Were the spacers hub centric (72.56mm)? Did you have hub centric wheel adapters to take up the extra space on the E70's larger center bore (72.56 to 74.1mm)? Either of those things not being hub centric, and the correct center bore, will make it much more difficult to center the wheels.

I bought a set of e70 wheels for wife's X5. The spacers are required. If the mechanic just used lug bolts carefully that is a temporary fix. You need spacers to run e70 wheels on an e53. Also: use the plastic ones. The aluminum are great until you need to remove one to work on the car or use a spare tire!

using plastic spacers sounds like the worst idea I have heard in a VERY long time

always use a little bit of anti seize and you wont have problems

Incorrect terms being used here. The correct term for what is required is hub-centric rings (not spacers) - and these are certainly often plastic, although metal one are available. They have very low load on them and only serve to keep the wheel centered on the hub - they do not space the wheel (outwards) in any way.

Spacers on the other hand - yeah, plastic would be bad. Spacers are virtually illegal here - you can use them but you then have to have the vehicle re-certified by a qualified engineer - which costs huge $. Many folk do run them but with no certification (which is illegal and is an instant fail on the annual safety checks we have).

I believe he is referring to the hub rings, not spacers. Also, make sure whoever is bolting on the wheel torques them preloaded(not completely on ground.) Basically lowering the vehicle til enough weight to torque without spinning the wheel/tire assembly.

Ninja edit, someone beat me to it.

I was looking up the proper name for the rings since spacer does usually mean the thick metal ring that moves the wheel away from centerline.


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Quoting myself to correct my post. Brain farted and forgot the term "rings." :rolleyes:

Here is the latest poor financial decision I've made.

https://i.postimg.cc/63QJvJH6/20190712_130107[1].jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/HLz1ns9P/20190712_162000[1].jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/Ls2MmZL1/20190712_162010[1].jpg

Bought 3 of the OE 420L roof boxes from the dealer today. The parts dept director hated having them around and made me a deal I could not refuse. In my defense, I asked the wife about buying one and SHE said to buy all 3. :D So I obliged. One will go on the E61 wagon, Mouse said he wanted one, and the other will be painted imola red/black to go onto the E53.

I would love to do this too!:thumbup:

But I don't have anymore space ( too much car parts and other doodads) in the garage if not using it.

Eagerly awaiting on your Imola with the roof box mounted with matching paint on it!:D

Gonna have to keep up with the "CW's" and paint mine sterling. :kiss3:

Looking forward to some pics mounted! :thumbup: