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[karbosshack]

Hi, I just got my new wheels/tires put on, and I could really use some spacers in the rear. However, the guys at discount tire told me that they really don't recommend it, as spacers are bad for my car/wheels.

Can somebody explain to me the potential dangers/the consequences of spacers and if I should really be that concerned?

[E30M3Driver]

Their advice is all bunk. Use a quality spacer, with correctly sized bolts and it is a non-issue. Use a crappy spacer, wheel bolts that are too short, and um, well take your chances.

I use 15mm H&R spacers on my M3, on the track, and it works great. Really thinking about them for my 330i.

[ItalyBMW325]

I would not say that the info is completely wrong. I am no expert but some countries its illegal to use spacers.. I am sure this is for a reason.

[fletcher969]

As suggested...use quality spacers with extended bolts, and you'll have no problems. H&R as suggested is a good product, as are Rogue Engineering spacers which I purchased. I purchased the 15mm spacers for my 330i/ZSP/162-style wheels, and I absolutely love the result!

[karbosshack]

Thanks guys! Can somebody tell me why they would say it's dangerous? I don't understand what could "potentially" happen.

[ward]

potentially you get spacers, use stock bolts and the reduced penetration of the bolt into the wheel makes your wheel fall off

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by karbosshack

Thanks guys! Can somebody tell me why they would say it's dangerous? I don't understand what could "potentially" happen.

If the wheel studs are too short, there will not be enough grip on the threads to hold the wheels on. Eventually they will work themselves out, or worse yet, break out of the wheel hub. As mentioned earlier, if you get a high quality spacer that comes with the appropriate length studs this won't be an issue.

[noflash]

As I underunderstand the danger is that with the wheel further out there is more pressure on the bolt and that pressure is in two places as opposed to one -- both sides of the spacer.

Think about trying to break a long stick as opposed to a short stick.

I've also hear that they are not allowed on many tracks.

[noflash]

P.S. Mike Miller of Roundel and Bimmer mag recently recommended against them (but he's really conservative on all modding).

P.P.S. And lastly, I just recalled a rather guido roommate in college who had spacers on his Dodge Ram. He said once on the interstate, he saw his left front wheel cruising a few feet away from him and slowly coasting away. He then coated on three wheel to a stop in the breakdown lane at which point his truck creaked forward and thunk! I realize this is the extreme, but you asked the dangers of spacers.

[E30M3Driver]

Originally Posted by noflash

As I underunderstand the danger is that with the wheel further out there is more pressure on the bolt and that pressure is in two places as opposed to one -- both sides of the spacer.

Think about trying to break a long stick as opposed to a short stick.

I've also hear that they are not allowed on many tracks.

A proper, high quality spacer that is TUV approved will be hubcentric. The hub rings distribute the force from the wheel to the spacer to the hub, or without a spacer, from the wheel to the hub. A lug bolt that is extended by the length of the spacer will provide the same thread engagement as your standard bolt. Properly torqued, it is a valid and safe connection.

Use of a non-hubcentric spacer of significant thickness is BAD and can create the situation you describe.

Yes, many tracks and many race series organizers, do not allow spacers, but I HEAR that MANY, MANY do. Including PCA, BMW CCA and SCCA Club Racing, World Challenge, and NASCAR. So what does that mean?

Heck spacers even came from the factory on certain model Porsche Carreras.

Bottomline: properly engineered, selected and fitted spacers are safe and effective for street and track.

[noflash]

Originally Posted by E30M3Driver

A proper, high quality spacer that is TUV approved will be hubcentric. The hub rings distribute the force from the wheel to the spacer to the hub, or without a spacer, from the wheel to the hub. A lug bolt that is extended by the length of the spacer will provide the same thread engagement as your standard bolt. Properly torqued, it is a valid and safe connection.

Use of a non-hubcentric spacer of significant thickness is BAD and can create the situation you describe.

Yes, many tracks and many race series organizers, do not allow spacers, but I HEAR that MANY, MANY do. Including PCA, BMW CCA and SCCA Club Racing, World Challenge, and NASCAR. So what does that mean?

Heck spacers even came from the factory on certain model Porsche Carreras.

Bottomline: properly engineered, selected and fitted spacers are safe and effective for street and track.

I don't deny any of that. This guy was asking what the dangers were and everyone was saying there weren't any. I just wanted the guy to know where the "dangerous" label was coming from.

[karbosshack]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I can't decide whether to get them or not. Are they difficult to install on your own?

NoFlash that story of your roommate sucks but is hilarious!

[noflash]

Should be as easy to install as changing your wheel.

Like the guys say, get a good brand and you'll be alright.

Or, don't sweat the small stuff and leave 'em be.

My wife used to think I was crazy to obsess about an inch in ride height or wheel size. Imagine her response if I told her I really wanted to move my wheels out 10 mm!

[karbosshack]

Originally Posted by noflash

My wife used to think I was crazy to obsess about an inch in ride height or wheel size. Imagine her response if I told her I really wanted to move my wheels out 10 mm!

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by karbosshack

Thanks for all the responses guys. I can't decide whether to get them or not. Are they difficult to install on your own?

NoFlash that story of your roommate sucks but is hilarious!

Literally took me about 5 minutes a wheel to install them which included the usual tire removal process (loosening bolts, jacking car, bolt and tire removal, and reverse installation). Actual spacer installation takes about 10 seconds with another 10 or so seconds to rip the back of bolts open! It's an absolute no-brainer installation.

[Bimmer4Life]

Originally Posted by fletcher969

Literally took me about 5 minutes a wheel to install them which included the usual tire removal process (loosening bolts, jacking car, bolt and tire removal, and reverse installation). Actual spacer installation takes about 10 seconds with another 10 or so seconds to rip the back of bolts open! It's an absolute no-brainer installation.

Can yoou kindly provide us with some pics of the new look of your car with those 15mm spacers. Will the tyres rub on the fenders? This is a silly question but: Only two spacers are required for the car, correct?

[Bimmer4Life]

Originally Posted by fletcher969

Literally took me about 5 minutes a wheel to install them which included the usual tire removal process (loosening bolts, jacking car, bolt and tire removal, and reverse installation). Actual spacer installation takes about 10 seconds with another 10 or so seconds to rip the back of bolts open! It's an absolute no-brainer installation.

Can you kindly provide us with some pics of the new look of your car with those 15mm spacers. Will the tyres rub on the fenders? This is a silly question but: Only two spacers are required for the car, correct?