 

Sorry, the other poster said something about clearance!
If you can get a set of spacers that fit the car without hubcentric rings....will help prevent you from buying possibly 2 sets, the longer lugbolts (or a stud concersion and lugbolts), and the spacers..getting into some $$.
i ran a set of rims with a stud conversion, but eventually found tuner lugs that fit, and ditched the studs....fit without spacers, but it just added complexity, weight and cost. Just made my winter rim changeover simpler. Just be sure the surfaces on both the spacers and the rims are smooth to get a good, flat surface....i usually add a trace of antisieze to keep them from bonding too tightly from corrosion, etc.....just one more place for something to go wrong. But in all honesty, price the spacers, rims and bolts/studconversion compared to justvgetting rims that fit...parts add up $$ fast. If the rims are inexpensive cause they are used, or "special" one you just have to have on a mini, be ready to spend $$ on tge parts, and the extra time making it all fit right.

 

They're used, but they're special. they're Buddy Club P1 racing SF. I know they're jdm, but I always wanted these rims for some reason. In a perfect world, one where I have a lot of money and a 6 car garage, I would prefer the QF's, but the SF's will do since I'm not tracking the car.

 

nothing wrong with that!!
just a thought from a practical standpoint....
taking them to a shop that does rims to put everything together might be simpler than trying to order the right length lugbolts.
Be sure to post pics!!
Here is a set from a vendor....has a remark about bolt length, but I have a funny feeling those rims might need "TUNER" bolts or a stud+tuner nut conversion like much JDM stuff....
http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-5mm-wheel-spacers.html
i know About the issue of ordering from WMW in the states, but I figure the page is at least useful.