Spacers Question

[Edge647]

To keep myself busy while they build my X5d and deliver it in Nov (?), I've bought 214's and flares.

Now my questions are:

1. What size spacers do I need to give the same look/setup as the stock 4.8i with 20's?

2. What do people recommend?

Thanks again!

[rh71]

Even stock OEM 214s you're going to be tucked in under the flares a bit. A couple other members here recommended I try the 20mm in the rear and it looks great in my opinion. 15mm for the front. It was quite a noticeable difference in person afterward. http://www.turnermotorsport.com/ (call)

[Edge647]

Originally Posted by rh71

Even stock OEM 214s you're going to be tucked in under the flares a bit. A couple other members here recommended I try the 20mm in the rear and it looks great in my opinion. 15mm for the front. It was quite a noticeable difference in person afterward. Turner Motorsport | BMW Performance Parts, OEM BMW Parts & BMW Accessories (call)

Nice pics - I see that you've recently added them to your Flicker! I browsed your pics a few weeks ago 214 examples

So, a stock 4.8i with 20's - staggered setup but the wheels are still a little tucked in? I can honestly say that I've steered away from looking at them on the lot in case the temptation was too much! Maybe I should go take a peek now that the order is submitted.

And just to clarify...

Pic on the left - with spacers?
Pic on the right - without spacers?

Cheers

[rh71]

^ they are both WITH spacers... I guess it depends on the angle. It actually looks better in person. Because of the negative camber the top of the wheel still looks slightly tucked in but toward the bottom it's pretty much even with the flare. Basically, it's even more tucked in when stock (with rear 20x11", front 20x10" - the typical 4.8 staggered wheels). Unfortunately I don't have a good angle pic of that.

[Edge647]

Thanks for clearing that up for me - much clearer with your explanation of the camber.

So the stock models DON'T have OEM spacers? I see that the Porsche website has the option to buy 17mm spacers

Thanks for the advice - I do like the look of 10 (front) and 20 (rear) on yours.

[King]

Originally Posted by Edge647

To keep myself busy while they build my X5d and deliver it in Nov (?), I've bought 214's and flares.

Now my questions are:

1. What size spacers do I need to give the same look/setup as the stock 4.8i with 20's?

2. What do people recommend?

Thanks again!

Your do not spacers to get the same setup as the 4.8i with 20's. If you throw 20's on your X5d with the wider flares, it will look exactly like the 4.8i setup. There are no factory spacers on the 4.8i or any other model. While I lowered my 4.8 and installed 21's, I actually decided against spacers as that is the one component that will cause the most stress on suspension components. It CAN be corrected with a proper alignment, but it will initially throw off everything from the toe, camber and alignment to tire wear! But to some, looks are more important...

[rh71]

Originally Posted by Edge647

Thanks for clearing that up for me - much clearer with your explanation of the camber.

So the stock models DON'T have OEM spacers? I see that the Porsche website has the option to buy 17mm spacers

Thanks for the advice - I do like the look of 10 (front) and 20 (rear) on yours.

just a clarification - the fronts have 15mm spacers.

[Edge647]

Originally Posted by King

Your do not spacers to get the same setup as the 4.8i with 20's. If you throw 20's on your X5d with the wider flares, it will look exactly like the 4.8i setup. There are no factory spacers on the 4.8i or any other model. While I lowered my 4.8 and installed 21's, I actually decided against spacers as that is the one component that will cause the most stress on suspension components. It CAN be corrected with a proper alignment, but it will initially throw off everything from the toe, camber and alignment to tire wear! But to some, looks are more important...

Thanks for the info - I'm still undecided about the spacers.

I might try the natural staggered look...if not staggered enough for me, then go with the spacers after a bit.

Right now, looks like I will need winter's on there before the 214's get put on.

[Denalio]

I am not a fan for spacers. Just one more component to worry about and that is not factory. More stress on ball joints and wheel bearings. Will they seat properly against the hub? Need to change to longer lugs...more stress, Alignment and tire wear issues. Aluminum spacer need to be cleaned and re-coated from time to time due to water, salt build up causing corrosion.What happens to the factory warranty if a part component or suspension issue/failure.....void warranty.

[Edge647]

Thanks Denalio - This is starting to be an easier decision, post by post.