Differences in wheels for e39 and e46...

[fastpat]

These are two of the same model BMW wheel, both in 8x17 size, with the 20mm offset e39 wheel on the left, and the 41mm offset e46 wheel on the right.


Full sized image: http://public.fotki.com/fastpat/bmw_535 ... 46_42.html and click appropriately.

It's hard to see the subtle differences, mainly in the rim lip to the outside which is about same amount wider as the offset is less.
That's about 0.85 inch difference in a very similar wheel. And before anyone notices, yes, the e39 wheel in the photo has a bent rim, I bought it for a spare tire holder, good enough for that use.

[shifty]

Pat,

Do you have any pics of the outer lip from the side so that we can see the difference in the lip?

You're right that it's hard to tell the difference between similar wheels of different offset on some wheels. There are a lot of wheels out there that seem to have a flush look and high offset but instead are really ET20 or so.