Non-stagger by fitting a pair of Style 87 rear wheels in the front position

[J.Belknap]

Hi guys. I've gotten a bunch of PM's regarding the use of 315's on rear wheels (Style 87) on all four corners. So I'll try to cover all of the questions that I've gotten.

OEM E53 Style 87 wheel/tire fitment: Although this has been covered/known to many, here it is for those who are new/didn't know.

5x120 P.C.D.
72.5 Center bore
14x1.5mm Wheel Bolt

OEM Front on left, OEM Rear on right.



Ok, the questions on using OEM rears all around.

Q. What offset is required to fit them?
A. They are a 10.5" width with +30 offset. This size is fixed. Compared to the factory 9.5" wheel with +45 offset, the 10.5" wheel (this is a WHEEL, not TIRE measurement) will extend into the fender 2mm less, and extend out of the fender an additional 28mm. The BMW part # for this wheel is: 36116753517

Q. Did you go with the same wheel width front to rear?
A. Yes. All four wheels are 10.5" wide.

Q. Is there rubbing?
A. At full steering lock, the outer edge of the 315 (Michelin) tire will "clean" (not rub) the dirt off of the front part of the fender liners. Different tires have different overall widths. The Bridgestone Dueller Sports (non-runflat) that I have on now are slightly wider, but I have not noticed any additional rubbing wear on the front of the fender liners. How often are we at full lock anyhow? And for what duration and speed?

Q. Do I need a spacer up front?
A. No. These wheels fit over the biggest Brembo calipers that we can use. Refer to pictures below.

Q. Do I need fender arches up front?
A. Yes.

Q. Ok, what are the required front fender arch parts?
A. This depends on if you have OEM running boards. I do not have running boards.

Refer to this thread for further running board / fender arch part information

The parts I needed were:

BMW - 51717049867 (Quantity 1) Left front fender flare
BMW - 51717049868 (Quantity 1) Right front fender flare
BMW - 51111944537 (Quantity 20) Plastic rivets
MATCO - PR75 (Quantity 1) Plastic rivet tool

Q. Do I need spacers in the rear?
A. No, but you might want them. I almost said absolutely YES, but it's up to you. This will put more strain on the wheel bearings, but IMHO this needs to be done for compensation to your now 30mm wider front track. Otherwise, I believe (IMHO) that you will feel too much oversteer in the system. The wheel bearings should be checked for play at least twice a year IMHO. Common spacer applications for the rear are 25mm and 30mm. H&R sells hub-centric spacers that come with bolts.

H&R 25mm spacers/bolts - DRA 50757252
H&R 30mm spacers/bolts - DRA 60757252

Q. 25mm or 30mm?? OMG which one?!!??
A. I am using 25mm spacers. Refer to pictures below.

Q. Do I need extended bolts with those spacers?
A. No, they come with bolts to bolt the spacer to hub. You reuse your bolts on the spacer now.

Apply anti-seize between the rotor hat and spacer mating surface
Bolt the spacer to the hub
Torque to 105 ft-lbs
Bolt wheel to spacer
Torque to 105 ft-lbs
Go for a drive.
Take wheels off.
Check spacer bolt torque
Re-install wheels
Go for a drive
Check wheel bolt torque.

Q. Well what if I don't have rear fender arches? Do I need a rear spacer?
A. No, you don't. But, you do need fender arches up front, and for aesthetics/handling, you might want to purchase fender arches/spacers for the rear.

Q. Ok, what parts do I need for the rear fender arches?
A. Did not apply to me. The answer depends on if you have OEM running boards, or aero package. I do not have running boards. I do have the 4.6iS aero package. Refer again to this thread:

Refer again to this thread for further running board / fender arch part information

Q. So with the sandblasting issues that the X5M and X6M have on the lower sides of the body due to debris being launched up from the front tires, do I need front mudflaps?
A. I don't know. I bought front mudflaps, but have not installed them. After 10K miles of this setup, I have not noticed any sandblasting from front tire debris. If I do begin to notice it, I will install the front mudflaps and update the thread.

Refer to this thread for more information/pics of the front mudflaps.

Q. Can I rotate the 315/35/20 tires now?
A. Yes, Rearward-Cross or X-Pattern if tires are not directional. Front-to-Rear if the tires are directional.

Q. Will I feel the extra unsprung mass during acceleration and deceleration?
A. Yes.

Q. So that means less gas mileage?
A. Yes. Although to a negligible degree.

Q. Will the X5 tramline in the ruts of the road more now?
A. Yes.

Q. Will steering be heavier/require more effort?
A. Yes.

Q. Will the X5 hydroplane sooner in the wet?
A. Yes. Be careful. Get used to the new feedback.

Q. Is there less understeer?
A. If you installed 25mm or 30mm rear spacers, no. If you did not, yes. There is less lateral weight transference on the axle(s) that had track width increased.

Q. Would you do it all over again?
A. ABSOLUTELY. The traction in the dry and turn-in feel is night and day better (IMHO). Note that my feedback is dependent on more than just slapping the wider front wheels on. The rear spacers balanced F/R track widths. Replacement of front LCA's and swaybar bushings was performed. Alignment was performed. Wheel bearing condition was checked. Don't look over normal maintenance guys, this should come first. If you have non-sport sway bars/struts/springs, your feedback may be different. I'm sure the engineers got it right, and that's why I'm not messing with the "system" further than:

- wider front wheels/tires.
- rear spacers to "maintain" the F/R track width "ratio" as best as I can.

Pictures:











Hope that helps,

- J