C5 - "space saver" spare wheel

C5 - "space saver" spare wheel

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Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

60 months

Tuesday 4th September 2007
quotequote all
I've tried BMW wheels on my Vette and although the centre bore size and wheel bolt positions are an exact fit for C5 the problem is that a BMW 16" wheel has not got a big enough internal diameter to fit over the Vette's brake caliper. So in other words the BMW wheel would fit perfectly except for the fact the brake caliper gets in the way.

Anyone know of a larger diameter wheel which might fit, whether from BMW or elsewhere?

v8yea

579 posts

228 months

Tuesday 4th September 2007
quotequote all
What model and year BMW was the wheel from ? A three series wheel will have an offset of around 35mm to 45mm,a five series anywhere between 30mm and 20mm.
The problem is a C5 has an offset of around 52mm if my memory serves me correctly,this would cause a 5 series wheel with enough potential offset to stick out into the wind by around an inch.Have a look at the possibility of obtaining a spacesaver for a Jaguar XKR (old model) as they have big 4 pots on the front and an offset somewhat nearer a C5 Corvette.The PCD is 120.1mm and the centre bore is the same as Chevy 74.1mm as I recall.Its been some years since I was in the wheel game !
But remember.TRY BEFORE YOU BUY !

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

60 months

Wednesday 5th September 2007
quotequote all
v8yea said:
But remember.TRY BEFORE YOU BUY !
Exactly, that's the game we're playing here. Wheels from either E46 (3 series) or E39 (5 series) both have correct bore and studs. Offset not a big deal I think as this is only for an emergency spare and the BMW wheels are skinnier than the Vette's. It's mainly a question of internal diameter to clear the calipers.

v8yea

579 posts

228 months

Thursday 6th September 2007
quotequote all
Exactly, that's the game we're playing here. Wheels from either E46 (3 series) or E39 (5 series) both have correct bore and studs. Offset not a big deal I think as this is only for an emergency spare and the BMW wheels are skinnier than the Vette's. It's mainly a question of internal diameter to clear the calipers.[/quote]

The only problem with the vast majority of BMW's is that the caliper doesn't protrude past the mating face of the hub,therefore they don't make wheels with much caliper clearence unless the wheel design makes it a coincidence.M5's(3.8) with 4 pots need clearance for the caliper for example.
One cheap and easy way is to go to an alloy wheel specialist and see if they have got an odd secondhand or NOS aftermarket wheel,as they are designed to fit many different fitments and have good caliper clearance built in,they often have already written off the cost of such wheels and would be glad of the cash.
AND ALWAYS TEST FIT FRONT AND REAR HUBS !!!