Unofficialbmw.com

[MBennett]

Does anyone know from experince, if wheels from the E38 will fit the E32 ?
I am looking at buying a set of factory alloy 16" E38's to put on my 93 740i, but want to make sure they will fit.
Thanks for any help.

[edjack]

Measure two things on your current wheels, and on the ones you are considering: the center hub inside diameter, and the wheel offset. They should be the same for proper fitment and operation.

Measure offset like this:

Lay the wheel (or wheel and tire) face down on a flat surface. Measure the distance from that surface to the back of the wheel (lay a straightedge across the back of the wheel.

Measure the distance from the back of the wheel to the mounting surface. Subtract this value from one half of the above measurement. If negative, the wheel has negative offset (the wheel, when mounted, is "pushed" towards the center of the car.

If positive, the wheel is "pushed" out away from the center of the car.

Do not accept measurements like "backspacing". Always measure the wheels yourself.

BTW, chromed wheels look great for a few years, until the chrome starts pitting and flaking off. Then you will be sorry that you did it.

BTW2, if you do buy aftermarket wheels, make sure they are "hub-centric", which means that the wheel fits onto the hub of the rotor, and is thus centered, as opposed to being centered on the bolts.

Not all BMW models have the same size hub, but newer 7-series wheels will generally fit the previous model.

[rbunch4468]

MBennett...

I also have a '93 E32. I was wondering if you are interested in comparing maintenance notes. I am trying to figure out what kind of maintenance expenses lie ahead.

Let me know if you want to correspond about repairs.

Thanks,

Rick