4x rear 513m wheels as square setup for track?

[Lojs]

I am having trouble here in Germany getting my hands on a decent set of wheels in 18 inch in a proper offset to use as a dedicated square track set. Apex Ec7 is something I would prefer, but they are difficult to ship and cost a fortune by the time I pay all the taxes/duties (also due to lack of proper local certification they would be illegal to drive on the public roads to the track anyway).
Since used OEM 513m wheels are easily available on ebay, I was wondering if it makes sense to get 2 pairs of rear wheels and use them as a square setup on the track. Obviously the front would need a proper spacer. (FYI of course I have steel brakes) I would keep my 19inch 437M-s for the street.

Does the idea make sense from the wheel quality perspective? I mean, they are forged and quite light. And stringent BMW quality assurance would require them to be strong and durable.
Since they have a 40mm offset, what would be the offset I would aim to achieve with a spacer in the front to be able to fit a 275 or maybe even a 285 tire? A 15-20mm spacer I assume (to get a 20-25mm offset)?

Thoughts? Maybe experience?


Update - April 12
My 18" setup is still not in, but since the spacers already are I decided to play around and mount the rear wheel in the front.
I got 20mm H&R spacers. They are of amazing quality and fir the hub like a glove. There is also quite some space left in the groove between the lip of the hub and the spacer.
The fitment turned out to be very aggressive. the fender covers all of the tread area, but the whole slope of the sidewall sticks out. I dont know if the suspension moves vertically straight up or at an angle to allow the wheel "tuck in" when compressed. Definitely not something I would drive everyday as it would throw dirt and stones all over the car, but might work for the track.
I reached behind the wheel to check for suspension clearance. I could fit my finger, but not turn it, meaning there is about 7-9mm in there. However the narrow point was not between the rim and the strut, but between the tire (rim protector). I dont think fitting a 285 tire will worsen the situation much, since it will get wider at the tread level and not wheel level.

Do the michelin cups or R888s also have this protector lip?

I also test fitted the spacers in the back with the rear wheel. It just confirmed that 20mm is also too much for the back.

[CanAutM3]

Maybe we should trade, you lucky fellow

I find that 4 rear 513M to be a fantastic track setup. The wheels are forged, very light, strong and fit around the brakes. This is actually my preferred option.

But the cost is just too prohibitive for me to go in that direction, so I am settling for a set Apex EC-7 in 18x10ET25 as a compromise.

Keep in mind that you will need front spacers for that setup (15~25mm).

[JNoSol]

I was thinking the exact same thing for street/track. You can run 285 square for less under-steer and better traction. Looks like getBMWparts sells them for $660ea (rear). I'm sure you can find it from the local dealers cheaper since you don't have to deal with import taxes.

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Please let me know once installed it. I'm interested in the final product as well.

[MaynardZed]

Calculator says 23.7mm closer to the strut. I'm guessing 20mm spacer should cut it, there seems to be a few extra mm room for stock wheel.

[nicknaz]

Any update OP? I am thinking the same thing

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I was thinking the exact same thing for street/track. You can run 285 square for less under-steer and better traction. Looks like getBMWparts sells them for $660ea (rear). I'm sure you can find it from the local dealers cheaper since you don't have to deal with import taxes.

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Please let me know once installed it. I'm interested in the final product as well.

Does this car really have under steer issues? From everything I read, it has the opposite problem!

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Does this car really have under steer issues? From everything I read, it has the opposite problem!

Our cars are very tail happy. Regardless, a square setup is ideal for the track because you can rotate the tires. 275/35/18 tires all around.

If you do get serious into racing and can afford multi-wheel and tire sets, staggered setup is needed. Since our cars can only fit 275 front, you can go much wider rear (315 max). The 911 guys have no choice but to run staggered, we must do the same once you out-grow 275. The guys who run 275 square do report they wish they had wider tires in the rear for the track.

[Lojs]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Any update OP? I am thinking the same thing

Convincing ebay sellers of 4 wheels staggered OEM sets to split and sell me just the rears turned out to be trickier than I hoped. However, I found some mod-shop in Austria that installs aftermarket wheels for their customers and they regularly have stock wheels to sell. They agreed to sell me the next 2 pairs of rears they have, but no confirmed date yet.
I already bought 20mm H&R spacers. I am looking at 285/30R18 Cups or R888s, but have not made up my mind yet. Cups have much better reviews. Will share pics asap.

[Lojs]

update

[JNoSol]

15mm front spacer and 5mm rear should be a bit more conservative.

[jonasaurus]

Lojs - any update to getting 4 rear 513s for the square setup?

[Lojs]

Originally Posted by jonasaurus

Lojs - any update to getting 4 rear 513s for the square setup?

Yeah, I went for it in the end and am more than happy!
Please see my recent post under this link for a short review.

[Tommy L Garage]

Bump

Can rear 513m wheel with oem tire size fit in the front?
I’ve got 12mm spacers

[MannyM5]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

Bump

Can rear 513m wheel with oem tire size fit in the front?
I’ve got 12mm spacers

Hey Tommy, as far as the rims go, it can be done with 12mm spacers. Any smaller of a spacer you will risk rubbing on the strut. See this thread(437's here, but same width and offset as 513's): https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1590979

The 275/40/18 "should" work up front, but be prepared to potentially have some slight rubbing at full lock in the fender liners. I am running 275/35/19 square and that's about the same overall diameter as 275/40/18. Your car is lowered a bit more than mine which doesn't help(I have eibach v1). I occasionally get a slight rub with the 19's in tight parking lot maneuvers, but that's about it. I may try heating/massaging the liners in the area with a heat gun and some pressure to remedy it. The more common setup with 18's is 275/35/18 square. That definitely won't rub, so if you are in the market for a new set of tires and want 0 rubbing, that may be the safer choice.

[Lojs]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

Bump

Can rear 513m wheel with oem tire size fit in the front?
I’ve got 12mm spacers

Please see the link to another post of mine in the post above.
In my opinion 12mm spacer is too close to the strut in the front. Depending on the tire brand/model you choose in the future the lip protector that is protruding sideways from the tire might even touch the strut at mounting.
I have 15mm and it's perfect.