E38 M-Parallels on E34?

[BigD]

I'm sure this has been answered a thousand times before but I hope I can get 1001. I tried searching for the answer but google comes up with so much crap on this rim it's depressing.

Anyway, can someone give me a definitive yes/no on using the E38 M parallels on the E34? I hear mixed things. Some say no, others say maybe depending on tire, still others say yes...

Bruno, what rims does Bobby have?

Thanks!

[George M]

The answer is yes and it depends on tires. All E-38 tires are larger in diameter than E-32 and E-34. You therefore need a shorter tire with M//'s to fit on an E-34 which means you can run the same tire width as what is on the E-38 but need a lower aspect ratio tire. E-38 M// aspect ratio of 50 will not fit or will be very tight/over spec in tire "height". Why incidently M//'s are more comfortable on an E-38....more side wall to absorb road shock as compared to the same wheels on an E-34.
HTH,
George

[BigD]

Sorry George, I should have been more clear. By "fit" I meant the width. I know the M5 M parallels are specifically made to fit the E34. But would the E38 wheels rub on the E34? (and the "maybe"'s I heard were related to how wide a tire you get - althought that doesn't make much sense to me)

Thanks!


The answer is yes and it depends on tires. All E-38 tires are larger in diameter than E-32 and E-34. You therefore need a shorter tire with M//'s to fit on an E-34 which means you can run the same tire width as what is on the E-38 but need a lower aspect ratio tire. E-38 M// aspect ratio of 50 will not fit or will be very tight/over spec in tire "height". Why incidently M//'s are more comfortable on an E-38....more side wall to absorb road shock as compared to the same wheels on an E-34.
HTH,
George

[George M]

the E-38 wheel width and offset will fit an E-34 fine. 235/255 front and back tire widths will work fine too. E-38 50 series aspect ratio tires will not fit...too tall.
The E-38 rear 9.5 wide wheel with 255mm width tire will be very tight to the rear strut of an E-34.
George

[BigD]

So what would you recommend? Staying away from these altogether? Get spacer or do nothing and just get them with a 255 tire out back?

Thanks again


the E-38 wheel width and offset will fit an E-34 fine. 235/255 front and back tire widths will work fine too. E-38 50 series aspect ratio tires will not fit...too tall.
The E-38 rear 9.5 wide wheel with 255mm width tire will be very tight to the rear strut of an E-34.
George

[jjg43]

I'm sure this has been answered a thousand times before but I hope I can get 1001. I tried searching for the answer but google comes up with so much crap on this rim it's depressing.

Anyway, can someone give me a definitive yes/no on using the E38 M parallels on the E34? I hear mixed things. Some say no, others say maybe depending on tire, still others say yes...

Bruno, what rims does Bobby have?

Thanks! I have E38 18x8 on the front with 245/40/18 and E39 18x9 (w/ hubcentric ring) on the rear with 265/35/18 and it works fine. The car also has H&R lowering springs and Bilstein sports.