Safe to use wheel spacers on X5?

[bigwave2255]

why not just get bigger wheels

[Hal88]

I got HRE 28mm in the rear only, it looks cool and no issues.....I thought you weren't supposed to install spacers in the front for safety reasons.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Hal88

I got HRE 28mm in the rear only, it looks cool and no issues.....I thought you weren't supposed to install spacers in the front for safety reasons.

Some would say that you should never install spacers on any axle, for safety reasons. I'm in that club.

Spacers change the loading on wheel bearings by having the incorrect offset. Expect lower wheel bearing life.

Spacers change the loading on suspension components.

Spacers introduce an additional failure mode by having a second interface at the wheel attachment point. This is because there is now a bending moment applied to the wheel bolts. Safety margins can go down by a multiple of 2 or 3 very easily, even with narrow spacers. The affects of this one point can be partially mitigated by the use of proper hub centric spacers. Using quality spacers with correct hardware helps, but doesn't completely resolve this issue.

Spacers change handling by altering the steering geometry, particularly the scrub radius.

If you want wider looking wheels, the correct approach is to buy wider wheels with the correct offset. Using spacers is just a quick fix to the looks issue, specifically, the outer tire edge location relative to the fender.

That all said, many buy them just for the looks, don't care about the safety or handling issues, and haven't had problems. That's one approach.

[bigwave2255]

well said, i am in complete agreement with you.

i simply dont get it, why would you use spacers to widen the track and then use 18 inch wheels, why not just get bigger wheels and do it right,

cause if you are looking for that wide stance and filled out arches 18 inch wheels dont do it, no matter what spacers you use

[Nik]

Some do it on there 20" wheels to match fander.
Does it change handling performance? increase bodyroll and stuff like that?
Can you use 15mm only at the rear? or front also has to be used not to change stuff up?

[bigwave2255]

if you are using 20 inch factory wheels as i am, you dont need spacers as the wheels are flush with the bodywork at the rear, even if you add the flared arches they will still look good, with out taking the risk of spacers

[4.8isrocks]

I just purchase (4) 17 inch rims for winter 235/65 R 17(of 04 x5 3.0)
What I got now front 275-40R-20w
Rear 315-35r-20w
How many mml spacers do I need In the front and the rear
Plz help me out I don't know wa to do

[dpgx5]

I wouldn't bother putting spacers on for winter... just slap the 17's on with some good tires and call it a day... I don't think anyone would care or mention anything in a blizzard lol

[4.8isrocks]

Originally Posted by dpgx5

I wouldn't bother putting spacers on for winter... just slap the 17's on with some good tires and call it a day... I don't think anyone would care or mention anything in a blizzard lol

Lol thanks for replying
I'm not worry about the look at all
Im concern if it will fit the breaks??

[dpgx5]

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...ter-setup.html

Here is a link with 18's... why dont you just take off the front wheel and test fit it..

shouldnt take more then 15 min... u will have ur answer