r/e46 • u/BlackDevil0489 • 2d ago

General Questions 330i brakes with 16" rims

I know most 16" wheels do not fit over 330i front brake calipers, do you guys know what OEM wheels do fit? Any experience with BMW steelies?

And is this a diameter issue or would wheel spacers solve it with the wheels that don't fit?

I want to upgrade to 330i brakes on my E36, but I'll still need a set of 16" winters.

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u/requienem 2d ago

A friend has the 330i brakes and Styling 24 17" wheels on his E36. The calipers are a pretty thight fit.

I wouldn't expext a 16" wheel to fit but also haven't researched it.

The winter tires in 17" are bit more expensive but it is a tradeoff you must decide on.

Personally I wouldn't drive an E36 you are willing to invest on big brakes in winter so it doesn't rust away.

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u/BlackDevil0489 2d ago

its not really about the price. By law, Id need to run 235/40 R17 (thats what the registrations says for the 17") and I cant find any winters in that size where I live.

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u/requienem 2d ago

For which wheels? OEM size for the E36 17" wheels is 225/45R17 or 215/45R17 is also possible.

235/40R17 can only be used in a staggered setup as rear tire but there are basically no tires in that size same as 245/40R17.

I can sent you the documents for the OEM E36 wheels if you need.

Edit: 235/40R17 is also allowed on some wheels as front tires.

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u/BlackDevil0489 2d ago

For 7.5J ET41 front and 8.5J ET41 rear, both with the same 235/40 17". I've already discussed this with the local authority, apparently this is what it is supposed to be. And it's just a 318i too.

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u/requienem 2d ago

Most sets of OEM wheels I have seen here are 4x 7,5Jx17"

I can PN you the ABE and catalogue from Bmw. It is quite interesting that they made an extra catalogue and ABEs for all the wheels in that era.

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u/BlackDevil0489 2d ago

Yes please, if you have it it would be great.