Spacers...how much is too much?

zeroboot · 09-04-2015, 02:59 PM

Hi Everyone,

Over the summer Ive been running a set of 22" HREs. Because the offsets are not optimal for X5M, they are running with custom made spacers. I have 25mm front and 30mm rear. This brings the wheels in line perfectly with the fender flares. However, recently I have noticed a droning noise from the front, which I suspect is a wheel bearing issue. I will find out next week when I bring it in for mtce. (I might also jack it up and see if theres any vertical play, which pretty much confirms wheel bearing).

My question is, is 25mm too much for the front end wheel bearings to deal with? That may be a subjective question, but maybe someone on here has a similar experience. I know alot of people run 10, 12, 15mm front spacers, but I have not seen too many with 25mm.

thanks,
jb

m5james · 09-04-2015, 05:44 PM

Whether it's offset via a machine face on the wheel or using a spacer to push it out as far as you like, those same loads will get exurted one way or another. For the first time in my life I'm running a set of spacers, 1" on the rear of my X5M to give a little better fitment for the Niche wheels that came installed on it. My 01 X5 before this was lowered on staggered iForged 20's, perfect fitment, sold with 147k and zero bearing issues. My other truck is a Harley F150, staggered ADV1 22's, but it'll be needing 1" spacers upfront and 1.5" spacers in the rear. Point still remains though, be it through spacers or thicker machined hub/wheel faces to push the wheels out, the load bearing changes aren't directly related to the spacers. Being that it's a 2011, maybe it's just a mileage thing and they're simply worn out.

Doc GTO · 09-05-2015, 03:01 PM

A lot of members like 15 front and 25 rear but for me, that seems to push them right to the absolute edge. I don't want the tires throwing stones onto the pant so I went with 12.5 fronts and 20 rears. Wider but not to the outer edge. Came out nice. I used ECS Tuning spacers with matching lug bolts. I also have H&R 1/1.2 inch drop and a custom alignment.

side view (usually the truck has -2.5 camber but I reduced mine to -1 so it brings the top of the rear tire out some)

m5james · 09-05-2015, 03:19 PM

Before and after using free 1" spacers I got from a friend. Eventually I'll get 22's with the correct fitment though.

mitch808 · 09-06-2015, 10:07 AM

Doc GTO summed it up nicely. 12/20 or 15/25 are the most common fitment when using OEM BMW wheels.

When folks move to a different wheel/offset, usually that wheel has the proper offset for the look you are going for. If not, you can possibly use a spacer and adjust accordingly.

There is no math or formula that would apply to tell you how much more wear you may get on a wheel bearing by going to a higher offset or larger spacer. It's the trade off you take when modifying your car.

JupiterBMW · 09-06-2015, 11:37 PM

I've got a fairly related question, so I'm going to post it here, since we're talking spacer widths...

I have 15s up front right now, happy with that, but I was only planning on doing 20s out back (agree some with what Doc said above). Either way, I've been thinking about the H&R setup that bolts to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the spacer using stock bolts.

I'm curious if anyone has had any thoughts about bolting the wheel to the aluminum spacer? Have there been any concerns about bolting the wheels to aluminum vs the steel hub??

Something to discuss...

PAX5 · 09-07-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

I've got a fairly related question, so I'm going to post it here, since we're talking spacer widths...

I have 15s up front right now, happy with that, but I was only planning on doing 20s out back (agree some with what Doc said above). Either way, I've been thinking about the H&R setup that bolts to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the spacer using stock bolts.

I'm curious if anyone has had any thoughts about bolting the wheel to the aluminum spacer? Have there been any concerns about bolting the wheels to aluminum vs the steel hub??

Something to discuss...

Never tried it, but the idea scares me away for the simple reason that you are adding many more pieces to the hub that can/will contribute to wheel vibration ... i.e. you now have 10 bolts/nuts (or studs) instead of 5 ...

No?

zeroboot · 09-08-2015, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

I've got a fairly related question, so I'm going to post it here, since we're talking spacer widths...

I have 15s up front right now, happy with that, but I was only planning on doing 20s out back (agree some with what Doc said above). Either way, I've been thinking about the H&R setup that bolts to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the spacer using stock bolts.

I'm curious if anyone has had any thoughts about bolting the wheel to the aluminum spacer? Have there been any concerns about bolting the wheels to aluminum vs the steel hub??

Something to discuss...

that is actually exactly what I have right now...the spacers are bolted to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the spacers using the stock lug bolts. I had an issue with vibration up front, but that was easily solved with a road force balance. I havent personally heard of any issues bolting the wheels to Al/Mg spacers vs steel.

JupiterBMW · 09-08-2015, 02:06 PM

Awesome, I'm sure if it were a problem, we wouldn't be the first to find out, lots of people have been spacing that way for awhile. Just wanted to know if anyone else had thought about it.

mitch808 · 09-08-2015, 02:50 PM

A bit of preparedness goes a long way....

get a wire brush to remove any surface rust on the hub
Apply anti-seize on the hub face and bolts to prevent any galvanic corrosion, which can happen with two dissimilar metals in contact. It wont stop it, but it's preventative medicine.

zeroboot · 09-08-2015, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch808

A bit of preparedness goes a long way....

get a wire brush to remove any surface rust on the hub
Apply anti-seize on the hub face and bolts to prevent any galvanic corrosion, which can happen with two dissimilar metals in contact. It wont stop it, but it's preventative medicine.

hmm....I wouldnt advise anti-seize except on the lip of the hub itself, never on the face of the hub...same for the bolts, as it will mess up the torque-ability and result in over torquing.

Metalbeast · 09-24-2015, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m5james

Before and after using free 1" spacers I got from a friend. Eventually I'll get 22's with the correct fitment though.

that looks good, but i guess it depends on the rim size and tire width which spacer you'd need, if they are aftermarket wheels

m5james · 09-24-2015, 11:36 PM

Thank you. I bought it with staggered Niche Milan 20's, 275f and 315r. They're decent, just not the right offset.

X5ist · 09-25-2015, 12:45 AM

20mm and 30mm H&R with 1.2" drop H&R springs no problems at all

Crazy1323 · 09-25-2015, 05:51 PM

When I was running stock 299 wheels, I used 12.5mm up front and 20mm rear. I'd say it was perfect and wouldn't go any wider.

Metalbeast · 10-18-2015, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5ist

20mm and 30mm H&R with 1.2" drop H&R springs no problems at all

love that stance

09-04-2015, 02:59 PM	#1
zeroboot Private 8 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2011 X5M - sometimes Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: edmonton,ab iTrader: (1)	Spacers...how much is too much? Hi Everyone, Over the summer Ive been running a set of 22" HREs. Because the offsets are not optimal for X5M, they are running with custom made spacers. I have 25mm front and 30mm rear. This brings the wheels in line perfectly with the fender flares. However, recently I have noticed a droning noise from the front, which I suspect is a wheel bearing issue. I will find out next week when I bring it in for mtce. (I might also jack it up and see if theres any vertical play, which pretty much confirms wheel bearing). My question is, is 25mm too much for the front end wheel bearings to deal with? That may be a subjective question, but maybe someone on here has a similar experience. I know alot of people run 10, 12, 15mm front spacers, but I have not seen too many with 25mm. thanks, jb
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09-04-2015, 05:44 PM	#2
m5james Colonel 431 Rep 2,062 Posts Drives: '10 X5M Alpine White on Sakhir Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Marysville, WA iTrader: (0)	Whether it's offset via a machine face on the wheel or using a spacer to push it out as far as you like, those same loads will get exurted one way or another. For the first time in my life I'm running a set of spacers, 1" on the rear of my X5M to give a little better fitment for the Niche wheels that came installed on it. My 01 X5 before this was lowered on staggered iForged 20's, perfect fitment, sold with 147k and zero bearing issues. My other truck is a Harley F150, staggered ADV1 22's, but it'll be needing 1" spacers upfront and 1.5" spacers in the rear. Point still remains though, be it through spacers or thicker machined hub/wheel faces to push the wheels out, the load bearing changes aren't directly related to the spacers. Being that it's a 2011, maybe it's just a mileage thing and they're simply worn out.
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09-05-2015, 03:01 PM	#3
Doc GTO Wicked Fast +1 18 Rep 254 Posts Drives: 13 X5 50i MSport/02 M3 Track Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ocala, FL iTrader: (0)	A lot of members like 15 front and 25 rear but for me, that seems to push them right to the absolute edge. I don't want the tires throwing stones onto the pant so I went with 12.5 fronts and 20 rears. Wider but not to the outer edge. Came out nice. I used ECS Tuning spacers with matching lug bolts. I also have H&R 1/1.2 inch drop and a custom alignment. side view (usually the truck has -2.5 camber but I reduced mine to -1 so it brings the top of the rear tire out some) __________________ *Doc* 2013 X5 50i M Sport/BMS Stage 1/Magnaflow/P3Cars gauge/H&R 1.2/Style 215s 2002 M3 Race car bimmerworld/Turner/Markert modified
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09-05-2015, 03:19 PM	#4
m5james Colonel 431 Rep 2,062 Posts Drives: '10 X5M Alpine White on Sakhir Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Marysville, WA iTrader: (0)	Before and after using free 1" spacers I got from a friend. Eventually I'll get 22's with the correct fitment though. Attached Images
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09-06-2015, 10:07 AM	#5
mitch808 Captain 107 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Doc GTO summed it up nicely. 12/20 or 15/25 are the most common fitment when using OEM BMW wheels. When folks move to a different wheel/offset, usually that wheel has the proper offset for the look you are going for. If not, you can possibly use a spacer and adjust accordingly. There is no math or formula that would apply to tell you how much more wear you may get on a wheel bearing by going to a higher offset or larger spacer. It's the trade off you take when modifying your car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-06-2015, 11:37 PM	#6
JupiterBMW Self Proclaimed Roundel Junkie 627 Rep 1,593 Posts Drives: '11 E90 M3 & '13 F25 X3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Jupiter, FL iTrader: (6)	I've got a fairly related question, so I'm going to post it here, since we're talking spacer widths... I have 15s up front right now, happy with that, but I was only planning on doing 20s out back (agree some with what Doc said above). Either way, I've been thinking about the H&R setup that bolts to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the spacer using stock bolts. I'm curious if anyone has had any thoughts about bolting the wheel to the aluminum spacer? Have there been any concerns about bolting the wheels to aluminum vs the steel hub?? Something to discuss... __________________ 2018 F15 X5d Carbon Black/Nutmeg Individual- Oil Burner Tow Rig 2013 E82 1M3 Carbon Black/Black- S65/DCT Track Toy 2013 F25 X3 35i Alpine White/Chestnut- German American Family Hauler Past: '11 E91 335is, '11 E90 M3, '10 X5M, '14 328d, '03 330i Dinan3 ZHP, '04 330i ZHP, '12 X3 35i
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09-08-2015, 02:06 PM	#9
JupiterBMW Self Proclaimed Roundel Junkie 627 Rep 1,593 Posts Drives: '11 E90 M3 & '13 F25 X3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Jupiter, FL iTrader: (6)	Awesome, I'm sure if it were a problem, we wouldn't be the first to find out, lots of people have been spacing that way for awhile. Just wanted to know if anyone else had thought about it. __________________ 2018 F15 X5d Carbon Black/Nutmeg Individual- Oil Burner Tow Rig 2013 E82 1M3 Carbon Black/Black- S65/DCT Track Toy 2013 F25 X3 35i Alpine White/Chestnut- German American Family Hauler Past: '11 E91 335is, '11 E90 M3, '10 X5M, '14 328d, '03 330i Dinan3 ZHP, '04 330i ZHP, '12 X3 35i
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09-08-2015, 02:50 PM	#10
mitch808 Captain 107 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	A bit of preparedness goes a long way.... get a wire brush to remove any surface rust on the hub Apply anti-seize on the hub face and bolts to prevent any galvanic corrosion, which can happen with two dissimilar metals in contact. It wont stop it, but it's preventative medicine.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2015, 11:36 PM	#13
m5james Colonel 431 Rep 2,062 Posts Drives: '10 X5M Alpine White on Sakhir Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Marysville, WA iTrader: (0)	Thank you. I bought it with staggered Niche Milan 20's, 275f and 315r. They're decent, just not the right offset. Attached Images __________________ '10 BMW X5///M - Alpine White on Sakhir Orange - JB4 w/ HCP Stage 2 BEF, NGK 97506 @ .20, SS tubing & BMC filters, gutted cats, AC Forged 312 22's, H&R 2" '98 BMW 740iL - ///E39 M5 6spd swap, fully built engine (sleeved, P&P, cams), 3.46 LSD, H&R Stage 2/Bilstein HD, Magnaflow 14816's '97 BMW 328ci - ///E36 M3 clutch & L/W flywheel, Z4///M 18's
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09-25-2015, 12:45 AM	#14
X5ist Private First Class 11 Rep 137 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	20mm and 30mm H&R with 1.2" drop H&R springs no problems at all Attached Images __________________ 2007 X5 4.8i Sports, Adaptive Drive, Rear Entertainment -In 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo AWD -In 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4 -Out 2007 MB ML63 AMG- Out 2007 Acura MDX SH AWD Elite Package - Out 2008 Infiniti EX35 Journey iAWD - Out 2003 Nissan Murano SE AWD - Out2003 Infiniti FX35 AWD Tech Package- Out 2001 Subaru WRX - Out 1999 Subaru Forester S - Out 2003 Toyota Matrix XR AWD - Out
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09-25-2015, 05:51 PM	#15
Crazy1323 Private First Class 27 Rep 191 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Memphis iTrader: (0)	When I was running stock 299 wheels, I used 12.5mm up front and 20mm rear. I'd say it was perfect and wouldn't go any wider.
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