Topic: Help! Grinding on new Sports Edition rims..

[hctu]

Hi,
I have a 2011 BMW 328 xDrive Executive Edition.  It came with the BMW 285 wheels which are 225/45/R17 ET34.  I purchased a set of Sports Edition KV5 17" running on the same 225/45/R17 Michelin XIce2 tires.  When I installed it though, all four wheels are grinding - a bit like something rubbing on the disc brakes.  I'm not sure if these rims are too tight or what - they say they have a 40mm offset compared to the 34mm on the OEM's.  Should that cause a problem?  1010tires (and Tirerack) websites says they should fit, but it sure doesn't sound like it.  Anyone have any ideas how I can test for clearance, etc.?  To my untrained eye, it looks like there is lots of clearance (except I can't see the offset part).  Thanks!

[aquadorhj]

Hi,
I have a 2011 BMW 328 xDrive Executive Edition.  It came with the BMW 285 wheels which are 225/45/R17 ET34.  I purchased a set of Sports Edition KV5 17" running on the same 225/45/R17 Michelin XIce2 tires.  When I installed it though, all four wheels are grinding - a bit like something rubbing on the disc brakes.  I'm not sure if these rims are too tight or what - they say they have a 40mm offset compared to the 34mm on the OEM's.  Should that cause a problem?  1010tires (and Tirerack) websites says they should fit, but it sure doesn't sound like it.  Anyone have any ideas how I can test for clearance, etc.?  To my untrained eye, it looks like there is lots of clearance (except I can't see the offset part).  Thanks!

if the wheels are really grinding, it doesn't fit.

34 to 40 mm offset is pretty huge. (6 mm LESS clearance for the discs and calipers)

if i were you, i would take them off.  if they really grind(ed) you can easily tell by new scuffs/wears on the brake caliper, as that will most likely rub first.


if the wheels DO fit correctly, which is still a possibility and judging by bimmer forums they should fit but you still have to consider the spoke style..., then what you are hearing may be the frozen snows stuck in the wheel well rubbing against the tire...

why don't you post a pic of the rim on the car?

[No H2O]

To my untrained eye, it looks like there is lots of clearance (except I can't see the offset part).

Jack up the car and while rotating each wheel by hand, listen to hear what is grinding, which to me is metal to metal contact. There should be about 5 mm of clearance between a brake caliper and wheel spoke.

Next, turn the front wheels fully both ways to see if the inside of the tires rub against the inner body panels. Mind you, that'll happen during parking.

Next, visually inspect (get a trouble light) the fender lips to see if the tire is rubbing.

You should have just bought used BMW rims that so many sell to so-call upgrade.

Another thought is to go down in wheel size a tad while maintaining the same overall diameter. Its better for winter driving.

[Art]

Your new wheels are mounted with the rim 6mm closer to the suspension, which is usually acceptable.  But the inside of the rim could be rubbing on a suspension or steering component.  Another possibility is the shape/thickness of the spokes do not give enough clearance for the caliper.  When you remove a wheel you will easily see where it is rubbing.

Good luck

[auto_enthusiast]

It could also be the wheel weights, depending on type and where they're located.  Like others have said, jack the car up and spin the tires in the air to see where the contact is occuring.

One other question - are the wheels that you got the same width as the OEM rims? Wider rims would compound the offset difference that you have.

[ktm525]

Could be spoke design. Offsets could check out etc but different wheels have different spoke profiles which can cause rub rub rubbing.