PROBLEM: Tire rubbing on fender HELP!

ThuAnswr3 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2003, 08:29 PM

I just purchased a new set of Katana 18x7.5" wheels and tires (Kumho Ecsta 225/40/18's) for my 1993 325is and I have a little bit of a rubbing problem because my car is lowered a substantial amount on Eibach Sportline springs. Now apparently my wheel wells have already been chizzled down a little bit from the previous owner. So what i'm wanting to know is if I should just get stiffer shocks? maybe change tire sizes? If anyone knows of any good ideas PLEASE let me know! Thanks a lot!

pappa_lude · #2 (**permalink**) 09-19-2003, 08:52 PM

I would say you have about 3 option that I can think of:
1) Lower profile tires
2) Raise your car.(I would get adjustable coilovers)
3) Roll your fenders

Good Luck!!!

///M-Bramage · #3 (**permalink**) 09-19-2003, 08:55 PM

wrong offset... those should fit fine. You could get 245 under each fender. What is the offset, and if your not sure, go ask the guys you got the from

ThuAnswr3 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-20-2003, 01:18 AM

Is it spendy to roll the fenders? What takes place when you do that? I also noticed tonight when I was driving, that the noise seemed to be coming from the back left of the car, almost like a squeeking scratching noise when i would turn right or go over a slight dip in the street. So it might not even be the tires rubbing (especially since they have no marks on the outer lips of them). But I dunno, any other suggestions? Thanks again

///M-Bramage · #5 (**permalink**) 09-20-2003, 06:30 AM

Could be rubbing inside in the strut. Pull a tire and give it a real good insoection.

Rolling the feners is where they simply eliminate the lip inside the quarter panel by pressing it back flat. Tha will give you about 1/2 inch max, but I still think you may have the wrong offset.

Lets say the wheel is 8in... If it were 50/50, there would be 4" on either side of the centerline. BMW's use a couple different offsets, and it is important to know what offset (Front and Rear) when you order rims. What are the specifics of the wheels you bought and did you discuss with the seller the application you were putting them on?

Good luck!!

ThuAnswr3 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2003, 03:35 AM

The specs on the wheels are as follows:
18x7.5" all around
35mm offset
5x120
The wheels were made to fit my car, I got them off of WheelMax.com and when I ordered, they made it clear they were the correct application.
So what happens if there is rubbing inside the strut? Can i modify something. Thanks for all your help

///M-Bramage · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2003, 08:47 AM

35MM is the standard offset (to the best of my knowlage) and 18X7.5 should fit all the way around. I plan on an 18" upgrade, so I am very interested in what you have going on. Is it front back or both that rub? Have you found where execty it's running (inside or out)?