Looking for wisdom from the E36 Elders.

[thirdlobe]

I am about to make a purchase for a set of 17s for my 97 E36 M3 Saloon.

I have done some homework but cannot for the life of me determine what is the "Perfect" set up.

My plans are to run***Updated 6/15/13:
17x9.5 ET8 - In the front
17x9.5 ET10 - In the rear

I am bound by 9.5 widths.

I have seen these sizes to be popular and ideal (I could be wrong and if so please chime in).

My biggest question is what offset? I saw a +13 on a set of 8.5s that look great but I don't want to sell my self short on lip sizes.

I don't mind a little poke and am planning on running 205/40 all the way around but if its too much of a stretch to look good or not enough height I would love to find out here.

Really looking for input from the guys here that are experienced and can pass down some wisdom.

Thanks for reading,

*** Updates

So far I have had some kind people PM me and I want to keep this thread for others to find as as well since there is a bunch of cars but not a bunch of sizing info out there.

- Silver E36 Saloon/Sedan Thread #6859
17x9 (2.5" Lips) ET - UNKNOWN
17x10 (3" Lips) ET - UNKOWN

-MB Himself
17x9 ET6
17X10 ET17

-I cant disclose this car but its a beautiful example
17x9.5 ET8
17x11 ET14

[7ate9]

why such a low offset in the front, you want the front to poke more than the rear?

I'd say no et below 13.
et21 is somehwat popular

[wrobbin]

I totally agreed with 7ate9, why such a low offset in the front?

[thirdlobe]

why such a low offset in the front, you want the front to poke more than the rear?

I'd say no et below 13.
et21 is somehwat popular

I totally agreed with 7ate9, why such a low offset in the front?

From the guys that I have seen their set ups running a square 17x9.5 would require those offsets.

If its the fronts you are in question - if I plan to run a 9.5 in the rear instead of the guys running 10 or even 11 where they would need the ET 20. That may be why you and I were a bit confused. I have spoken to two different people that work at two different wheel companies and they have told me the same thing.

Here is a couple of examples of guys running very low offsets in the front.