Measure wheels width with tires mounted and on car?

AWD Addict · 11-07-2011, 01:47 PM

I run a square setup on my 189s for the winter, and I want to make sure that the shop put the 8.5s on the rear, and the 8s on the front. The wax markings I made last year are on the inside sidewall, and I can't get a look in there to see them (they're faded quite a bit anyways).

Is there any way I can assure the correct wheels are in the correct spots without having to take these things off?

Gimmethecash · 11-07-2011, 01:54 PM

Isn't the difference in tire stretch noticeable? Assuming the same tire size, it should be...

If not, you should be able to measure the internal dimensions of the rims.

AWD Addict · 11-07-2011, 02:05 PM

I think wheel width is measured from the inside of the mounting lips across. Where I'm trying to distinguish 1/2 an inch, it's hard to do across the wheel and know I'm precise.

I'll take a closer look at the stretch. 225s over 18 vs 18.5 is going to be pretty subtle though...

Car feels fine, highway and city.

AWD Addict · 11-09-2011, 01:52 PM

Sweet. Now I have to dismount rubber to see if my installer's an idiot.

/kills self

Gimmethecash · 11-09-2011, 04:05 PM

Why don't you rig yourself a large micrometer? Even a large C-clamp (that would reach around the tire) would do.

remmib · 11-09-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gimmethecash

Why don't you rig yourself a large micrometer? Even a large C-clamp (that would reach around the tire) would do.

+1.
In any case the size is stamped on the back of the spokes.

VMRWheels · 11-09-2011, 06:58 PM

Even with a half an inch difference there should be a slight visual difference. It'll be a small difference though.

Other than that though, the wheel sizing is stamped on the backside of the wheel.

koofu · 11-10-2011, 08:37 PM

I believe you're gonna have to take the wheels out and check out the back of the spokes. Unless you have a keen eye for small differences on the tire/wheel measurements.

thkfast · 11-12-2011, 03:29 AM

Use a shop light and a mirror on a stick to look at the stamping on the back side of spoke?

AWD Addict · 11-14-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thkfast

Use a shop light and a mirror on a stick to look at the stamping on the back side of spoke?

I'll try this. Otherwise, I'll be adding to my "to-do" list next weekend and pull them off to get a look at the stamp on the back. Thanks guys.

11-07-2011, 01:47 PM	#1
AWD Addict Chief Executive 300 Rep 2,886 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	Measure wheels width with tires mounted and on car? I run a square setup on my 189s for the winter, and I want to make sure that the shop put the 8.5s on the rear, and the 8s on the front. The wax markings I made last year are on the inside sidewall, and I can't get a look in there to see them (they're faded quite a bit anyways). Is there any way I can assure the correct wheels are in the correct spots without having to take these things off?
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11-07-2011, 01:54 PM	#2
Gimmethecash Lieutenant 150 Rep 485 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pasadena iTrader: (1)	Isn't the difference in tire stretch noticeable? Assuming the same tire size, it should be... If not, you should be able to measure the internal dimensions of the rims.
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11-07-2011, 02:05 PM	#3
AWD Addict Chief Executive 300 Rep 2,886 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	I think wheel width is measured from the inside of the mounting lips across. Where I'm trying to distinguish 1/2 an inch, it's hard to do across the wheel and know I'm precise. I'll take a closer look at the stretch. 225s over 18 vs 18.5 is going to be pretty subtle though... Car feels fine, highway and city.
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11-09-2011, 01:52 PM	#4
AWD Addict Chief Executive 300 Rep 2,886 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	Sweet. Now I have to dismount rubber to see if my installer's an idiot. /kills self
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11-09-2011, 04:05 PM	#5
Gimmethecash Lieutenant 150 Rep 485 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pasadena iTrader: (1)	Why don't you rig yourself a large micrometer? Even a large C-clamp (that would reach around the tire) would do.
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11-09-2011, 06:58 PM	#7
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2042 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	Even with a half an inch difference there should be a slight visual difference. It'll be a small difference though. Other than that though, the wheel sizing is stamped on the backside of the wheel. __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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11-10-2011, 08:37 PM	#8
koofu Banned 5 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ontario, California iTrader: (0)	I believe you're gonna have to take the wheels out and check out the back of the spokes. Unless you have a keen eye for small differences on the tire/wheel measurements.
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11-12-2011, 03:29 AM	#9
thkfast Major 261 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: 2015 F82 M4 Sakhir Orange DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA iTrader: (1)	Use a shop light and a mirror on a stick to look at the stamping on the back side of spoke? __________________ "The likelihood of one individual being right increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others attempt to prove him wrong." 2015 F82 M4 - Sakhir Orange Metallic 2013 E92 M3 / 2013 E92 335is / 2010 E90 335i / 2007 E90 335i
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