Just fitted 224's but I'm a bit disapointed with the fit...

Rafes Dad

Member
Hello all, I'm new to Z4 ownership but have hanckered after an E86 3.0si for quite some time. I eventually bought one about 4 weeks ago and was keen to change my wheels from MV2's to CSL's but after much reading it appeared that 224's were a popular choice and would be a great fit due to increased offset, easy to clean and of course they look great also.

I sourced a decent set of 224's with almost new Michelin Pilot Super Sports at a fair price but unfortunately (for me) I'm not happy with the way they sit on the car. The rears I feel are too aggresive and protrude just that little bit too much (10mm I'd say) and the fronts not quite enough (again 10mm). I've attached some pics and would welcome your thoughts but now I'm keen once more to go down the tried and tested CSL route with a more subtle yet still pronounced ET fitment.

If you're interested in buying them or a potential swap for some CSL's I'd be keen to hear from you.

Apologies for the car not being spotlessly clean and my garage could do with a tidy up.
 

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I’d say both front and rears are bang on target for offset. :?
I’d be choosing csl’s in any case however. Possibly even 19’s as they suit the coupe very nicely
 
Chris_D said:
I’d be choosing csl’s in any case however. Possibly even 19’s as they suit the coupe very nicely

Hi Chris_D - I agree completely, I've wanted (and still do) CSL's since before I bought the car but happened accross the 224's for a decent price and it meant I could get decent rubber and ditch the budget tyres in one swoop.
I guess this post is the start of the continuation of my journey to CSL's with the possibility of a swap on the cards for someone looking to move away.. :wink:
 
Rafes Dad said:
Chris_D said:
I’d be choosing csl’s in any case however. Possibly even 19’s as they suit the coupe very nicely

Hi Chris_D - I agree completely, I've wanted (and still do) CSL's since before I bought the car but happened accross the 224's for a decent price and it meant I could get decent rubber and ditch the budget tyres in one swoop.
I guess this post is the start of the continuation of my journey to CSL's with the possibility of a swap on the cards for someone looking to move away.. :wink:

Hi op, I have some CSL reps and would be interested in doing a swap / cash deal. They're 19 inch though. Drop me a PM if you want to discuss further. :thumbsup:
 
Yeah, mine are opposite. I have 326's and the fronts hang out more than I expected. But I got used to them in the end.
But the 224s are M wheels and that's where the difference comes in. Yes, I agree, perhaps a tad aggressive at the back. But, you may get used to it?
Edit: looking at the above posters, it seems you are already moving towards the CSLs.
 
the fronts of a 224 are very similar to normal 107s or 108s - only 5mm difference. However the rear of the 224s do have a very aggressive offset compared to a normal e85 rear... 20mm further out, plus another 6mm from the extra half inch of width mean they stick out an inch more than usual.

So you could put a 20mm spacer on the front to even it out, or just switch back to a more conventional setup. if there are some CSL reps you like and the offset is better id go for them, and flog the 224s.
 
brillomaster said:
the fronts of a 224 are very similar to normal 107s or 108s - only 5mm difference. However the rear of the 224s do have a very aggressive offset compared to a normal e85 rear... 20mm further out, plus another 6mm from the extra half inch of width mean they stick out an inch more than usual.

So you could put a 20mm spacer on the front to even it out, or just switch back to a more conventional setup. if there are some CSL reps you like and the offset is better id go for them, and flog the 224s.

10mm at the front with commensurate length wheel bolts is more than enough. Car looks on point as is. Offering at the moment better balance and handling than any CSL whether real in 19 inch and a waste of your money, or in an 18" knockoff not giving you the same sizing options, that the 224's give. Stick with it, the advantages in staying put with your current choice will soon become obvious 8)
 
May just be the photo angles, or the effects of the rim protectors, but the tyres look a little stretched on the rims to me?
If the sidewall were more vertical it would make that front end look better perhaps, but doing the same on the back would emphasis just how far out they sit.
If it were April, I'd be trying to sell you a set of -10mm spacers :D
 
I was going to post the same - they look a bit stretched - are they a staggered set and you've got them on the wrong ends?
 
you have m tyres on those 224s, but your car is not an m = you gonna get rubbing for sure.
After the swap of the tyres for 225/40 and 255/35 consider eibachs and you will be much more satisfied with the looks.
 
enuff_zed said:
May just be the photo angles, or the effects of the rim protectors, but the tyres look a little stretched on the rims to me?

Stretched :? You can see the numbers , they are stock M fitment on stock M wheels , i can't ever remember anyone thinking they look stretched , if anything a 225 45 18 on a front 8j + 255 40 18 on rear 9j is over tyred for 18inch by comparison to non M Bmw wheel specs

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Could I refer you back to my qualifying statement. :wink:

enuff_zed said:
May just be the photo angles, or the effects of the rim protectors, but the tyres look a little stretched on the rims to me?

Regardless of the sizes, I still think they 'look' stretched to me.
It could well be, as I surmised, that the slope to the rim protectors gives that effect?
 
Personally, I think the stance of 224’s is perfect on the rear, and needs a 10mm space on the front, on a non-M E85/E86

BUT... not with M sized Tires, as has already been pointed out :thumbsup:
 
I think it looks good although the ride height may be a little high possibly ?

They look awesome on 19" CSLs but be warned the ride quality is poor for anything other than the odd weekend blast :thumbsdown:
 
I'd go hybrid, 224's with M fitment at the rear (255/40/18) and fronts as 'normal' non-M fitment 225/40/18. Which is what I'm planning to do when my rubber wears down some more!

I'd personally stick with the 18's as for me (my area, drive style, roads, etc). 19's would be too unforgiving and I'd end up bucking a wheel for sure. 19's look great sure, but my back would never forgive me... nor would the wife! As it is, I get complaints on the ride quality! :lol:
 
Thanks all for your thoughts and advice.

I've decided I'm not happy with how it sits/fits on the 224's so have ordered some CSL's.

I had plenty of interest in the 224's before putting them up for sale and have since taken a deposit for them.

My car is not a daily, I have the occasional blast for an hour in the Peaks but mostly use it for trips to and fro the Golf Club. The 'Look' is more important than the ride if I'm honest and I've lusted over a Z4C with CSL's for quite some time.

On to the next chapter, I hope I'm happy.... :roll: with how it turns out.
 
I went with a set of 224’s on my 3.0si having had 326’s prior.
I took Mr Wilk’s advice and went for 245-40-18 and 225-40-18. I haven’t looked back.

Apologies the photo isn’t great to show them!
 

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Lynchy said:
224s look great, as does your coupe :thumbsup:

Thanks Lynchy.. I managed to get them from a very nice chap who got the immaculate set of 4 to fit into my coupe! :wink:
 
Z4hid said:
I went with a set of 224’s on my 3.0si having had 326’s prior.
I took Mr Wilk’s advice and went for 245-40-18 and 225-40-18. I haven’t looked back.

Apologies the photo isn’t great to show them!
I have 224s, non-sport suspension and conti’s 225/40 & 255/35 on a non-M. I too think the rears are a bit too aggressive but after looking your picture might give 245/40 a try. Eibachs would probably also help.
 
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