▀▄ eas | DIY: Macht Schnell Spacers on M3/M4

[tom @ eas]

One of the first things that can really enhance the appearance of your new M3 are spacers. Not only can they be aesthetically pleasing, but the added track width can improve handling characteristics as well. A wider track stance increases lateral stability as well as giving your BMW a much more aggressive appearance after installation. Spacers also are used to correct wheel gap normally seen on otherwise stock suspension setups, pushing the wheels outward - filling the fenders.

Often the question of "what size spacers can I run" is brought up numerous times on the forums. This can be a bit of a loaded question since there are many variables to account for, we have an ongoing thread listed here with photos/examples: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1000804

Pre-Installation

There's a bit more to installing spacers than yanking the wheels off and sandwiching them between the wheels. Here's how to determine what kit is needed.

The outermost point of your tire/wheel combo will be at the outermost "bulge" of your tire's sidewall. Using a straightedge or ruler flush with both the top and bottom of the tire - measure the clearance from the outer face of the tire to the inner lip of your fender and record the results onto paper for later.

We can gauge the clearance using a tape measure:

1. Begin by jacking up the vehicle and securing with jackstands. Remove wheel and clean hub of all dirt and/or surface rush with a wire wheel to ensure a clean and flush mounting surface, eliminating the chance of vibration:

2. A small amount of anti-sieze on the hub lip will make spacer removal easier if needed

3. Extended lugs must be used and are included with all Macht Schnell spacer kits and cannot be carried over from E9X chassis. Secure wheel with new fasteners and torque to 103ft lbs, reinspecting after 50 miles.

Reference


OEM Wheel Specs

18" Style 513M
Wheels: 18x9.0 Front (ET29) 18x10.0 Rear (ET40)
Tires: 18": Michelin Super Sport/Continental ContiSportContact 3: 255/40-18F, 275/40-18R

19" Style 437M
Wheels: 19x9.0 Front (ET29) 19x10.0 Rear (ET40)
Tires: 19": Michelin Super Sport/Continental ContiSportContact 3: 255/35-19F, 275/35-19R

20" Style 666M
Wheels: 20x9.0 Front (ET29) 20x10.0 Rear (ET40)
Tires: 20": Michelin Super Sport/Continental ContiSportContact 3: 265/30-20F, 285/30-20R

Installation

Tools needed
Electric/Pneumatic Impact Gun
17mm Deepwell Socket
Wire Wheel/Brush
Anti-Sieze
Torque Wrench

1. With vehicle securely on jackstands, remove wheel



2. Clean both hub surface/lip and back of wheel with wire brush to remove any surface rust





3. Brush light coat of anti-sieze onto hub lip to aid in easier removal later on



4. Install spacer onto wheel hub and line up with lug holes





5. Reinstall wheel



6. Lightly cinch provided longer wheel lugs with electric impact, DO NOT TORQUE INTO PLACE. Final torque will be applied with torque wrench.



7. Remove jackstands and lower vehicle. Torque wheel lugs with torque wrench to 103ft.lbs. with wheels on ground



8. Admire your handywork. Enjoy! Be sure to re-torque after 50 miles.



For inquiries on sizes/fitment, please see our ongoing thread here: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1000804

[volsgradstudent]

Do you have any after photos of the White CP?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by volsgradstudent

Do you have any after photos of the White CP?

We have some photos in the Macht Schnell Spacer Reference thread here: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1000804

[forza1976]

Nice post OP.

However.... if you need a DIY for spacers install, you are doing it wrong!

[volsgradstudent]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

We have some photos in the Macht Schnell Spacer Reference thread here: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1000804

Perfect. Thanks.