E60, E61 Parts, Accessories and Mods Discussion about both stock and aftermarket parts for the E60. Accessories and modifications too!

Saftey issues with Spacers??

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Old 08-20-2007, 08:03 AM
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I inquired about having 12-15mm spacers put on the 550 but was told that it was not recommended for cosmetic reasons because of safety issues.

Whats the consensus on this?
Old 08-20-2007, 08:24 AM
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So many guys have done it to their 550s and as I mentioned before even dealers have installed them.
Should be interesting to get their feedback on the safety issue.
Cheers
Old 08-20-2007, 09:14 AM
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safety issues... like what ? did he explain..?
..balancing issues maybe, but I can't see any safety issues from my personal experience, especially when you buy from a reputable outfit.

btw, zero issues with my 13mm spacers : top speed, fast cornering, etc. > a regular event with no problems.
Old 08-20-2007, 09:26 AM
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I haven't heard from anyone that's had any kind of safety issues with spacers. The only known problem is removing the spacers from the hub after a few months, if the spacers are not coated with anti-seize prior to installation.
Old 08-20-2007, 09:51 AM
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As someone with 20mm spacers on my E-60 with OEM #166 wheels (on the extreme side), I cannot say that I felt any difference in my driving with the spacers.

I also cannot imagine how the tolerances on the parts that surround the wheel could be materially affected in any manner.

It sounds like another case of someone (dealer?) who does not really know about the E60 thinking that any mods can only be bad. In this person's case, no one can actually say that he is 100% wrong, so he probably feels free to say whatever he wants.

My mother still tells me when I visit that I will hurt my eyes if I sit too close to the television set. I cannot say she is wrong... Oh well.
Old 08-20-2007, 11:34 AM
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spacers have been used for years . From bmws to chevy chevelles muscle cars and even raised pickup trucks. I tried googling any accidents with the hub unable to support the spacers and no luck. I'm sure companies like eibach or H&R wouldnt sell these for problems with lawsuits. I dont even recalling seeing any "Warning" Install at your own risk.
Old 08-20-2007, 11:35 AM
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Using spacers to correct the offset on big rims is one thing, using spacers to move the load axis outside the designed area of the hub (Carlos Fandango style) is quite another.

To simply push BMW rims out 20mm like monacobmw is to start eating into the engineering safety margin - like remapping does to engines. It may be OK, it may not. The likelyhood is that the bearings won't last as long at the very least.

I wouldn't do it with mine but each to their own.
Old 08-20-2007, 08:42 PM
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2 things if you planing to own the car for a long time like me then dont do it, but if you going to sell it in 2 years time then do it.
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