car wheel offsets?
 

Anyone know anything about car wheel offsets? Right now my car has stock bmw wheels, I believe 7 inches wide with lets say 40mm offset (I know its between 35 and 45 depending on the stock wheel). This is a 3 series.

I found some wheels i really like that are 8.5 inches wide, 17mm offset off a 5 series.

Anyone know if these will fit?

Call a wheel shop...

measure and find out...it also depends what tires you're running.
The offset determines how far in, or out your tire sits in the wheel well. Too much, or too little will cause it to rub either on the inner side of the fender or on suspension/steering components.

A quick way to estimate, is measure the clearance between the closest object on each side and account for the change in offset, and make sure there is still enough clearance, then repeat this with your front wheels turned all over each way. Or call the BMW dealership...I find mine generally knows withing 2 minutes what can be mounted on what.

you should probably look around on a bmw forum.

wheel offset varies due to the size of the brakes, tire size you're running, and one of two other factors.

tirerack.com has a good wheel selection, you could also take a look on there for wheels that fit your car and look at their sizes and offsets. it will give you a good indication of what range you will be in.

but again, find a good bmw forum and look there.

wheel offsets make your car look nice.. But are killing to your shafts etc.

Better stay stock or find wheels that fit :)